Cancer treatment has come a long way—from chemotherapy and radiation to personalized, cutting-edge therapies. One of the most exciting breakthroughs in recent years is immunotherapy. But what exactly is immunotherapy, and how does it work to fight cancer?
In this blog, we’ll explain immunotherapy in simple terms, why it matters, who it helps, and what you should know if you or a loved one is exploring cancer treatment options.
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What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses your body’s own immune system to identify, attack, and destroy cancer cells.
Normally, your immune system works around the clock to protect you from viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells. But cancer cells are sneaky—they can hide from immune cells or suppress the immune system entirely.
Immunotherapy “re-educates” or boosts your immune system so it can recognize cancer cells as a threat and eliminate them.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Different types of immunotherapy work in different ways, but the goal is the same: empower your immune system to fight cancer better.
Let’s break down the main types:
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Cancer cells often escape detection by activating “checkpoints” that prevent immune responses. Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo) block these checkpoints, allowing immune cells (T-cells) to attack cancer cells freely.
Common in: Lung cancer, melanoma, head & neck cancer, kidney cancer.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy
This is a highly personalized treatment. Doctors remove T-cells from your body, modify them in a lab to better detect cancer, and then infuse them back. These “supercharged” T-cells act like guided missiles for tumors.
Common in: Leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma.
- Cancer Vaccines
Just like vaccines for viruses, cancer vaccines train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Some are preventive (like the HPV vaccine), while others are therapeutic—designed to treat cancer already in the body. - Cytokine Therapy
Cytokines like interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferons are proteins that stimulate immune cells to grow, multiply, and attack tumors. - Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab-made proteins attach to specific targets on cancer cells. Some antibodies flag cancer for the immune system, while others block signals cancer cells need to grow.
Common in: Breast cancer (Herceptin), colon cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy isn’t for everyone, but it’s transforming the lives of many cancer patients, especially when:
- The cancer has returned or spread (metastatic cancer)
- Standard treatments like chemo/radiation are ineffective or cause severe side effects
- The tumor has certain biomarkers like PD-L1 or MSI-high
In India, immunotherapy is now available in many leading cancer hospitals and is often part of personalized treatment plans curated by experienced oncologists like Dr. Pritam Kataria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy?
It depends. Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells (including cancer), but it affects healthy cells too. Immunotherapy is more targeted and may cause fewer long-term side effects. However, not all patients respond to it.
Q2. What are the side effects of immunotherapy?
While generally milder than chemo, some people may experience:
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation in organs (rare but serious)
Always consult with your oncologist if you notice symptoms.
Q3. How long does immunotherapy take to work?
Some patients see improvements within weeks, others may take months. It varies depending on cancer type, overall health, and immune response.
Q4. Is immunotherapy available in India?
Yes. Dr. Pritam Kataria and many oncology specialists across India offer advanced immunotherapy treatments tailored to patient needs.
How Is Immunotherapy Given?
Immunotherapy may be given:
- Intravenously (via IV drip)
- As pills (in rare cases)
- As a topical cream (for skin cancers)
Treatment cycles may vary from once every 2–3 weeks to once a month. Your oncologist will create a personalized plan based on your condition and response.
This isn’t a miracle cure—but it shows how personalized immunotherapy is offering new hope.
Final Thoughts: Talk to a Cancer Specialist
Immunotherapy is changing the way we treat cancer. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and wants to explore advanced options, consult with an experienced oncologist like Dr. Pritam Kataria.
Early diagnosis + personalized treatment = best outcomes.
Book an appointment today to learn whether immunotherapy could be part of your treatment plan.
