Medical Oncology

| 05 December 2025

 

What Is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is transforming modern cancer treatment by helping the body’s immune system identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Instead of targeting cancer directly like chemotherapy or radiation, immunotherapy strengthens natural immune responses. This makes it more precise and often less harmful to healthy tissues. As research expands, immunotherapy continues to become a primary treatment option for many cancers.

 

How Immunotherapy Works Inside the Body

Immunotherapy trains the immune system to recognize cancer cells that it previously overlooked. Cancer cells often disguise themselves using special proteins, which prevents immune cells from attacking them. Immunotherapy removes these disguises and boosts immune activity so cancer cells cannot hide as easily. By restoring natural detection, the immune system can attack the cancer more consistently. 

 

Why Immunotherapy Is Different from Traditional Cancer Treatments

Unlike chemotherapy, which kills rapidly dividing cells, Immunotherapy empowers the immune system rather than directly targeting the cancer. This allows the body to participate actively in the healing process, creating a more natural defense. Because healthy cells are less affected, many patients experience fewer severe side effects. This often helps them maintain a better quality of life during treatment. It also allows treatment to continue for longer periods when necessary.

 

Types of Cancers That Respond Well to Immunotherapy

Certain cancers respond extremely well to immunotherapy, especially those with high mutation levels or immune-sensitive environments. Melanoma, lung cancer, lymphoma, bladder cancer, and some solid tumors show strong responses. Doctors evaluate tumor samples to understand if immunotherapy will be effective. Advanced genetic testing allows specialists to match the right treatment with specific cancer types. 

 

How the Immune System Fights Cancer

The immune system works every minute to identify abnormal cells, but cancer cells can find ways to escape detection. Immunotherapy helps rebuild this communication so the immune system can recognize threats more clearly. Understanding this relationship helps patients see why immunotherapy is so powerful in modern oncology.

 

How Immune Cells Identify Threats

The immune system detects threats by analyzing specific markers on cell surfaces. When a cell becomes abnormal, it typically displays signals that immune cells can detect. Cancer cells, however, mutate in ways that help them blend in with normal cells. Immunotherapy improves recognition by enhancing how immune cells interpret these signals. 

 

How Cancer Cells Evade Immune Attacks

Cancer cells use several strategies to avoid immune destruction. Some release chemicals that suppress immune activity, while others create protective environments around the tumor. Some cancers even deactivate nearby immune cells, preventing them from working properly. Immunotherapy blocks these mechanisms, allowing immune attacks to restart.

 

The Role of T-Cells and Natural Killer Cells

T-cells and natural killer cells play vital roles in immune defense against cancer. T-cells attack targeted threats, while natural killer cells attack cells that appear abnormal or weakened. When cancer cells weaken immune activity, both cell types struggle to function. Immunotherapy strengthens these immune cells and improves their ability to stay active within tumors. 

 

Types of Immunotherapy Used in Cancer Treatment

There are multiple forms of Immunotherapy, each designed to boost the immune system in different ways. Doctors choose treatments based on cancer type, stage, and patient health. These therapies may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy or radiation.

 

Checkpoint Inhibitors and Their Immune-Boosting Power

Checkpoint inhibitors stop cancer cells from turning off immune responses. Cancer often activates checkpoint proteins that deactivate T-cells, allowing tumors to grow without resistance. By blocking these checkpoints, the immune system becomes alert again and attacks cancer more aggressively. Many patients with melanoma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer benefit from this method. 

 

CAR T-Cell Therapy and Personalized Cancer Defense

CAR T-cell therapy is one of the most advanced and personalized treatments available. Doctors extract a patient’s T-cells, genetically modify them in a laboratory, and reintroduce them into the body. These modified cells can recognize and destroy cancer cells with remarkable precision. CAR T-cell therapy has shown dramatic success in certain leukemias and lymphomas. Because it uses a patient’s own cells, the treatment becomes a powerful, personalized weapon. 

 

Monoclonal Antibodies and Targeted Immune Support

Monoclonal antibodies are lab-created proteins that attach to cancer-specific targets. Once attached, they mark cancer cells so the immune system can identify them more easily. Some monoclonal antibodies also block cancer growth signals or deliver toxins directly to tumors. This targeted approach reduces damage to healthy tissues and improves treatment precision. Monoclonal antibodies are used in breast cancer, colon cancer, and lymphoma treatment. 

 

Benefits and Limitations of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy offers unique advantages, but it also comes with challenges. Understanding both helps patients make informed decisions.

 

Benefits That Make Immunotherapy Popular

Immunotherapy can lead to long-lasting remission because it strengthens natural immune defenses. Some patients continue benefiting from treatment long after sessions end. Many find immunotherapy easier to tolerate than chemotherapy because it causes fewer severe side effects. These benefits often allow patients to stay active, maintain routines, and recover faster. For many, Immunotherapy represents new hope when other treatments have stopped working.

 

Limitations and Challenges of Immunotherapy

Not all patients respond to immunotherapy, and some cancers resist treatment. Immunotherapy can also take time to show results because the immune system needs to adjust. In some cases, the immune system may become overactive, causing inflammation in certain organs. Regular monitoring helps reduce risks and manage symptoms. As research grows, scientists continue improving therapies to overcome resistance.

 

Why Immunotherapy Isn’t a Universal Cure Yet

Although Immunotherapy is promising, it does not work for every patient or cancer type. Tumors with strong protective environments may block immune activity completely. Researchers are studying how to break these barriers and improve immune sensitivity. Combining immunotherapy with other treatments can increase success for difficult cancers. These developments show strong potential for the future.

 

Who Is the Right Candidate for Immunotherapy?

Doctors evaluate several factors to determine if immunotherapy is suitable. Examining tumor characteristics, immune health, and medical history helps guide decisions.

 

Cancer Types Most Likely to Respond Well

Cancers with high mutation levels often respond best to Immunotherapy. Melanoma, lung cancer, lymphoma, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer are among the most responsive. Testing helps doctors understand how aggressive the tumor is and whether it expresses markers that immunotherapy can target. Response rates improve significantly when patients meet specific genetic criteria. These insights help personalize treatment for better outcomes.

 

How Doctors Assess Immune System Health

Since Immunotherapy relies on immune strength, doctors evaluate immune cell function before treatment begins. Patients with weakened immune systems or autoimmune diseases may need additional support. Blood tests and imaging help determine if immunotherapy is safe and effective. These evaluations ensure that treatment aligns with the patient's overall health. Adjustments can be made based on how the immune system reacts during therapy.

 

Why Biomarkers Are Critical for Decision Making

Biomarkers like PD-L1 levels and tumor mutational burden help predict treatment response. These markers guide doctors in selecting the right therapy and determining dosage. Testing biomarkers improves accuracy and reduces trial-and-error approaches. Patients with strong biomarker matches often experience better results. This personalized approach represents the future of cancer treatment.

 

Immunotherapy Side Effects

While Immunotherapy is often easier to tolerate than chemotherapy, it still has side effects. These reactions vary based on treatment type, immune activity, and patient health.

 

Common Short-Term Side Effects

Many patients experience fatigue, fever, mild skin rashes, or flu-like symptoms as their immune system becomes more active. These responses show that the body is adjusting to treatment. They usually improve with supportive care or rest. Some patients feel temporary discomfort but can continue daily activities. Early communication with doctors helps manage these symptoms effectively.

 

Potential Long-Term Reactions

Some patients develop inflammation in organs like the lungs, liver, or intestines. These reactions occur when the immune system becomes overly active. Regular checkups allow doctors to detect inflammation early and manage it with medication. Long-term effects are rare but need attention to prevent complications. With proper care, most patients continue treatment successfully.

 

Why Side Effects Differ from Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy affects many healthy cells, causing predictable reactions like hair loss and nausea. Immunotherapy affects immune activity instead, so reactions vary widely among patients. Some patients experience minimal symptoms, while others feel stronger immune responses. The difference makes immunotherapy more tolerable for many people. These variations highlight the importance of personalized treatment.

 

The Role of Hospitals and Specialists in Immunotherapy

Choosing the right hospital significantly impacts treatment outcomes. Expertise, equipment, and coordinated care ensure safer and more effective therapy.

Importance of Experienced Medical Teams

Immunotherapy requires precise planning and monitoring. Doctors must recognize early signs of immune reactions and adjust treatment quickly. Experienced oncologists understand how each therapy works and how cancers respond. Their expertise reduces risks and improves treatment accuracy. Patients often see better results when specialists guide the treatment process.

 

Radiation vs. Chemotherapy: Key Differences Explained

 

How Facilities Improve Treatment Outcomes

Advanced facilities offer specialized equipment, laboratory support, and integrated treatment programs. High-quality centers can perform genetic testing, monitor immune responses, and manage complex therapies. These features help patients receive personalized and timely care. This support structure enhances safety and boosts long-term outcomes.

Jaslok Hospital is the best oncology hospital in Mumbai. Our doctors diagnose the condition and provide a combination of immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and advanced diagnostic care. Skilled specialists coordinate treatment across departments, ensuring accuracy and consistency. These hospitals also invest in the latest technology, improving patient comfort and safety. Their structured approach gives patients confidence during every stage of treatment.

Immunotherapy has become a major breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients by strengthening the body’s immune system. With its ability to create long-lasting responses and improve quality of life, immunotherapy is rapidly shaping the future of oncology. While not every patient responds equally, continuous research and technological advancements are expanding possibilities every year. As doctors, hospitals, and researchers collaborate, Immunotherapy continues to evolve into one of the most powerful tools against cancer.

 

FAQs

1. How long does Immunotherapy take to show results?

It varies by cancer type, but many patients begin noticing changes within several weeks to a few months.

 

2. Can Immunotherapy be combined with chemotherapy or radiation?

Yes, many treatment plans combine immunotherapy with other therapies to improve effectiveness.

 

3. Is Immunotherapy safer than chemotherapy?

Immunotherapy generally has fewer severe side effects because it supports immune function rather than attacking healthy cells.