An oncologist considers the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, previous treatments and the specific characteristics of the tumour. Certain biomarkers can help indicate whether a cancer may respond to immunotherapy. The doctor may also consider how quickly the cancer is progressing and whether other treatments are appropriate. Immunotherapy does not work equally well for everyone, so the potential benefits, risks and available treatment options are carefully evaluated before recommending it.

Before starting immunotherapy, doctors may perform blood tests, imaging scans and other assessments to understand the cancer and check the patient’s overall health. Depending on the cancer, a biopsy or tumour testing may be performed to identify biomarkers that could help predict whether immunotherapy is likely to work. Doctors may also assess organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs and thyroid because immunotherapy can sometimes affect normal organs. The exact tests depend on the cancer and the planned treatment.

Yes. Immunotherapy may sometimes be combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy or other cancer treatments. Combining treatments can allow cancer to be attacked through different mechanisms and may be recommended for certain cancers or stages of disease. However, the combination depends on the cancer type, tumour characteristics, previous treatment and the patient’s overall health. Combining treatments can also increase the risk of side effects, so an oncologist carefully weighs the potential benefits and risks before recommending a treatment plan.

Immunotherapy can cause side effects because it activates the immune system, which may sometimes affect healthy tissues. Common effects include tiredness, skin rash, itching, diarrhoea, nausea and changes in appetite. More serious immune-related reactions can affect organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, intestines or thyroid. These reactions can sometimes become severe if not treated promptly. Patients should report new or unusual symptoms to their cancer care team rather than waiting for them to become worse.

The duration of immunotherapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, the specific medicine being used, how the cancer responds and whether side effects develop. Some patients receive treatment for several months, while others may continue for a longer period. Treatment may be given in cycles at regular intervals rather than continuously. Your oncologist will determine how long treatment should continue and may adjust or stop therapy depending on your response, overall health and tolerance to treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, particularly advanced or recurrent cancer, you can discuss whether immunotherapy may be appropriate with an oncology specialist. At MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre in Delhi, oncology specialists can review your cancer type, stage, previous treatment and relevant test results to determine whether immunotherapy may be considered. To book a consultation, visit MOC Cancer Care or contact their team directly. Bring your biopsy, pathology reports, scans and previous treatment records to your appointment.