Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy: How They Are Changing Cancer Care Today

Cancer treatment has evolved over the past two decades with a greater focus on precision-based approaches. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation still play a role. Yet they often affect healthy tissues along with cancer cells.

Modern cancer treatments now include immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These therapies offer new hope by improving disease control and reducing harm to normal cells. As researchers deepen their understanding of the disease, these approaches continue to change how we manage different cancers worldwide.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy in cancer care are built around two separate mechanisms. Targeted therapy is designed to block specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow. It relies on molecular testing to identify abnormalities in the tumour and match the patient with a suitable drug. This level of personalisation is important because not all cancers behave the same way. Identifying a driver mutation helps doctors decide whether a patient may benefit from targeted drugs.

Immunotherapy in cancer treatment focuses on improving the body’s immune response. The immune system is often unable to detect cancer because tumours develop ways to hide. Immunotherapy removes those barriers and helps immune cells locate and attack abnormal cells. This method does not attack the tumour directly. Instead, it encourages the immune system to become more effective. The result may be a longer-lasting response and better disease control in certain cancers.

Immunotherapy Versus Targeted Therapy

The two approaches differ in their basic principles and response patterns. Immunotherapy stimulates immune cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells. It works well in patients whose immune systems are still active but are unable to act on their own. In contrast, targeted therapy uses drugs that interfere with the specific molecules inside or on the surface of cancer cells.

One of the key differences lies in treatment design. Targeted drugs are matched to a known mutation, making testing essential before treatment. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, may be used based on tumour type or immune markers.

Response times also differ. Targeted therapy may show a quicker effect by shrinking tumours within weeks. Immunotherapy often takes longer. The immune system needs time to ramp up and mount a strong attack. In some cases, patients may initially appear worse before showing improvement, which is part of the immune-related response pattern.

The duration of the benefit also separates the two. Targeted therapy responses may not last as long because cancer cells can develop resistance. Immunotherapy may produce longer-lasting results in select patients by forming a type of immune memory.

In terms of risk, both carry the possibility of side effects. Targeted drugs may affect organs depending on the protein they block. Immunotherapy may lead to immune-related complications where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue. These risks are usually manageable when detected early.

Acknowledging the Impact of Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy on Current Cancer Care

Modern cancer treatments have shifted from blanket approaches to individualised planning. Immunotherapy in cancer treatment has transformed care for melanoma, lung cancer and kidney cancer, among others. In these cancers, durable responses have been seen in patients who had very limited options before. It has also expanded the role of maintenance therapy. After chemotherapy, patients may now receive immunotherapy to keep cancer under control for longer periods.

Targeted therapy has redefined how some cancers are staged and managed. In lung cancer, testing for specific mutations is now part of the diagnostic routine. It decides whether a patient begins with chemotherapy or moves directly to targeted pills. The same applies to breast and colorectal cancers, where targeted drugs are used alongside or instead of traditional therapies.

Both therapies also play a growing role in early-stage cancers. They are no longer limited to patients with advanced disease. Some patients receive targeted therapy before surgery to shrink tumours. Others receive immunotherapy after surgery to prevent recurrence. These developments have made treatment more strategic and less toxic.

Access to genetic testing and immune profiling is expanding, which allows more patients to be assessed for suitability. At the same time, awareness about immunotherapy vs targeted therapy helps patients participate in treatment planning more actively.

The Future of Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

The next phase of development focuses on combining therapies to improve results. Clinical trials are now testing how immunotherapy may work alongside targeted therapy. This combination may deliver the benefits of both while reducing the chance of drug resistance.

There is also increased focus on cancer types that have not responded well so far. New targets are being discovered and tested. Scientists are also studying the tumour microenvironment. This includes the surrounding cells, blood vessels and immune activity that may affect treatment response.

Another future direction is adaptive treatment planning at the best cancer hospitals in Bangalore or other parts of the world—where the treatment may be adjusted based on repeat testing. This flexible approach, followed by the best oncologists in Bangalore or other cities, will likely play a role in the long-term management of cancers that change over time.

Artificial intelligence is being explored to help predict who may benefit from these treatments. It may support faster and more accurate testing by analysing large volumes of tumour data. This may help bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment.

Global collaboration is also speeding up research. More countries are participating in clinical trials. This allows access to new drugs and helps us understand how therapies work in different populations.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are reshaping how doctors manage cancer today. They offer more precise and less harmful options compared to traditional treatments. Although not every patient benefits equally, the improvements in survival and quality of life are meaningful. These therapies reflect a broader shift toward modern cancer treatments that focus on the patient’s unique biology. As we continue to learn more, the hope is to bring safer and more effective care to more people worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you combine immunotherapy with targeted therapy?

Yes, some cancers may benefit from combining the two. The goal is to increase immune response while blocking tumour growth. This is still under study in many trials.

At what stage of cancer is immunotherapy used?

Immunotherapy is often used in advanced stages. It may also be used after surgery or chemotherapy to prevent recurrence in some early-stage cancers.

Is targeted therapy better than immunotherapy for lung cancer?

That depends on the mutation present. If the tumour has a known target, targeted therapy may be more effective. If not, immunotherapy may be considered.

Which cancers are most successfully treated with immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy has shown strong results in melanoma along with non-small cell lung cancer and certain types of kidney and bladder cancer.

How many cycles of immunotherapy can you have?

The number of cycles may vary. Some patients receive it for a fixed period while others continue until the tumour stops responding or side effects appear.