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Cancer treatment has undergone significant evolution over the past decade, with immunotherapy emerging as one of the most promising breakthroughs. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation, which attack cancer cells directly, immunotherapy for cancer helps the body’s own immune system recognize and destroy these cells naturally. This approach has given new hope to patients with advanced cancers and those who have not responded to traditional therapies.
Synopsis
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a medical treatment designed to boost or restore the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. It trains immune cells to detect abnormal or mutated cells that would otherwise evade detection. The goal is to make the immune response more efficient and long-lasting.
In simple terms, immunotherapy acts like giving your immune system a "memory"; it helps it remember and attack cancer cells if they reappear.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Your immune system naturally protects you from infections and diseases. However, cancer cells often disguise themselves as normal cells, preventing the immune system from identifying them. Immunotherapy helps by:
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Activating immune cells (like T-cells) to recognise cancer cells.
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Blocking checkpoints that stop immune cells from attacking cancer cells.
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Enhancing immune memory so the body remembers the cancer if it returns.
At Manipal Hospitals Pune, oncologists use advanced immunotherapy techniques alongside chemotherapy or targeted therapies to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients.
Types of Immunotherapy
There are several forms of immunotherapy used in cancer treatment, each working in unique ways:
1. Checkpoint Inhibitors
These drugs release the “brakes” on the immune system. Normally, immune checkpoints keep your body from attacking healthy cells, but cancer exploits this system to hide. Checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab help immune cells recognise and attack tumors effectively.
2. CAR T-Cell Therapy
This involves modifying a patient’s own T-cells in the lab to target specific cancer cells. Once reintroduced, these enhanced T-cells aggressively attack cancer. This therapy has shown remarkable success in some types of blood cancers.
3. Cancer Vaccines
Similar to vaccines for infections, these are designed to stimulate an immune response against specific cancer antigens.
4. Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab-made antibodies can target particular cancer cell proteins, flagging them for immune destruction or delivering drugs directly to the tumor.
5. Cytokine Therapy
Cytokines are signalling proteins that help immune cells communicate. Interleukin-2 and interferon are examples that enhance immune activity against cancer.
At Manipal Hospitals Kharadi, oncologists assess the patient’s cancer type, stage, and genetic profile to recommend the most effective immunotherapy option.
Can Immunotherapy Cure Stage 4 Cancer?
This is one of the most common questions patients and families ask. The truth is, while immunotherapy may not always "cure" stage 4 cancer, it can significantly prolong life and improve quality of life in many patients. In some cases, especially with melanoma, lung cancer, and certain lymphomas, complete remission has been achieved.
The key lies in how the individual’s immune system responds. Some patients experience remarkable and long-lasting benefits, while others may require combination treatments. Continuous research and clinical trials are making immunotherapy more accessible and effective every year.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
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Targeted response: It focuses only on cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
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Long-term protection: The immune system “remembers” cancer cells, helping prevent recurrence.
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Fewer side effects: Compared to chemotherapy, immunotherapy usually causes less fatigue, nausea, or hair loss.
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Applicable for advanced stages: It offers hope even for patients with metastatic or treatment-resistant cancers.
Common Side Effects of Immunotherapy
While generally better tolerated than chemotherapy, immunotherapy side effects can still occur as the immune system becomes more active. These may include:
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Fatigue and weakness.
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Skin rash or itching.
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Fever and flu-like symptoms.
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Diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort.
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Inflammation of organs (such as the lungs, liver, or thyroid).
Doctors at Manipal Hospitals Pune closely monitor patients for early signs of side effects to adjust treatment promptly and ensure safety.
Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is now being used across many types of cancer, including:
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Melanoma (skin cancer).
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Lung cancer.
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Kidney cancer.
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Bladder cancer.
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Lymphoma and leukaemia.
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Head and neck cancers.
It is also being explored for breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers through ongoing clinical trials.
Future of Immunotherapy in Cancer Care
The future of immunotherapy for cancer looks incredibly promising. Researchers are working on personalised vaccines, combination therapies, and new immune targets to make treatment even more effective. Artificial intelligence and genetic testing are also helping doctors predict which patients will respond best to immunotherapy.
As these innovations continue, immunotherapy may soon become the cornerstone of cancer care, transforming it from a terminal illness into a manageable chronic condition.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and is exploring modern treatment options, speak to a cancer specialists about immunotherapy. The team at Manipal Hospital Pune offers a comprehensive cancer care program, including advanced immunotherapy, personalised diagnosis, and multidisciplinary support.
FAQ's
It’s a treatment that uses your body’s immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells more effectively.
In some cases, yes. While not all patients achieve complete remission, many experience long-term control and improved quality of life.
Mild fatigue, rash, fever, and inflammation of internal organs. Doctors can manage most side effects effectively.
It varies some treatments are given every few weeks for months or even years, depending on the response.
Yes, Manipal Hospital Pune offers advanced immunotherapy and integrated cancer care by expert oncologists.
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