How do immunotherapy and chemotherapy differ in cancer treatment?
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells or limits their growth. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise or attack cancer through several mechanisms. Neither is best for everyone; selection depends on the cancer, stage, biomarkers and the patient’s health.
Details
They may be combined
A plan may use either treatment, both together, or a sequence with surgery or radiation. “Immunotherapy” does not mean a natural supplement or an absence of toxicity. Few side effects do not prove treatment failure; response is assessed through appropriate tests and clinical progress.
Different adverse effects
Chemotherapy may affect blood cells and the lining of the mouth and digestive tract. Some immunotherapies, particularly checkpoint inhibitors, can inflame healthy organs such as the lungs, bowel, liver or hormone-producing glands. Problems can appear during or after treatment, so report new symptoms promptly.
Questions to ask
Discuss the treatment goal, likely benefit, alternatives, supporting tests and urgent contact arrangements. Persistent diarrhoea, new cough or breathlessness, or severe headache needs prompt advice. Tell emergency clinicians about current or previous immunotherapy.
Related reading: How do doctors decide whether targeted cancer therapy is suitable?.