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Treating Cancer at ALL Levels || Modern Cancer Therapies Targeted . Immuno . Precise
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy harnesses the patient’s immune system to target cancer cells. Examples include checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells (availability varies by indication and centre).
Introduction
Immunotherapy is a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells, immunotherapy works by strengthening natural defense mechanisms so that your immune system can recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
In recent years, immunotherapy has transformed cancer care across the world, including in India. For some patients, especially those with advanced cancers, it has offered long-term remission and better quality of life when other treatments stopped working.
How Immunotherapy Works?
Cancer cells can “hide” from the immune system by using tricks to avoid being recognized. Immunotherapy works by removing these barriers, enabling the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells.
Main mechanisms include:
Checkpoint inhibitors: Block “brakes” on the immune system (such as PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4) so immune cells can attack cancer.
Monoclonal antibodies: Man-made proteins that bind to cancer cells, marking them for destruction.
Cancer vaccines: Help train the immune system to target cancer-specific antigens.
Adoptive cell therapy (CAR-T cells): Immune cells are modified in a lab and reinfused to attack cancer (available in select centers in India).
How Immunotherapy is Given?
Intravenous (IV) infusion: The most common method, given in hospital or daycare settings.
Oral tablets or injections: For certain targeted immunotherapy drugs.
Treatment cycles: Usually given every 2–6 weeks, depending on the drug type.
Goals of Immunotherapy
Control advanced cancer: Slow or stop tumor growth.
Boost survival: Extend life even in late-stage disease.
Reduce relapse: Lower risk of cancer coming back after initial treatment.
Improve quality of life: Compared to traditional therapies, immunotherapy may have fewer side effects for some patients.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy
Because immunotherapy activates the immune system, side effects are usually immune-related reactions. These include:
Fatigue
Skin rashes or itching
Diarrhea or colitis
Shortness of breath (lung inflammation)
Hormonal changes (thyroid, adrenal glands)
Note: Side effects vary from patient to patient. Early recognition and prompt treatment (usually with steroids or immune-suppressing medicines) are crucial.
Life During Immunotherapy – What Patients Should Know
Monitoring is key: Regular blood tests and scans help track progress and catch side effects early.
Side effects may appear late: Even weeks or months after treatment, patients should remain alert.
Lifestyle adjustments: Balanced diet, exercise, and stress management strengthen the immune system further.
Follow-up visits: Frequent initially, then spaced out depending on response.
When to Contact Your Doctor During Immunotherapy
Advances in Immunotherapy
India has rapidly adopted immunotherapy with access to modern drugs and clinical trials. Some recent developments include:
Combination therapy: Immunotherapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapy for improved results.
Biomarker testing: Checking PD-L1 status or MSI-high status to predict benefit from immunotherapy.
CAR-T therapy in India: A growing field with potential for blood cancers.
FAQs About Immunotherapy
Q1. Is immunotherapy available in India?
Yes, many major cancer centers in India, including those in Uttar Pradesh, now offer immunotherapy.
Q2. Is immunotherapy safer than chemotherapy?
Side effects differ. Immunotherapy generally avoids hair loss and nausea but can trigger immune-related side effects.
Q3. How long does immunotherapy last?
Treatment duration depends on response. Some patients continue for 1–2 years, while others may stop earlier if cancer remains controlled.
Q4. Is immunotherapy expensive?
Currently, immunotherapy is costlier than chemotherapy. However, more drugs are becoming available in India, and insurance coverage is improving.
Q5. Does immunotherapy cure cancer?
It may not “cure” all cancers, but it can provide long-term control and remission for certain patients.
