Immunotherapy

What is immunotherapy? A beginner’s guide

April 21, 2025

6 minute read

Immunotherapy is a specialized treatment method that helps our immune system fight and specifically kill cancerous cells. It is usually done through certain modifications in our immune cells in the lab, and when injected, they specifically target the cancerous cells without harming the normal cells. This technique is more specific, safer, and non-toxic compared to other conventional techniques like chemotherapy, which can affect normal cells. If you are new to this term, this blog will surely guide you about immunotherapy and will break it down in simple terms

What are Passive and active immunotherapies?

Based on how our immune system is involved, Immunotherapy can be divided into:

Active Immunotherapy:
This is when your immune system is stimulated to fight a disease (like cancer or an infection). It “activates” your immune response by training it to recognize and attack the disease.
Examples: Vaccines and cancer immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors.

Passive Immunotherapy:
In this type, the ready-made immune agents (like antibodies) are given directly to you. And your immune system does not work to create them
Examples: Monoclonal antibody treatments, antivenom for snake bites, immunoglobulin infusions.

Why the immune system?

The immune system is the body’s natural defense mechanism that helps the body fight against infections entering our body. Remove damaged cells, but sometimes, harmful cancerous cells can escape from our immune system. To deal with this, Immunotherapy is done to specifically target the cancer cells and take them down.

What are the types of Immunotherapy Techniques?

There are many types of immunotherapy techniques developed over time, and with medical advancement, these include:

Monoclonal antibodies—These are lab-made antibodies that specifically kill or target the specific antigen, protein in cancer, blocking their growth and function.

Checkpoint Inhibitors- They act like switches that are turned on/off according to the immune response. Sometimes, cancer cells can escape those checkpoints to avoid being attacked by our immune system. Checkpoint inhibitors are the drugs that allow your immune system to freely attack cancer cells. Ex drugs targeting PD-1 or CTLA-4 pathways.

CAR T cell therapy- It is an advanced technique in which your T cells (a type of immune cell) are taken, genetically modified, and put back in your body to better fight cancer cells.

Dendritic Cell Therapy – Dendritic cells (Precursors of Monocytes) are crucial ‘messenger’ cells in the immune system. In this therapy, dendritic cells are extracted, engineered in a lab with cancer antigens, and reintroduced into the patient to enhance the immune attack against tumors.

Cancer vaccines- They educate our immune system to target specifically the cancer cells.

Immunomodulators- These are the specific drugs that work on the immune system directly by turning on some proteins and turning off others. ex are thalidomide and lenalidomide.

OTC (Over-the-Counter) Immunotherapy—While most immunotherapies are highly specialized and administered under strict medical supervision, some immune-boosting supplements and general immune therapies are now available OTC. Examples include Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), which is used for allergy treatment, in which an increasing dose of allergen is given to develop tolerance that helps to reduce allergy symptoms. However, for cancer treatment, prescription-based immunotherapies are mandatory.

What condition can immunotherapy treat?

Cancers like—

Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

Lung Cancer (Non-small cell and small cell types)

Bladder Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin types)

Head and Neck Cancers

Prostate Cancer

Breast Cancer (especially triple-negative breast cancer)

Esophageal Cancer

Gastric (Stomach) Cancer

Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal cancers)

Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma)

Ovarian Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Brain Tumors (such as Glioblastoma)

Sarcomas (Cancers of bones and soft tissues)

What are the pros and cons of Immunotherapy?

Pros of immunotherapy

Target Specifically
Especially targeting the cancer cells, it can zero in on abnormal cells without harming as many healthy ones (unlike chemo).
Long-lasting effect
Your immune system can generate memory on how to fight the disease, lowering the chances of it coming back.
Highly effective
Sometimes effective even if chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery hasn’t worked.
Lesser Side Effects
Fewer, less intense side effects than with conventional cancer treatments.
Can treat complex cancer types

Effective for certain cancers that were previously considered untreatable.

Limitations of Immunotherapy

Specific
Doesn’t work effectively on all types of cancer.
Sometimes, serious side effects
May cause your immune system to attack healthy organs (called immune-related side effects), like the lungs, liver, or intestines.
May be Expensive
Immunotherapy drugs are often costly and may not be fully covered by insurance.
Slow effect
Unlike chemo, which may shrink tumors quickly, immunotherapy can take weeks or months to show effects.
Requires Close Screening
Regular monitoring and doctor visits are needed to check if it’s working and to look for side effects.

What Questions are asked by the patient to the Doctor?

The patient can ask some questions listed below to get a better understanding of the conditions and their further treatment. These are

Which type of immunotherapy is best suited for my condition?
Will I need to undergo any additional cancer treatments along with immunotherapy?
Are there any immunotherapy clinical trials currently available to me?
How will the immunotherapy be administered?
How long will each treatment session take, and how frequently will I need them?
What side effects might I experience, and how can they be managed?
What long-term side effects are associated with this treatment? How to manage them?
Which side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?
How might this treatment impact my daily routine? Will I be able to continue working, exercising, or doing regular activities?
How will we track the effectiveness of this immunotherapy treatment over time?

A keynote

Immunotherapy for cancer is one of the most effective ways to treat cancer with its specificity and target-oriented approach. It provides a much better way for you to get relief, but your healthcare provider may recommend it only if you have a specific type of cancer that requires immediate treatment and cannot be treated with conventional therapies; however, it’s not effective on all cancers and may not produce a good effect on some cancer types. Medical research is still going to find the best immunotherapy treatment for all cancer types. Lastly, consult with your doctor accordingly, only get treated at the best immunotherapy centre, and stay safe.

What are the Costs of Immunotherapy in India?

Immunotherapy costs in India can vary widely based on the type of therapy and the center providing it. Denvax clinics provide you with this therapy at a much affordable cost. Here is the comparison

Treatment Type	General Market Cost (India)	Denvax Clinics Cost (India)	Denvax Clinics Cost (International Market)
Per Dose (Dendritic Cell Therapy)	₹80,000	₹75,000	₹3,00,000–₹3,50,000
Ideal Package (up to 6 doses)	₹3,00,000–₹5,00,000	Upto ₹4,50,000	₹12,00,000–₹15,00,000

Note:

Per dose price at Denvax clinics is Rs 75000
An ideal immunotherapy package by Denvax Clinics starts from 4.5 lakh for depending on the patient’s specific clinical requirement.
For international patients, comprehensive personalized packages range between ₹12 to ₹15 lakh (approx.) due to additional services, customized care, and extended monitoring.

Care at Denvax Clinics

Want to get a personalized treatment plan for your friends, relative well-wisher having symptoms or battling cancer?, We specialize in personalized dendritic cell therapy, offering the best immunotherapy for cancer and other chronic conditions. Our expert team of doctors combines advanced medical science with compassionate care to provide treatments suits to your unique health needs.

Whether you’re exploring new options after traditional treatments or looking for a proactive approach to immune health, Denvax Clinics are here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Denvax?

Pioneers in Dendritic Cell Therapy
Decades of experience in cancer immunotherapy
Personalized cancer treatment plans
Nationwide network of specialized clinics
Proven track record of patient success stories

📞 Take the First Step Toward Healing

Your health journey deserves world-class care and breakthrough treatment.
Don’t wait—connect with a Denvax specialist today.

Call now or book your consultation online to learn how Denvax Immunotherapy can help you or your loved one.

Contact No- 011-41060168, 9625150164, 9953999439

Toll-free Number- 18001231132, 18001232323

WhatsApp: +91 9205454201

Email ID: contact@denvaxindia.com

People may ask

Is immunotherapy safe?

Yes, this procedure is completely safe as it specifically kills the target cells, providing you with a much better experience with cancer treatment with no side effects.

Can Immunotherapy treat cancer ?

Immunotherapy can control the effect of cancer, thus increasing the survival rate; however, in some cases it shrinks the tumour and in some slows the cancerous growth, but not everyone benefits from this treatment.

What is the cost of immunotherapy in India?

The cost of immunotherapy in India ranges from Rs 200000-800000. Denvax clinics provide you with this treatment at a much effective cost of Rs 150000-700000. Book your appointment and get treated.

How to find the best immunotherapy centre around you?

See their reviews and experience, and talk with people who have been treated, choose the best immunotherapy like Denvax clinics for the best personalised cancer plan and treatment. Book your appointment now!

About Author

Denvax Clinic

Denvax Clinic is a pioneer in cancer immunotherapy in India, specializing in Dendritic Cell Therapy to help patients fight cancer naturally and effectively.

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