A New Era in Cancer Care

Cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging diseases affecting millions worldwide. Beyond the physical toll on patients, it also deeply impacts their families. For years, chemotherapy was the primary treatment option, but advances in medical research have introduced groundbreaking therapies that are transforming cancer care.

One of the most promising innovations is immunotherapy, a treatment that empowers the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Over the past decade, immunotherapy has gained significant traction, often replacing chemotherapy as the preferred treatment for certain cancers like renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. This shift is due to immunotherapy’s ability to target cancer cells more precisely, minimize toxicity, and offer better long-term outcomes compared to traditional treatments.

What Is Immunotherapy?

"The basis of modern immunotherapy is built on groundbreaking research in immunology. It is one of the most exciting areas in cancer treatment, alongside molecularly targeted therapeutics,"
– Dr. J.B. Sharma, Director of Medical Oncology, Action Cancer Hospital, Delhi.

Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s natural defense system, allowing it to identify and destroy cancer cells. It employs various strategies to boost immune response, making it an effective alternative to conventional therapies.

Key Types of Immunotherapy

Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab-created antibodies help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by interfering with specific proteins on cancer cells, making them more visible and vulnerable to immune destruction.

Cytokine Therapy
This therapy involves proteins like Interleukin and Interferon, which enhance the immune response by:

• Stimulating the growth of T-cells (the immune system’s attack cells).
• Increasing cancer cell visibility to immune defenses.
• Disrupting cancer cell division.

Checkpoint Inhibitors
Some cancer cells evade immune attacks by hiding behind checkpoint proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking them. Checkpoint inhibitors block these proteins, enabling the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

Adoptive Cell Transfer (CAR T-cell Therapy)

“In this approach, a patient’s T cells are extracted, genetically engineered to recognize and attack cancer cells, multiplied in a lab, and then reintroduced into the body,”
– Dr. Roopesh N, Lead Consultant, Gynaecologic Onco-Surgeon, SPARSH Hospital for Women and Children, Bangalore.

This therapy modifies the patient’s T cells, a type of white blood cell, to specifically target cancer cells. It has shown remarkable success in certain types of blood cancers, with ongoing research expanding its potential applications.

Looking Beyond Treatment: The Role of Cancer Prevention

With rapid advancements in oncology, the focus is shifting not only toward treatment but also prevention.

Cancer Vaccines
Dr. Roopesh highlights the role of cancer vaccines, which help the immune system identify and eliminate protein markers on cancer cells, preventing their growth and recurrence.

Surgical Prevention
In some cases, early removal of tumors before they spread can prevent the development of aggressive cancers.

Lifestyle Changes for Cancer Prevention

• Quit smoking – reduces lung and other cancer risks.
• Maintain a healthy diet – boosts overall immunity.
• Limit alcohol consumption – lowers the risk of liver, breast, and digestive tract cancers.
• Exercise regularly – helps reduce inflammation and supports immune function.

The Future of Cancer Treatment

The rise of immunotherapy marks a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, moving away from the severe side effects of chemotherapy toward a more targeted and personalized approach. However, awareness and early detection remain crucial in improving survival rates.

“The future of oncology stands on the pillars of precision medicine, patient-centered care, and the power of the body’s own defenses,” – Dr. Roopesh.

As research continues to evolve, cancer treatment is becoming more effective, less toxic, and more tailored to individual patients, offering new hope in the fight against this life-threatening disease.