Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that works by activating or modifying the patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Instead of directly killing cancer cells, it removes the “brakes” that cancer puts on immune responses or enhances immune cell function.
Cancer cells often escape immune detection by suppressing immune checkpoints or disguising themselves as normal cells. Immunotherapy reverses this immune evasion.
Major types include:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4 blockers)
- CAR-T cell therapy (genetically engineered T cells)
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Cancer vaccines
- Cytokine therapy (e.g., interferons)
Key characteristics:
- More targeted than traditional therapies
- Side effects are mostly immune-related (autoimmune reactions, inflammation)
- Can produce long-lasting responses due to immune memory
- Not effective for all cancers or all patients
Clinical relevance:
Immunotherapy has transformed outcomes in cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, and some leukemias, but requires careful patient selection and monitoring.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. It works by interfering with cell division, DNA replication, or cellular metabolism, leading to cancer cell death.
Because cancer cells divide faster than most normal cells, they are more vulnerable—but normal fast-dividing cells are also affected.
Major classes include:
- Alkylating agents
- Antimetabolites
- Mitotic inhibitors
- Topoisomerase inhibitors
- Platinum compounds
Key characteristics:
- Acts directly on cancer cells
- Affects both cancerous and healthy rapidly dividing cells
- Side effects include hair loss, nausea, bone marrow suppression, infections
- Given in cycles to allow normal tissue recovery
Clinical relevance:
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, especially in rapidly growing tumors, advanced disease, and as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy.
