Immunotherapy Explained: How The Immune System Is Being Used To Fight Cancer

The idea of the body fighting cancer using its own defence system once seemed distant. Today, immunotherapy has made this a reality in modern medicine.

Unlike chemotherapy, which directly targets cancer cells, this approach strengthens the immune system to detect and destroy them.

Immunotherapy enhances the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack cancer. Normally, the body can identify abnormal cells, but cancer often evades detection or suppresses immune responses.

Treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors target proteins like PD-1 and CTLA-4, which act as brakes on immune cells. Removing these brakes allows the immune system to respond more effectively.

T cells play a central role in identifying and killing harmful cells. Cancer can disguise itself or weaken this response.

Immunotherapy helps by improving recognition, boosting immune strength, and blocking signals that prevent attack.

Immunotherapy can provide long-lasting benefits, even after treatment ends.

As Dr Amit Rauthan explains, “Checkpoint inhibitors are immunotherapy drugs which unblock the body’s own ‘T’ lymphocyte cells to become active and fight cancer cells. They are now utilised in the treatment of multiple cancers, and they have the advantage of giving durable long responses in responding patients with very limited side effects.”

This has improved outcomes in cancers like melanoma and often causes fewer widespread side effects than traditional treatments.

Not all patients respond to immunotherapy. Some tumours lack enough immune cells, while others hide effectively or suppress immune activity.

In certain cases, cancer progresses faster than the immune response.

Key advantages include durable responses and more targeted action. However, side effects can occur when the immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to fatigue, skin issues, or inflammation in organs. Costs and access also remain concerns.

Doctors recommend immunotherapy based on cancer type, stage, biomarkers, and patient health. Personalised treatment plans are essential.

Immunotherapy represents a major shift in cancer care, focusing on empowering the body. While not a universal cure, ongoing research continues to expand its potential and improve outcomes.

Also Read: New Study Reveals Brain Pathway Behind Metformin’s Blood Sugar Control