Immunotherapy

About this approach

Immunotherapy includes treatments that help the immune system recognize or attack cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors, certain cell therapies, and other immune-based medicines work in different ways. These are established options for selected cancers and situations, rather than a single treatment suitable for everyone. The important questions are whether a specific medicine fits your diagnosis, what evidence supports it, and how your team will monitor both benefit and immune-related side effects.

Where it fits: Established treatment for selected cancers

Where this treatment is used

Cancer cells can evade the immune response. Checkpoint inhibitors interfere with signals that restrain immune cells, while cell therapies use immune cells selected or modified to attack cancer. Evidence and eligibility are specific to the cancer, medicine, and treatment setting. A recommendation may depend on features of the tumor as well as previous treatment and overall health. Some people have durable responses, but many do not respond, and cancers can develop resistance. Immunotherapy may be combined with other treatments when supported by evidence.

Procedure and practical considerations

Immunotherapy can affect healthy tissues as well as cancer. Depending on the treatment, side effects include fatigue, skin reactions, diarrhea, infusion reactions, and inflammation of organs. Severe reactions can occur. Before starting.

Cancer guides that discuss this treatment

These cancer-type guides include this treatment among their connected approaches. Open a guide to see the related terminology, treatments, and clinic profiles.

Clinics reporting this approach

These clinic profiles mention this approach in their published materials. Open a profile to compare locations, services, practical details, and ways to get started.