Not long ago, cancer treatments usually meant chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. But now, more and more patients are hearing about something new: immunotherapy. In the simplest terms, immunotherapy is a way of helping your body recognize and fight cancer using its own natural defenses. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but for some, it offers a new kind of hope.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics—what immunotherapy is, how to talk to your doctor about it, and other considerations about the treatment.
You don’t need a medical degree to understand it. Just a few minutes of reading and a bit of curiosity. We’re here to help you feel more informed, more confident, and a little less overwhelmed.
In the simplest terms, immunotherapy is a way of helping your body recognize and fight cancer using its own natural defenses.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Think of your immune system as your body’s natural defense system. While your immune system fights off harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria, cancer can sometimes hide, making it harder for your body to fight back.
Unlike traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which target cancer cells directly, immunotherapy works by strengthening your body’s natural defenses, allowing your immune system to seek out and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Types of Immunotherapy
There are several types of immunotherapy currently being used or studied to treat different cancers, including:
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: These medicines “unblock” your immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells more effectively
- CAR T-Cell Therapy: This is a highly personalized treatment method wherein doctors take a patient’s own T cells (a type of immune cell) out of their body, modify them in a lab so they can better target cancer, and then return them to the patient’s body to fight the disease
- Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy: This approach uses a patient’s own immune cells already located inside of the tumor (hence the name TIL therapy) to fight cancer. In many cases, however, there aren’t enough of these cells, or they aren’t strong enough to destroy the cancer on their own
- Cancer Vaccines: When we think of vaccines, we usually think of shots that prevent illnesses like the flu or measles. Cancer vaccines work differently, though, as they do not prevent cancer from developing in the first place
Instead, these vaccines are designed to help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells that are already in your body.
- Oncolytic Virus Therapy: This therapy takes the surprising approach of using viruses to fight cancer. But don’t worry—the viruses are specially modified in a lab so they are safe for normal cells and only attack cancer cells
The virus is injected into the body, where it infects and kills cancer cells. As the cancer cells are destroyed, they release substances that alert the immune system to the presence of cancer. This “wakes up” the immune system, which then joins the fight, attacking the cancer more aggressively.
Things to Consider Before Starting Immunotherapy
While immunotherapy offers hope, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Here are some important things to think about:
- Is It an Option for Your Cancer? Not all cancers respond to immunotherapy. Your doctor may need to test your tumor for specific biomarkers to see if this treatment could work for you.
- Be Aware of Side Effects: Immunotherapy can sometimes cause side effects because it boosts your immune system. These may include inflammation, fatigue, or other immune- related issues. Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor.
- Costs and Availability: Immunotherapy can be expensive, and not all insurance plans cover it fully. Additionally, some treatments may only be available at larger cancer centers.
- Emotional and Mental Health Support: Cancer treatment can be emotionally draining for both patients and caregivers. Having a strong support system (eg, friends, family, mental health professionals, support groups) can make a big difference.
Steps to Take If You're Considering Immunotherapy
If immunotherapy sounds like a possible option, here are some steps to help you move forward:
- Talk to Your Doctor: Ask your oncologist whether immunotherapy could work for your type of cancer and discuss its benefits and risks.
- Consider Genetic Testing: Your doctor may recommend tests to check for biomarkers that indicate whether immunotherapy is a good fit.
- Plan for Costs: Look into insurance coverage, financial aid programs, or nonprofit organizations that can help with treatment costs.
- Build a Support Network: Don’t go through this alone. Join a support group, connect with others in similar situations, or seek help from a counselor or therapist.
Looking Ahead: Empowerment Through Education
Facing cancer is never easy, but understanding your treatment options, like immunotherapy, can make a world of difference. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, immunotherapy has opened new possibilities that were once unimaginable, giving many patients a renewed sense of hope.
The journey through cancer treatment is a team effort. By staying informed, asking questions, and building a strong support network, you’re taking important steps toward reclaiming control and advocating for the best care possible.
Remember, you are not alone. Whether it’s through the guidance of your medical team, the love of your caregivers, or the strength of your own resilience, you have people cheering you on every step of the way. Immunotherapy is just one piece of the puzzle, but with the right resources and support, you are equipped to face this challenge head-on.
You’ve got this, and the world of medicine is continuing to evolve to support you every step of the way.
Sources
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Rectal Cancer Disappears After Experimental Use of Immunotherapy. June 2022. Accessed July 10, 2025. www.mskcc.org/news/rectal-cancer-disappears-after-experimental-use-immunotherapy
- National Cancer Institute. FDA Approves First TIL Therapy, Amtagvi, for Solid Tumors. February 2024. Accessed July 10, 2025. www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2024/fda-amtagvi-til-therapy-melanoma
- American Association for Cancer Research. AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024. September 2024. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://cancerprogressreport.aacr.org/progress/2024/
- Cancer Support Community. Barriers to Accessing Care for Emotional and Mental Health Concerns. March 2023. Accessed July 10, 2025. www.cancersupportcommunity.org/sites/default/files/file/2023-04/APOS2023_MillerMF_MHBarriers_2023.03.09_FINAL.pdf
- Moffitt Cancer Center. AACR Cancer Progress Report Reveals Breakthroughs and Barriers. September 2024. Accessed July 10, 2025. www.moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/aacr-cancer-progress-report-reveals-breakthroughs-and-barriers/
Portions of this article were written with AI assist.
