Can I Get Cancer Immunotherapy If I Have An Autoimmune Disease? Ask a Scientist

Yes, someone with mild autoimmune disease should be able to receive most immunotherapies. Oncologists can work with a patient's rheumatologist to customize a treatment plan for maximum benefit with limited adverse effects.

Jeffrey S. Weber, M.D., Ph.D., is the deputy director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, and in that capacity, he works with a multidisciplinary team of medical and surgical oncologists, dermatologists, and pathologists to treat patients with melanomas ranging from the most common to the most complex. He serves as co-director of the Melanoma Research Program, overseeing work in experimental therapeutics. An immunotherapy expert, Dr. Weber’s investigations and research findings have brought innovative advances in melanoma treatment from the laboratory to clinical practice. He is a recognized leader in forging collaborative partnerships between basic scientists and clinical and translational investigators to advance cancer care.

Each week in June 2016, as part of Cancer Immunotherapy Month, we published a response to patient questions about cancer immunotherapy clinical trials. This video series is made possible with generous support from Regeneron. #CIM16

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Thanks, I was wondering about that. I also wonder about immunotherapy for people on Plaquenil. I guess it would work out?