You have been diagnosed with cancer, and your oncologist has mentioned immunotherapy. Instead of feeling relieved, you may have more questions: Is it the same as chemotherapy? Will it work for my cancer? Are the side effects easier?

These are important questions. Immunotherapy for Cancer in Gurugram Sector 22 involves treatments that help the body's immune system recognise and fight cancer, but it is not suitable for every patient or every type of cancer.

A Different Way to Treat Cancer

Chemotherapy directly targets rapidly dividing cells, while many immunotherapies work by helping the immune system respond more effectively against cancer cells.

Immunotherapy may be used alone or alongside chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or other treatments, depending on the cancer and treatment plan.

Your Cancer Profile Matters

Hearing that immunotherapy is available does not automatically mean it is the right choice.

The oncologist may review your cancer type, stage, pathology, previous treatments, and certain biomarkers before deciding whether immunotherapy could be appropriate.

What Your Specialist May Check

Your treatment discussion may include:

• Cancer type and stage

• Biopsy and pathology reports

• Previous cancer treatments

• Imaging results

• Relevant biomarker or molecular test results

• Overall health

• Existing medical conditions

• Potential benefits and risks

• Other medicines being considered

These details help your treatment team determine whether immunotherapy has a role in your care.

It Is Not Simply “Stronger Immunity”

One common misunderstanding is that immunotherapy works by generally making the immune system stronger.

That is too simplistic.

Some immunotherapies work by removing certain “brakes” that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer effectively. Because the immune system is being activated or redirected, it can sometimes affect healthy tissues too.

That is why monitoring during treatment is important.

Side Effects Need Attention

Immunotherapy can cause side effects, but they are different from many of the side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy.

Some patients may develop fatigue, skin reactions, diarrhoea, inflammation, or other immune-related effects. Depending on the affected organ, symptoms can sometimes become serious.

Do not ignore new or unusual symptoms during treatment. Your oncology team should know about them so they can assess and manage them appropriately.

A Real-World Treatment Lesson

A patient may sometimes assume that because immunotherapy is described as a newer treatment, it must automatically be safer or more effective than chemotherapy.

That assumption can lead to unrealistic expectations.

The practical lesson is that newer does not mean universally better. The value of a treatment depends on whether it matches the patient's specific cancer and treatment goals.

A Number Worth Knowing

The global cancer burden continues to grow. GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates reported approximately 20.6 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024.

This growing burden has increased attention on multiple treatment approaches, including immunotherapy and other personalised cancer medicines. However, treatment decisions still need to be based on individual clinical assessment.

Meet Dr Shekhar Anand

Dr Shekhar Anand represents a patient-focused approach where complex cancer treatment options can be discussed in understandable language. For patients considering immunotherapy, a specialist consultation can help explain whether the treatment may be relevant, what testing may be needed, what side effects to watch for, and how treatment response is monitored.

The Advice We Would Challenge

Many patients believe that choosing immunotherapy means they can avoid all the difficulties associated with cancer treatment.

That is not necessarily true.

Immunotherapy can be an important treatment option for selected cancers, but it still requires medical supervision and regular monitoring. Patients should understand both its potential benefits and its possible risks before starting.

When Immunotherapy May Be Discussed

Your oncologist may consider immunotherapy when:

• Your cancer type may respond to immunotherapy.

• Relevant testing supports its use.

• Cancer has returned or spread.

• Other treatments have not produced the desired response.

• Immunotherapy is being considered with another treatment.

• You need to understand whether immunotherapy is appropriate for your diagnosis.

The exact recommendation depends on your individual medical situation.

Questions Patients Often Ask

Is immunotherapy the same as chemotherapy?

No. They work differently. Chemotherapy uses medicines that directly target rapidly dividing cells, while immunotherapy aims to help the immune system recognise and fight cancer.

Does immunotherapy cure cancer?

Immunotherapy can produce significant responses in some cancers, but it does not work for every patient. Whether it can control or potentially eliminate a particular cancer depends on many individual factors.

What should I watch for during immunotherapy?

Report new or unusual symptoms to your oncology team. Problems involving the skin, bowel, lungs, liver, hormone-producing glands, or other organs may require medical assessment.

Understand the Treatment Before Starting

Immunotherapy has changed how certain cancers can be treated, but it should not be viewed as a universal replacement for other cancer treatments.

If you are considering Immunotherapy for Cancer in Gurugram Sector 22, schedule a consultation with Dr Shekhar Anand, bring your pathology and scan reports, and discuss whether immunotherapy fits your diagnosis, treatment goals, and overall cancer-care plan.

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