Immunotherapy vs Chemotherapy: What’s Changing in Cancer Treatment?

Cancer continues to be one of the most challenging health conditions of our time, affecting millions of lives across the globe. But thanks to advancements in medical research, the way we treat cancer is changing—and changing for the better. Patients today have access to more precise, effective, and personalized treatments.

For many years, chemotherapy has been a reliable weapon in the fight against cancer. Since its introduction in the 1940s, it has helped extend lives and shrink tumours by targeting rapidly growing cancer cells. However, chemotherapy is often known for its broad approach; it affects both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to side effects that can be tough to manage.

Now, a newer approach is stepping into the spotlight: immunotherapy. Unlike chemotherapy, immunotherapy strengthens the body's natural immune system, teaching it to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It's a more targeted method, which means fewer side effects and longer-lasting results for many patients.

In many cases, these two treatments don't compete; they complement each other. Doctors often use a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy or introduce them at different stages of treatment to boost overall effectiveness. This integrated approach allows for a more personalized treatment plan that aligns with a patient's specific type of cancer, stage, and response to previous therapies.

At Apex Hospitals, we've seen firsthand how these treatment options, when thoughtfully applied, can make a life-changing difference. Our team of oncologists and specialists works closely with patients and families to explain the process, explore the best options, and offer advanced and compassionate care.

Understanding how chemotherapy and immunotherapy work and what to expect from each empowers patients to make informed decisions. Whether you're just starting your cancer journey or exploring new treatment paths, know that you're not alone. With evolving therapies and a genuinely caring team, there is more hope than ever.

Understanding Chemotherapy: The Traditional Warrior

Chemotherapy, commonly known as “chemo”, remains one of the most widely used and effective methods in the fight against cancer. While newer treatments like immunotherapy are making headlines, chemotherapy continues to play a vital role in many treatment plans.

At its core, chemotherapy works by targeting cells that divide quickly. Since cancer cells grow and multiply faster than most normal cells, chemo is designed to stop or slow this process. However, it can also affect some healthy cells, like those in the mouth, stomach, and hair follicles, leading to common side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or hair loss.

There are different types of chemotherapy. Some are systemic, meaning the drugs travel through your bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Others are regional, focusing on a specific area where the cancer is located. The approach depends on the type of cancer, how far it has spread, and your individual health needs.

When is Chemotherapy Used?

Chemotherapy can be used in different stages of treatment:

• As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells
• Before surgery or radiation, to shrink tumours
• After other treatments, to eliminate any remaining cancer cells
• To manage symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced stages
• If cancer returns or spreads, to stop it from progressing further

Doctors often use chemotherapy in combination with other treatments. It can help reduce the risk of cancer coming back and improve the chances of long-term recovery.

How is Chemotherapy Given?

Chemotherapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can be delivered in several ways, including:

• Orally (pills or liquids)
• Intravenously (through a vein)
• Injections
• Directly into a body cavity (like the abdomen or spinal fluid)
• Topically, in the form of creams for certain skin cancers

Our oncologist will choose the best method based on your condition and how your body responds.

Pros of Chemotherapy:

• Effective across a wide range of cancers
• Can shrink tumours quickly
• Sometimes used in combination with other treatments for better results

Limitations of Chemotherapy:

• Targets both cancerous and healthy fast-growing cells, which can lead to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, and nausea
• Long-term use can weaken the immune system
• Doesn’t always prevent recurrence

While chemotherapy can feel intimidating, it’s essential to know that medical science has come a long way. Today, doctors personalise chemotherapy, adjusting doses, timing, and combinations to reduce side effects and make treatment more manageable.

At Apex Hospitals, our oncology team takes a compassionate, patient-first approach to every treatment plan. If you or a loved one is starting chemotherapy, know that you’ll be supported every step of the way, with care that’s rooted in both science and empathy.

What is Immunotherapy? A Smarter Way to Fight Cancer

Cancer cells are not like the normal cells in your body. They behave abnormally, they divide uncontrollably, mutate frequently, and have the ability to hide from your immune system, which is your body’s natural defence mechanism. One of the reasons cancers can be so challenging to treat is that these cells often go undetected by the very system meant to destroy them.

This is where immunotherapy comes in. It is a revolutionary form of treatment that helps the immune system recognise, target, and eliminate cancer cells.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Immunotherapy works by "unmasking" cancer cells and enhancing your body's ability to fight them. It uses substances made by the body, or developed in labs, to stimulate or restore the immune system's natural ability to fight cancer more effectively.

Unlike chemotherapy, which targets cancer cells directly, immunotherapy acts like a coach, training and strengthening your body's defences to do the job.

Types of Immunotherapies

There are several innovative ways in which immunotherapy is being used to combat cancer:

• Checkpoint Inhibitors: Cancer cells often release signals that trick immune cells into ignoring them. Checkpoint inhibitors block these signals, allowing T cells (a type of white blood cell) to recognize and attack cancer cells.

• Monoclonal Antibodies: These lab-made proteins are designed to mimic the immune system’s natural antibodies. They attach to specific proteins on cancer cells, marking them for destruction.

• CAR T-Cell Therapy: In this advanced method, a patient’s T-cells are extracted, modified in a lab to target cancer cells, and then infused back into the body. These genetically altered cells, called CAR T-cells, seek out and destroy cancer.

• Cancer Vaccines: Unlike vaccines that prevent infection, cancer vaccines stimulate the immune system to attack existing cancer cells or prevent certain cancers caused by viruses.

• Cytokines: These are proteins that help regulate immune responses. In immunotherapy, cytokines can be produced in large amounts in labs and introduced into the body to strengthen the immune attack on cancer.

How Is Immunotherapy Given?

Depending on the type of cancer and treatment plan, immunotherapy may be administered in different ways:

• Intravenously (IV) – Through a vein
• Orally – In pill or capsule form
• Topically – As a cream for some skin cancers
• Intravesically – Directly into the bladder for bladder cancer

Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is not for every cancer or every patient. It has shown promising results in cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and certain types of lymphomas. Often, your doctor will recommend immunotherapy based on your cancer type, stage, genetic markers, and overall health condition.

Possible Side Effects

Like all treatments, immunotherapy can come with side effects, though they vary depending on the individual and type of therapy. These may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Skin rash
• Inflammation
• Autoimmune reactions

Your medical team will monitor you closely to manage any potential reactions and adjust treatment as needed.

The Promise of Immunotherapy

While immunotherapy is still a relatively new and evolving field, it opens up exciting cancer treatment possibilities. It offers hope, especially for patients who may not respond well to traditional therapies. At Apex Hospitals, we are proud to provide cutting-edge immunotherapy options as part of our personalised cancer care plans, always with compassion, precision, and the patient at the heart of everything we do.

So, What’s Changing in Cancer Care?

In recent years, more cancer treatment plans are becoming personalized. Doctors tailor treatments based on the patient’s genetics, tumour type, and immune profile. This shift has brought immunotherapy to the forefront, especially for cancers that don’t respond well to traditional chemotherapy.

In many cases, immunotherapy is combined with chemotherapy to maximize both benefits. Clinical trials and ongoing research continue to explore how the two can improve outcomes.

Immunotherapy vs Chemotherapy: Which is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best treatment depends on:

• The type and stage of cancer
• Overall health and immune status
• Previous treatments and how well they worked

Our oncologists may recommend one or both, based on current guidelines and clinical evidence.

The Future is Hopeful—and More Targeted

The most significant change in cancer treatment today is precision. While chemotherapy fights broadly, immunotherapy is more targeted, often with fewer long-term side effects. And as research advances, we’re seeing more success stories, even in advanced-stage cancers.

The shift from chemotherapy to immunotherapy represents one of the most promising revolutions in oncology. While chemotherapy still plays a vital role, immunotherapy gives many patients renewed hope, offering longer-lasting results with fewer side effects.

If you or a loved one is navigating cancer treatment, talk to our doctors about personalised options and whether immunotherapy could be part of your care plan.