Immunotherapy | Apollo Hospitals

What is
Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is one of the most revolutionary advancements in cancer treatment. Unlike conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which act directly on cancer cells, immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It has redefined outcomes in several previously hard-to-treat cancers and continues to expand its role in personalized cancer care.

At Apollo Athenaa, immunotherapy is integrated thoughtfully into comprehensive treatment plans, offering new hope to patients, especially those with advanced, resistant, or recurrent cancers.

How the
Treatment Works

Cancer cells often evade immune detection by shutting down immune responses or hiding from T-cells — the body’s primary defenders. At Apollo Athenaa, immunotherapy works to overcome these escape mechanisms by reactivating or strengthening immune surveillance

Key forms of immunotherapy include:

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs block proteins such as PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4 that act as “brakes” on the immune system. By releasing these brakes, the body can mount a stronger attack on cancer cells.
CAR-T Cell Therapy: In this highly specialised treatment, a patient’s T-cells are collected, genetically modified to recognise specific cancer markers, and re-infused to directly attack tumour cells. CAR-T therapy has shown exceptional success in select blood cancers.
Cancer Vaccines and Cytokine Therapies: These emerging approaches train or stimulate immune cells to better identify and destroy cancer cells, with promising early results in specific cancer types.

When Immunotherapy
Is Recommended

At Athenaa, immunotherapy is a standard treatment in various cancer types, often in combination with other modalities.

High PD-L1 Expression

As first-line treatment for advanced cancers with high PD-L1 levels.

Post-Treatment Response

For patients who relapse or do not respond to chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

Combination Therapy

Given alongside chemotherapy or targeted agents to enhance effectiveness.

Biomarker-Driven Therapy

Used when tumours have MSI-H, dMMR, or high tumour mutational burden (TMB).

Approved Blood Cancers

CAR-T therapy is used in specific leukemias and lymphomas where it has shown strong, durable responses.

Key
Advantages

Experience the benefits of advanced immunotherapy care tailored to your needs. At Apollo Athenaa, our approach ensures accuracy, comfort, and better treatment outcomes at every step.

Durable Responses

Immunotherapy can lead to long-lasting remissions, even in advanced-stage cancers.

Tumor-Agnostic Application

Treatments may work across cancer types based on shared biomarkers, not tumor origin.

Lower Toxicity

Compared to traditional chemotherapy, many patients experience fewer side effects and maintain a better quality of life.

Personalized Use

Biomarker testing (PD-L1, MSI, TMB) allows for patient selection and precision-guided treatment planning.

Potential for Cure in Select Cancers

Especially in hematologic malignancies treated with CAR-T cell therapy.

Side Effects Of
Immunotherapy

At Apollo Athenaa, patients undergoing immunotherapy are closely monitored through regular labs and clinical assessments. While immunotherapy is generally better tolerated than chemotherapy, it can trigger immune-related side effects.

Side effects include:

Fatigue
Skin rash or itching
Diarrhoea or colitis
Cough or shortness of breath (pneumonitis)
Joint or muscle pain
Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary inflammation)

CAR-T therapy may also cause:

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
Neurological effects (neurotoxicity)

At Apollo Athenaa, a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, immunologists, endocrinologists, and critical care teams ensures early detection and prompt management of any side effects.

Continuum of Care

As immunotherapy continues to evolve, Apollo Athenaa remains at the forefront, offering access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials to ensure patients benefit from the most advanced options in cancer care. Long-term care at Apollo Athenaa includes:

Periodic imaging and tumor marker assessments

Monitoring of hormonal function and organ health

Ongoing surveillance for delayed immune side effects

Transition to survivorship care with rehabilitation, nutrition, and psychosocial support

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if immunotherapy will work for my type of cancer?

01

Not all cancers respond to immunotherapy. Your tumor needs certain biomarkers such as PD-L1, MSI-H, dMMR, or high TMB. At Apollo Athenaa, these markers are tested through advanced molecular profiling, and your case is reviewed by medical oncologists experienced in choosing the right immunotherapy for each tumor type.

Will immunotherapy affect my hormones or menstrual cycle?

02

In some women, immune-related side effects can affect glands such as the thyroid or pituitary, which may influence energy levels or menstrual patterns. At Apollo Athenaa, endocrinologists are part of your care team to monitor and manage these changes early.

How long does immunotherapy take to start showing results?

03

Responses vary by cancer type. Some patients respond within weeks, while others may take a few months. At Apollo Athenaa, structured follow-up imaging and clinical reviews help track progress and adjust treatment if needed.

Can immunotherapy be combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy?

04

Yes, many modern treatments use combination approaches to improve effectiveness. At Apollo Athenaa, your oncologist evaluates your tumor biology and health status to decide whether combined therapy is likely to offer added benefit.

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Advanced Immunotherapy, for Personalized Cancer Careat Apollo Athenaa

Advanced Immunotherapy,
for Personalized Cancer Care
at Apollo Athenaa