Plain-language explanations of the most common cancer treatments, so you can understand what your care team is talking about.
6 treatments
What it is
Immunotherapy works with your body's natural defences. Instead of attacking the cancer directly, it helps the immune system — the network of cells that fights illness — find and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
How it works
Cancer cells can sometimes "hide" from the immune system. Immunotherapy removes this disguise or boosts the immune response so the body can see and attack the cancer. Some types are given through a vein; others are pills or targeted cell treatments.
What to expect
Treatment schedules vary — some are given every few weeks, others more often. You will be monitored closely with scans and blood tests. Because responses can take time, your doctor will check how the cancer is responding over several months.
Common side effects
Side effects come from an activated immune system and can include tiredness, skin rash, or inflammation in organs like the lungs or bowel. These are different from chemo side effects and are usually managed with medication.
⚠️ This guide is for general education only and describes treatments in simple terms. Your own plan depends on your specific cancer and health. Always talk to your oncologist about what is right for you.