Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Immunoglobulin (often administered as intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG) is scientifically validated for use in certain situations to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, particularly those who develop secondary immunodeficiency due to treatment. Chemotherapy can suppress the immune system, notably reducing antibody (immunoglobulin) levels, which increases susceptibility to infections. This is especially true in hematological malignancies (like chronic lymphocytic leukemia or multiple myeloma) where both the disease and the chemotherapy can impair humoral immunity.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown that IVIG reduces the frequency and severity of infections in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to hematological cancers and their treatments. Guidelines from organizations such as the American Society of Hematology and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend IVIG in cases of documented hypogammaglobulinemia with recurrent or severe infections. However, IVIG is not routinely used for all patients undergoing chemotherapy; its use is targeted to those with significant immunoglobulin deficiency and clinical evidence of immune compromise.

IVIG is not used to mitigate the typical non-infectious side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, mucositis, or fatigue. Its benefit is primarily in reducing infectious complications rather than broader chemotherapy side effects. Thus, the scientific evidence supports its use in a specific subset of chemotherapy patients, and its use is based on validated clinical and immunological criteria rather than general tradition.

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