This article explains the key differences between cancer immunotherapy and chemotherapy, highlighting recent clinical findings that showcase immunotherapy's potential to improve survival rates. It discusses side effects, treatment responses, and the future of cancer care, emphasizing the growing importance of immunotherapy as a promising treatment option for advanced cancers.

Differences Between Cancer Immunotherapy and Conventional Chemotherapy

Advancements in cancer treatment have introduced immunotherapy as a viable alternative to standard chemotherapy. Clinical data show patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug, experienced an average survival extension of 3.2 months compared to chemotherapy. This cancer type makes up about 25-30% of lung cancers. Data from the New England Journal of Medicine and ASCO 2015 reveal immunotherapy can significantly boost survival rates, with about 42% of patients surviving one year, nearly double the rate for chemotherapy.

While chemotherapy often results in quick tumor reduction and side effects like hair loss and nausea, immunotherapy encourages the immune system to attack cancer cells, typically causing milder side effects such as skin rashes or diarrhea. Sometimes tumors may initially enlarge before shrinking. Immunotherapy is particularly promising for advanced cancer stages, providing new hope for patients.

Both treatment options have potential side effects, but immunotherapy can be less toxic when properly managed. Its effectiveness relies on understanding how cancer cells interact with the immune system. Treatments aim to target cancer while supporting the body's natural defenses. The choice between immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or combination therapies depends on individual health conditions and cancer progression. Ongoing scientific advances continue to establish immunotherapy as a key approach in cancer treatment, offering new avenues for improved patient outcomes.