What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that strengthens the body’s own immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Instead of directly killing cancer cells like chemotherapy, immunotherapy boosts or modifies the immune response so the body can fight cancer more effectively. It is commonly used for lung, head & neck, melanoma, kidney, and several other cancers.
Symptoms / Side Effects of Immunotherapy
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Skin rashes or itching
- Mild nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cough or breathing difficulty
- Inflammation of organs (rare but possible due to immune overactivity)
Risk Factors (Who is Recommended Immunotherapy?)
- The cancer has specific markers such as PD-L1
- Cancer has spread or is advanced
- Cancer is not responding to chemotherapy or radiation
- Tests show the immune system can benefit from activation
- Minimally invasive treatment options are preferred
- Patient’s overall health is strong enough to handle immune-based therapy
Benefits of Immunotherapy
- Uses the body’s natural defense system to fight cancer
- Can shrink tumors or stop them from growing
- Fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy
- Long-lasting response even after treatment stops
- Effective for several advanced or hard-to-treat cancers
- Improves overall survival and quality of life
