Harnessing the Body’s Own Defence System to Fight Cancer
Introduction
Immunotherapy has revolutionised the field of oncology by shifting the focus from directly attacking cancer cells to empowering the immune system to recognise and eliminate them. It represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment in recent decades, offering long-lasting responses—even in advanced or previously untreatable cancers.
At our clinic, immunotherapy is delivered through a precision-driven, evidence-based approach supported by molecular diagnostics, multidisciplinary evaluation, and comprehensive patient monitoring. This ensures that every patient receives a personalised treatment plan aligned with the latest scientific data and their individual goals.
1. What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy refers to treatments that activate, enhance, or restore the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. Cancer often evades immune detection by exploiting pathways that suppress immune responses. Immunotherapy counteracts these mechanisms and reawakens the body's natural defence system.
Unlike chemotherapy, which kills rapidly dividing cells, or targeted therapy, which blocks specific molecular pathways, immunotherapy enhances the immune response—which can then provide sustained control of cancer even after treatment ends.
2. Types of Immunotherapy
There are several forms of immunotherapy, each designed to act on specific components of the immune system.
1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs)
Checkpoints are natural “off switches” that prevent the immune system from attacking normal cells. Cancers exploit these checkpoints to hide from the immune system.
Checkpoint inhibitors block these signals and allow immune cells—particularly T-cells—to attack cancer.
Examples:
These therapies are widely used in lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and head & neck cancers.
2. CAR-T Cell Therapy
A highly specialised treatment in which a patient’s own T-cells are genetically engineered to recognise cancer cells.
Used mainly in leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
(Note: CAR-T will have a separate detailed page, as per your list.)
3. Cancer Vaccines
Therapeutic vaccines stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Examples: HPV vaccine prevents cervical and oropharyngeal cancers.
4. Cytokine Therapy
Cytokines like interleukin-2 (IL-2) amplify the immune response. These are now used less frequently but remain important in specific settings such as renal cell carcinoma.
5. Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Modified viruses infect and destroy cancer cells while stimulating an immune response.
3. Who Is Eligible for Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is not appropriate for every patient. Eligibility is determined through clinical evaluation and biomarker testing.
Key Biomarkers and Tests
Cancers Where Immunotherapy Is Commonly Used
Immunotherapy may be used alone, in combination with chemotherapy, or as part of multimodality treatment.
4. How Immunotherapy Works
Cancer cells employ multiple tactics to escape the immune system, such as:
Immunotherapy reverses these mechanisms by:
This results in a more durable and adaptive anti-cancer response.
5. How Immunotherapy Is Given
Immunotherapy is typically administered as:
Treatment duration varies by disease:
Infusions occur in our day-care treatment suite under oncologist supervision. Pre-infusion assessment and post-infusion observation are routine to ensure safety.
6. Potential Side Effects
Immunotherapy is generally better tolerated than chemotherapy. However, because it activates the immune system, it can sometimes cause the immune system to attack normal organs—these are called immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
Common Side Effects
Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs)
These can affect any organ system:
Management of Side Effects
Early recognition is crucial. Treatment may include:
At our clinic, we follow internationally accepted toxicity management guidelines (ASCO, NCCN, ESMO).
7. Monitoring During Immunotherapy
Regular monitoring helps ensure efficacy and safety.
Before Each Cycle
During Treatment
After Completion
Targeted therapy may be used:
We use a coordinated, multidisciplinary monitoring system involving oncologists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and supportive-care specialists when needed.
8. Unique Benefits of Immunotherapy
1. Potential for Long-term Remission
Many patients achieve durable responses, even after treatment stops.
2. Effective in Certain High-Risk Cancers
Immunotherapy has changed outcomes dramatically in melanoma, lung cancer, and several solid tumours.
3. Works Even After Failure of Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy can sometimes succeed where chemotherapy has not.
4. Often Better Tolerated
Fewer systemic side effects compared to chemotherapy.
5. Immunological Memory
The immune system may “remember” cancer cells, reducing chances of recurrence.
9. Limitations of Immunotherapy
Although powerful, immunotherapy has limitations:
Our team evaluates every patient rigorously to determine whether immunotherapy is truly the best option.
10. Living During Immunotherapy
General Well-being
Most patients can continue daily activities, including work, exercise, and travel, with appropriate precautions.
Diet and Hydration
A balanced diet supports energy, immunity, and recovery.
Infection Precautions
Immunotherapy itself does not suppress immunity like chemotherapy, but vigilance is still advised.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Early recognition prevents complications.
11. Our Clinic’s Approach to Immunotherapy
Precision-Based Eligibility Assessment
We use PD-L1, MSI/MMR, TMB, and other biomarkers to identify eligible patients.
Multidisciplinary Evaluation
Treatment plans are finalised after tumour board discussions.
Evidence-Based Protocols
Treatment follows NCCN, ASCO, and ESMO guidelines combined with real-world clinical experience.
Holistic Support
Transparent Communication
Patients receive clear counselling on expected benefits, risks, timelines, and monitoring.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy marks a new era in cancer treatment—one that focuses on harnessing the body’s natural defences for long-lasting results. While not suitable for every patient, when used appropriately and monitored carefully, immunotherapy offers powerful and durable control over many cancers.
At our clinic, we bring together expertise, precision diagnostics, multidisciplinary collaboration, and compassionate care to deliver safe, effective, and personalised immunotherapy to each patient who can benefit.
