What is a common treatment for managing immunotherapy side effects?

Corticosteroids are commonly used to manage side effects associated with immunotherapy because they have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Immunotherapy can lead to immune-related adverse events, such as colitis, pneumonitis, or dermatitis, which result from an overactive immune response. Corticosteroids help to dampen this response, thereby reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms.

The use of corticosteroids is well established in treating these immune-related side effects, as they can quickly diminish inflammation and provide symptomatic relief. Furthermore, these medications are effective in preventing further immune-mediated damage.

In contrast, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be helpful for general inflammatory issues, they may not be strong enough for the specific side effects caused by immunotherapy. Antibiotics are designed to treat infections and would not typically address the immune-related side effects. Although antidepressants can be beneficial for managing depression or anxiety that might result from cancer treatment, they are not a primary treatment for the physical side effects stemming from immunotherapy.