Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy for lung cancer has changed the way doctors treat this disease. This treatment strengthens the body’s natural defense system, helping it recognize and attack cancer cells. Unlike traditional methods that damage both healthy and unhealthy cells, immunotherapy teaches the immune system to fight the right targets.

Doctors now use it to treat many types of lung cancer, especially advanced non small cell lung cancer NSCLC and extensive stage small cell lung cancer SCLC. If you’re considering treatment options, this article can help you understand what immunotherapy involves, how it works, and what to expect.

How Immunotherapy Works in Lung Cancer

The immune system protects your body from harmful invaders, including viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells. However, some tumor cells hide by using special signals that block the immune response. Immunotherapy blocks those signals, allowing immune cells to see and attack the cancer.

In lung cancer, doctors use different types of immunotherapy to boost immune activity. Some treatments block immune checkpoints that cancer uses to stay hidden. Others help the immune system locate and destroy cancer cells more efficiently.

This method has helped many people live longer and with fewer side effects than traditional cancer treatments.

Why Doctors Use Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer

Doctors may recommend targeted therapy for lung cancer for several reasons. Here are three of the most common:

It works well for gene mutations

If your lung cancer has certain genetic changes, such as mutations in the EGFR gene or ALK gene, targeted therapies are often more effective than chemotherapy. They are specifically designed to block the abnormal proteins made by these genes.

It causes fewer side effects

Since targeted therapy attacks only the cancer cells with mutations, it causes less harm to healthy cells. This means side effects are often fewer and milder, making it easier for patients to maintain daily routines.

It provides hope when other treatments don’t work

If chemotherapy or radiation therapy is not successful, targeted therapy may offer another option. It can be used alone or combined with other therapies to better manage the disease.

Types of Immunotherapy Used for Lung Cancer

Different types of immunotherapy target cancer in unique ways. Your treatment plan depends on your cancer type, overall health, and lab test results.

Checkpoint Inhibitors

This type blocks the “off switches” on immune cells that cancer uses to hide. When those switches stay off, immune cells stay active and attack tumor cells.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Lab-made proteins bind to specific targets on cell lung cancer SCLC or NSCLC cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.

Cancer Vaccines and Cell-Based Therapies

These newer methods teach the immune system to recognize lung cancer. Some are still in clinical trials, but they offer exciting possibilities.

All these treatments aim to activate your body’s defenses against cancer without harming healthy cells.

Eligibility for Immunotherapy

Not everyone qualifies for immunotherapy for lung cancer. Doctors check your health history, lung cancer type, and lab results before choosing this treatment.

You may qualify if:

You have advanced non small cell lung cancer NSCLC
Your cancer returned after chemotherapy
Your tumor shows specific markers, such as high immune activity
You can manage mild side effects
You meet the guidelines from recent clinical trials

Doctors use special lab tests to check if your tumor expresses proteins that make immunotherapy more effective. These tests help them decide the best plan.

Combining Immunotherapy with Other Treatments

Doctors often combine immunotherapy with other treatment options to improve success.

Immunotherapy + Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy weakens the cancer, while immunotherapy boosts the immune system. Together, they deliver a powerful response.

Immunotherapy + Targeted Therapy

In patients whose tumors carry certain gene mutations, targeted therapy attacks those specific cancer pathways. When paired with immunotherapy, this approach covers more ground.

Immunotherapy + Radiation

Radiation therapy can make cancer more visible to the immune system. Combined with immunotherapy, this can help the body respond more strongly.

Combining therapies depends on your health, cancer stage, and previous treatments. Your doctor will tailor the plan for your needs.

What to Expect During Immunotherapy

During immunotherapy for lung cancer, doctors deliver medicine through an IV in a clinical setting. Sessions usually happen every 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your plan.

Before Treatment:

Doctors review blood tests and scan results
Nurses prepare you for IV administration
Your care team explains the process

During Treatment:

You sit comfortably while medicine enters your bloodstream
Sessions may last 30 minutes to a few hours
Nurses monitor for side effects

After Treatment:

You return home the same day
Doctors schedule follow-up visits to check your progress
You report any symptoms to your care team

This routine may continue for several months or longer, depending on how well your body responds.

Possible Side Effects of Immunotherapy

Most people tolerate immunotherapy better than chemotherapy. However, it can still cause side effects, especially when the immune system attacks healthy tissue.

Common Side Effects:

Fatigue
Cough
Nausea
Skin rash
Joint or muscle pain

Less Common, Serious Effects:

Inflammation in lungs, liver, or intestines
Hormone changes
Vision problems
Severe headaches
Changes in mood or memory

You should report any new symptoms quickly. Doctors can treat many side effects early and prevent them from getting worse. In rare cases, they may pause or stop treatment to protect your health.

Results of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer

Some patients see strong results with immunotherapy for lung cancer, especially those with tumors that respond well. Response times vary. Some people improve within weeks, while others take months.

Doctors measure success through scans, blood work, and symptoms. They watch for shrinking tumors or stable disease. In many cases, people enjoy longer survival and a better quality of life.

While not every patient benefits, this treatment has helped thousands live longer than older methods allowed.

Understanding the Differences: Targeted Therapy vs Immunotherapy

Though both aim to treat cancer, targeted therapy and immunotherapy work differently.

Targeted therapy blocks specific mutations or proteins that cancer cells use to grow.
Immunotherapy activates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

In some cases, doctors combine both for a stronger effect. This approach may suit people with certain genetic traits or those who didn’t respond to earlier treatments.

Conclusion: Is Immunotherapy Right for You?

Immunotherapy for lung cancer has become a powerful tool in modern cancer care. It offers hope to many patients, especially those with advanced non small cell lung cancer NSCLC and extensive stage small cell lung cancer SCLC.

By boosting your immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer, this treatment gives many people a chance at longer life and better health. Your doctor can help you decide if immunotherapy fits your needs based on your cancer type, test results, and overall health.

Whether used alone or with other treatment options, immunotherapy represents one of the most promising paths forward in the fight against lung cancer.

Your Journey

Start Your Recovery

Our dedicated Patient Navigator will assist you with appointment scheduling. Contact us at +6012-3993260 (Call or Whatsapp ).

First Consultation

On appointment day, bring along all the medical reports and your identity documents, ie. identity card or passport. Our team will help you organize the medical reports for our oncologist to review. Our oncologist will discuss the treatment plan with you. Tele-consult is available for overseas patients.

Treatment Day

Come to our center on an agreed date and time for the treatment. Our team will take good care of you. You will be discharged on the same day. Yes, you will get to go home after every treatment visit as no overnight admission is required.

Stay on Track

Our dedicated patient navigator will be following up with you post treatment to check on your condition, to ensure that you are doing well. You will receive a reminder message on your phone for the next appointment date.

Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze

Consultant Medical Oncologist
Medical Director
MBBS (Melb) FRACP (Aus)

Monday - Friday : 08:00 AM TO 06:00 PM

Saturday : 08:00 AM TO 02:00 PM

D. Joseph K. Joseph

Consultant Medical Oncologist
MBBCH, BAO (IRE) MRCP (UK)

Wednesday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Friday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

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Onco Life Centre Wins 2025 Best Oncology Clinic in Malaysia

We are proud to share that Onco Life Centre has been named the Oncology Clinic and Treatment Centre of the Year in Malaysia at the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, held in Bangkok.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, compassionate, and cutting-edge cancer care to our patients. The award reflects not just our clinical excellence, but our dedication to safety, community outreach, and innovation in oncology services.

The GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards celebrate leading healthcare institutions across the region. Winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as:

Excellence and Innovation: Transforming healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through progressive medical practices.
Patient Safety: Upholding the highest standards to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective treatment environments.
Community Involvement: Actively engaging in public awareness, screening programs, and care for underprivileged communities.
Technology Adoption: Integrating advanced diagnostics, therapies, and digital tools to enhance every aspect of care.
Impact and Measurable Results: Demonstrating tangible improvements in cancer detection, treatment success, and patient well-being.
Adaptability and Preparedness: Being resilient and forward-thinking in the face of global health challenges.
Leadership and Vision: Cultivating a culture that prioritizes empathy, innovation, and ongoing education.

This award inspires us to continue raising the bar in oncology care—not only through medical advancements but by remaining deeply rooted in our advocacy mission: to serve, educate, and empower every cancer patient, especially those most in need.

We dedicate this achievement to our patients, survivors, caregivers, and the entire Onco Life Centre community. Your courage fuels our purpose. Together, we will continue the fight—because every life matters.