Immunotherapy represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment in recent decades. Unlike traditional treatments that directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy works by empowering your body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

The human immune system is incredibly sophisticated, designed to identify and eliminate foreign invaders and abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can sometimes evade detection by using various mechanisms to "hide" from immune cells. Immunotherapy drugs work by removing these disguises, allowing immune cells to recognize and attack cancer.

There are several types of immunotherapy, each working in different ways. Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer. CAR-T cell therapy involves modifying a patient's own T cells to better recognize and fight cancer. Cancer vaccines help train the immune system to recognize specific cancer antigens.

Immunotherapy has shown remarkable success in treating various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and certain types of lymphoma. Some patients have experienced long-term remissions, and in some cases, what appears to be complete cures.

However, immunotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Your oncologist will evaluate factors such as your cancer type, stage, molecular markers, and overall health to determine if immunotherapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.