Info
Immunotherapy
A treatment that stimulates the patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It works differently from chemotherapy.
What it means
A treatment that helps the patient's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It works by releasing the brakes on the immune system or by directly stimulating lymphocytes. It can cause autoimmune side effects.
In short
A treatment that stimulates the patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It works differently from chemotherapy.
Where you will see it
Recommended in certain types of cancer (melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, etc.) based on specific tests (PD-L1, MSI). Given intravenously.
What it does not tell you on its own
Immunotherapy does not work for every patient and is not available for every type of cancer. Eligibility tests guide the decision.
Questions for your doctor
- Am I eligible for immunotherapy?
- What tests are needed?
- What side effects can occur?
- How is the response monitored?
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- PD-L1
- A protein produced by some tumor cells that can block the immune system's attack. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors targets exactly this brake. PD-L1 testing helps select eligible patients.
- Targeted therapy
- A drug treatment that selectively blocks specific molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, it affects healthy cells less. Examples: tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies.
- Chemotherapy (cytotoxic drugs)
- A drug treatment that uses chemical substances to destroy cells that divide rapidly, including cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or by mouth, in repeated courses. It also affects some healthy cells (hair follicles, the stomach lining), which explains the side effects.
Other terms in “Treatment”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.