Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a modern cancer treatment that helps your own immune system fight cancer. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infections and abnormal cells. Cancer cells, however, find ways to hide or block the immune response. Immunotherapy works by “unlocking” the immune system so it can recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

How immunotherapy works

• Checkpoint inhibitors: Medicines that remove the “brakes” from the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells.

• Monoclonal antibodies: Special proteins that target cancer cells directly.

• Cell-based therapies: Using a patient’s own immune cells, modified to better recognize cancer.

• Cancer vaccines: Boosting immunity against specific cancer types.

When it is used

Immunotherapy is commonly used for:

• Lung cancer

• Melanoma (skin cancer)

• Kidney cancer

• Bladder cancer

• Some head & neck cancers

• Certain blood cancers

Benefits of immunotherapy

• Targets cancer cells more precisely than traditional treatments

• Can work even in advanced stages of cancer

• May offer long-term remission in some patients

• Usually fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy (though some immune-related effects can occur)

Possible side effects

Since immunotherapy activates the immune system, sometimes it may also attack healthy organs. This can cause:

• Skin rash or itching

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Cough or breathing difficulty

• Hormonal changes

These side effects are usually manageable with timely care.

Our approach

• Careful patient selection to ensure best outcomes

• Advanced testing to check if immunotherapy is suitable

• Regular monitoring to manage side effects early

• A supportive team to guide patients and families through treatment

Immunotherapy has opened new hope in cancer care, offering effective and personalized options where traditional treatments may not work.