Educational information only — not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Content last checked: Jul 15, 2026·Sources & review
Immunotherapy
What is this treatment?
Treatments that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, including checkpoint inhibitors in many settings.
When doctors consider it
Often considered when biomarkers, histology, or prior treatment history suggest potential benefit.
Potential advantages
- Can produce durable responses in selected patients
- May be used alone or with other systemic therapies
- Outpatient administration is common
Limitations
- Not effective for every patient or cancer subtype
- Immune-related side effects can be serious
- Biomarker testing may be needed to guide use
Questions to discuss with doctors
- Which biomarkers were tested and how do they affect options?
- What monitoring is needed for immune-related toxicities?
- How does immunotherapy compare with chemotherapy for my case?
Countries offering this option
- United States
- Japan
- United Kingdom
Cost considerations
Drug costs, duration of therapy, and management of immune-related adverse events drive total expense.