Cancer treatment has advanced significantly over the years, giving patients access to different treatment options depending on their cancer type, stage, and overall health. Alongside traditional approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, immunotherapy has emerged as an important treatment option for certain cancers.
But what exactly is immunotherapy, and how does it help the body fight cancer? Can it be used for every type of cancer? What are its benefits and possible side effects?
In this guide, we explain everything patients should know about immunotherapy treatment for cancer, including how it works, its different types, eligibility, and what to expect during treatment.
What Is Immunotherapy Treatment for Cancer?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to recognise, target, and fight cancer cells. It works by strengthening the immune response or helping immune cells identify cancer cells that may otherwise escape detection.
The immune system naturally protects the body against infections and abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can develop mechanisms that help them hide from immune cells or suppress their activity.
Immunotherapy helps overcome some of these mechanisms, allowing the immune system to respond more effectively against cancer.
Unlike chemotherapy, which directly targets rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy works primarily by modifying or supporting the body’s immune response. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted therapy, depending on the treatment plan.
How Does Immunotherapy Work Against Cancer?
The immune system contains specialised cells, including T-cells, that help identify and destroy abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can sometimes avoid immune detection by producing certain proteins or sending signals that prevent immune cells from attacking them.
Immunotherapy works through different mechanisms to overcome these challenges.
For example, some cancer cells use proteins such as PD-L1 to interact with PD-1 proteins on T-cells. This interaction acts like a brake, reducing the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors block these signals, allowing T-cells to become more active against cancer.
Other immunotherapy approaches involve modifying immune cells in a laboratory, introducing targeted antibodies, or stimulating immune activity against specific cancer-related targets.
The exact mechanism depends on the type of immunotherapy prescribed.
What Are the Different Types of Immunotherapy for Cancer?
There are several types of immunotherapy used in modern cancer care. Each works differently, and the choice depends on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment requirements.
1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are among the most widely used forms of cancer immunotherapy.
These medicines block specific proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. Common targets include PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4.
Examples include:
- Pembrolizumab
- Nivolumab
- Atezolizumab
- Ipilimumab
These medicines are used for certain patients with cancers such as lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and other eligible cancer types.
2. CAR T-Cell Therapy
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a specialised form of immunotherapy.
In this approach, T-cells are collected from the patient’s blood and modified in a laboratory to recognise specific targets on cancer cells. These modified cells are multiplied and returned to the patient’s bloodstream.
CAR T-cell therapy is primarily used for certain blood cancers, including specific types of leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
It requires specialised treatment facilities and careful monitoring because serious complications can occur.
3. Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced proteins designed to recognise particular targets on cancer cells or immune cells.
Some antibodies help the immune system identify cancer cells, while others interfere with signals involved in cancer growth.
They may be used alone or alongside other cancer treatments, depending on the specific medicine and diagnosis.
4. Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines are designed to help the immune system recognise cancer-related targets.
Some vaccines help prevent infections associated with certain cancers, such as HPV vaccination, which helps prevent HPV-related cancers.
Other therapeutic cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate an immune response against an existing cancer.
5. Cytokines and Immune System Modulators
Cytokines are proteins that help immune cells communicate and regulate immune responses.
Certain laboratory-produced cytokines, including interleukins and interferons, may be used in specific cancer treatment settings to stimulate immune activity.
These treatments are selected carefully because they can produce significant side effects.
Which Types of Cancer Can Be Treated With Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is used for several cancer types, although its suitability varies from patient to patient.
Depending on the specific medicine, cancer stage, and relevant biomarkers, immunotherapy may be considered for:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Melanoma and other skin cancers
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Cervical cancer
- Certain blood cancers, including lymphoma and leukaemia
It is important to understand that immunotherapy is not suitable for every patient with these cancers. Even patients with the same cancer type may receive different treatment recommendations.
Doctors evaluate the tumour characteristics, stage, biomarker results, previous treatments, and overall health before deciding whether immunotherapy is appropriate.
Who Is Eligible for Immunotherapy Treatment?
Eligibility for immunotherapy depends on several medical factors. An oncologist generally evaluates the following:
1. Cancer Type and Stage: Certain immunotherapy medicines are approved or recommended for specific cancers and stages of disease.
2. Biomarker Testing: Tests such as PD-L1 expression, MSI-H/dMMR status, and other relevant molecular tests may help determine whether a particular immunotherapy could be beneficial.
3. Previous Cancer Treatments: The patient’s response to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted therapy may influence the next treatment decision.
4. Overall Health: Existing medical conditions, immune system function, and organ health are important considerations.
5. Treatment Risks: A history of autoimmune conditions, organ transplantation, or certain medications may affect the safety and suitability of immunotherapy.
A specialist consultation is essential before starting treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy offers several potential advantages in selected cancer cases.
- Targeted immune response: It helps the immune system recognise and respond to specific cancer-related targets.
- An additional treatment option: It may provide another approach when conventional treatments are not suitable or have not produced the desired response.
- Combination treatment possibilities: It can be combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments in selected cases.
- Potential for durable responses: Some patients experience long-lasting responses, although outcomes vary considerably.
- Personalised treatment planning: Biomarker and molecular testing can help identify patients who may benefit from particular immunotherapy medicines.
However, immunotherapy does not work for everyone, and its effectiveness depends on individual clinical factors.
What Are the Side Effects of Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy can cause side effects because activating the immune system may sometimes lead it to attack healthy tissues and organs.
Common side effects may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin rashes and itching
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Fever and chills
- Muscle or joint pain
- Reduced appetite
In some patients, more serious immune-related complications may develop, affecting organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, intestines, thyroid, or heart.
For example, inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis), liver inflammation (hepatitis), and inflammation of the intestines (colitis) can occur.
Patients should promptly inform their oncology team about new or worsening symptoms. Severe breathlessness, persistent diarrhoea, jaundice, chest pain, or significant weakness requires urgent medical assessment.
Regular monitoring helps doctors identify and manage potential complications.
How Is Immunotherapy Given to Cancer Patients?
The method of administration depends on the prescribed immunotherapy medicine.
Common methods include:
- Intravenous infusion: Medicine is administered directly into a vein, usually at a hospital or cancer treatment centre.
- Injection: Certain immunotherapy medicines are given through an injection under the skin or into another specified site.
- Oral medication: Some immune-based cancer treatments are available in tablet or capsule form.
- Local administration: Certain treatments are applied to the skin or administered directly into the bladder.
The frequency and duration of treatment vary according to the medicine, cancer type, treatment response, and patient’s tolerance.
Is Immunotherapy Better Than Chemotherapy?
Immunotherapy and chemotherapy work differently, so one cannot be considered universally better than the other.
Chemotherapy uses medicines that destroy rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
For some patients, immunotherapy may be recommended as the primary treatment. For others, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments may be more appropriate.
The best treatment approach depends on an individual’s diagnosis, test results, medical history, and oncologist’s assessment.
Why Consider Immunotherapy Treatment in India?
India has a growing network of specialised cancer hospitals, experienced oncologists, and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Patients considering cancer treatment in India may explore hospitals offering medical oncology services, immunotherapy, molecular diagnostics, and multidisciplinary cancer care.
For international patients, India may also offer access to treatment consultations and medical coordination services.
Through Vanya Health, patients can explore suitable doctors and hospitals, arrange medical opinions, share medical reports for evaluation, and receive assistance with treatment coordination and travel-related requirements.
Explore our oncology specialists and associated hospitals to learn more about available cancer care options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is immunotherapy a permanent cure for cancer?
No. Immunotherapy is not a guaranteed cure. Some patients experience significant or long-lasting responses, while others may not respond. Outcomes depend on several medical factors.
2. Is immunotherapy painful?
Most intravenous immunotherapy treatments are administered through an IV line. Patients may experience discomfort during needle insertion, while side effects can vary depending on the medicine.
3. How long does immunotherapy treatment take?
Treatment duration varies. Some patients receive treatment over several months, while others may require a different schedule depending on their diagnosis, response, and tolerance.
4. Can immunotherapy be combined with chemotherapy?
Yes. Certain cancer treatment plans combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments. The decision depends on the cancer type and clinical evidence.
5. Does immunotherapy work for advanced cancer?
Immunotherapy is used in certain advanced and metastatic cancers. However, suitability and potential benefits depend on tumour characteristics, biomarkers, previous treatment, and overall health.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy has introduced an important approach to cancer treatment by helping the body’s immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. Different forms of immunotherapy are now used for selected cancers, offering additional treatment possibilities alongside conventional cancer therapies.
However, it is not suitable for every patient, and treatment outcomes can vary. A detailed evaluation by an experienced oncologist, including appropriate biomarker testing, is essential before making a treatment decision.
If you or a family member is exploring immunotherapy treatment, seeking a specialist medical opinion can help you understand the available options and make an informed decision.
Connect with Vanya Health to explore cancer treatment consultations and suitable healthcare options in India.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Immunotherapy suitability, potential benefits, risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. All treatment decisions must be made in consultation with a qualified oncologist after reviewing the patient’s medical history and diagnostic reports. No treatment outcome is guaranteed.
