Immunotherapy for Cancer in Bangalore
The immune system is capable of recognising and destroying abnormal cells. Cancers that grow have, in effect, found a way around it. Immunotherapy is treatment designed to restore that recognition.
The most widely used class is the immune checkpoint inhibitor. Checkpoints are proteins that normally stop immune cells attacking healthy tissue. Some cancers exploit them. The National Cancer Institute describes how checkpoint inhibitors block proteins such as PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4, so that immune cells are no longer switched off when they encounter the tumour.
Immunotherapy has changed outcomes in several cancers. The American Cancer Society notes it is used in melanoma, lung, bladder and kidney cancers and in lymphomas — while making two points that matter just as much: it is not available for all cancers, and the choice of drug depends on biomarker testing rather than on the cancer type alone.
That second point defines how immunotherapy is practised at Athira. Precision oncology is one of the centre's four commitments, and biomarker testing is the gateway to this treatment. Where testing suggests immunotherapy may help, it is discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board and planned alongside whatever else the case requires. Where testing does not support it, patients are told that plainly.
Precision-led Immunotherapy Care
Biomarker testing is the gateway to immunotherapy at Athira, with treatment decisions discussed through multidisciplinary review.
Understanding Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by helping the immune system recognise and act against cancer. Understanding how immune checkpoints work can help explain both how these medicines work and why their side effects are different from chemotherapy.
checkpoint pathway
How checkpoints work
Immune T-cells carry receptors that act as off-switches, preventing the immune system attacking the body's own tissue. PD-1 is one such receptor. When it binds to PD-L1 — a protein found on some normal cells, and produced in quantity by some cancer cells — the T-cell stands down. A tumour displaying high levels of PD-L1 is, functionally, showing the immune system a signal that says leave me alone. CTLA-4 works through a related braking mechanism earlier in the immune response.
What the drug does
A checkpoint inhibitor blocks that interaction. The brake is not applied, and the T-cell can act on the tumour (National Cancer Institute).
Why side effects differ from chemotherapy
Because immunotherapy activates the immune system rather than killing dividing cells, its side effects tend to look like inflammation rather than the classic chemotherapy pattern. The thyroid, skin, bowel, lungs, liver and other organs can become inflamed. Most such effects are manageable when identified early — which is why reporting new symptoms promptly matters more here than almost anywhere else in oncology.
Why response can look unusual
Immunotherapy sometimes takes longer to show its effect than chemotherapy, and scans early in treatment can occasionally be difficult to interpret. Your oncologist will explain how response will be assessed in your case.
Other forms of immunotherapy
Other forms of immunotherapy exist beyond checkpoint inhibitors, including treatments that use engineered immune cells and therapeutic vaccines. Availability varies considerably by cancer type and setting.
When Is Immunotherapy Recommended?
Immunotherapy is not suitable for every cancer or every patient. Your oncologist may consider it depending on the cancer type, stage, biomarker results and your medical history.
When it may be considered
Immunotherapy may be recommended when testing and the clinical situation suggest that it is an appropriate treatment option.
Biomarker testing shows a marker associated with likely benefit
PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability or high tumour mutational burden, depending on the cancer.
The diagnosis falls within cancer types where checkpoint inhibitors have an established role
The American Cancer Society names melanoma, lung, bladder and kidney cancers and lymphomas among them.
It is being combined with chemotherapy
A standard approach in several cancers where the two are given together in the first line.
Disease has progressed after earlier treatment
Immunotherapy may be an appropriate next line depending on the cancer.
It is being used after surgery or chemoradiation
It may be used to reduce recurrence risk, where evidence supports that use.
Where extra caution applies
Because immunotherapy stimulates the immune system, existing autoimmune conditions, ongoing immunosuppressive medication and organ transplant history all require careful discussion. These do not automatically rule it out, but they change the risk assessment. Tell your oncologist about any autoimmune diagnosis, however long ago.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Biomarker testing is the central investigation. The evaluation helps build a molecular profile and determine eligibility for immunotherapy.
Before Treatment
Biomarker testing on tumour tissue is central to evaluating whether immunotherapy may be appropriate.
Biomarker testing on tumour tissue
This is the central investigation. The American Cancer Society describes biomarker tests as examining genes, proteins, hormones or other substances taken from a biopsy, blood or another body fluid, to build a molecular profile — and it is this profile that determines eligibility for immunotherapy.
PD-L1 immunohistochemistry
PD-L1 immunohistochemistry, where the cancer type calls for it, reported as a percentage or score depending on the assay.
Microsatellite instability and mismatch repair
Testing for microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiency, which in some cancers predicts benefit.
Tumour mutational burden
Tumour mutational burden, where available and relevant.
Adequate tissue
Biomarker testing needs enough material. If the original biopsy is insufficient, a repeat biopsy may be recommended — an inconvenience, but one that prevents a treatment decision being made on incomplete information.
Baseline organ function and immune-related screening
Thyroid function, liver and kidney function, blood counts, and blood glucose, so that any later change can be recognised as treatment-related.
Medical history and baseline imaging
Detailed history of autoimmune disease, transplant and steroid or immunosuppressant use. Baseline imaging, for comparison against later response assessment.
A complete evaluation helps ensure that treatment decisions are based on the patient's tumour profile and overall clinical situation.
Treatment and Care Approaches
Immunotherapy may be used alone or as part of a combination or sequence of treatments, depending on the cancer and clinical circumstances.
Checkpoint inhibitor therapy, given as an intravenous infusion at set intervals — commonly every two, three, four or six weeks depending on the drug and schedule.
Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, a standard approach in several cancers where the two are given together in the first line.
Immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy, in selected cancers.
Consolidation immunotherapy, given after chemoradiation in certain settings.
Adjuvant immunotherapy, given after surgery where evidence supports reducing recurrence risk.
Immune-related toxicity management. Every patient is given clear guidance on symptoms to report — persistent diarrhoea, new breathlessness or cough, rash, unusual fatigue, palpitations.
Immune-related effects are usually managed with corticosteroids and, where needed, temporary or permanent interruption of the drug. Immunotherapy is often continued for a defined period, commonly up to around two years in some settings, or until the disease progresses or side effects require stopping. Your oncologist will explain the planned duration for your regimen.
Personalised Cancer Care at Athira
Immunotherapy is inherently personalised
Immunotherapy is inherently personalised, because it cannot be prescribed without knowing the tumour's molecular profile first. But personalisation goes beyond eligibility. Athira's approach starts with getting the testing right — ensuring enough tissue, ordering the panels that will actually influence the decision, and interpreting results in the context of the whole case rather than as an isolated number.
Multidisciplinary tumour board
The tumour board then considers where immunotherapy sits in the sequence: alone, with chemotherapy, before or after local treatment. That decision is made by a panel including medical, surgical and radiation oncology rather than by one specialty.
Individualised monitoring
Monitoring is individualised according to risk. A patient with a history of thyroid disease or inflammatory bowel disease is watched differently from one without. Baseline results are recorded so that a later change is recognised for what it is.
Practical guidance
Patients are given a practical, specific list of what to report and how to reach the team. With immune-related toxicity, early recognition genuinely changes the outcome.
Why Athira?
Testing-led decisions
Immunotherapy is offered on the basis of biomarker results, in line with the American Cancer Society's point that drug choice depends on testing rather than cancer type alone.
Precision oncology as a core commitment
Genomic profiling and molecular characterisation are part of Athira's stated model of care, not an add-on service.
Trial-experienced leadership
Dr. Niti Krishna Raizada has served as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on more than 60 global multicentric trials — direct experience of how newer agents are evaluated and used.
Multidisciplinary sequencing
Because surgical and radiation oncology sit within the same team, the decision on when immunotherapy fits is made with the whole plan in view.
Structured toxicity monitoring
Immune-related side effects are a distinct clinical discipline and are managed as such.
Clinical trials access
Where an appropriate immunotherapy study is available, patients are informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about immunotherapy, eligibility, treatment and side effects.
Is immunotherapy available for every type of cancer?
No. The American Cancer Society is clear that immunotherapy is not available for all cancers. It has an established role in melanoma, lung, bladder and kidney cancers and lymphomas, among others, and its use continues to expand — but eligibility depends on your specific diagnosis and biomarker results.
How is it decided whether I am eligible?
Through biomarker testing on your tumour tissue. Depending on the cancer, this may include PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability status or tumour mutational burden. Your oncologist will explain which tests apply and what the results mean.
Is immunotherapy easier to tolerate than chemotherapy?
Often, but not always, and the side effects are different in kind. Immunotherapy does not typically cause hair loss or the same pattern of nausea, but it can cause inflammation in organs such as the thyroid, bowel, skin, lungs and liver. Some of these need prompt treatment.
How quickly will I know if it is working?
Usually after the first reassessment scan, at an interval your oncologist will specify. Immunotherapy can take longer to show its effect than chemotherapy, and early imaging is sometimes harder to interpret, so patience is occasionally required.
Can immunotherapy be given with chemotherapy?
Yes. Combining the two is standard first-line treatment in several cancers. Your oncologist will explain whether that applies to your case.
I have an autoimmune condition. Can I still have immunotherapy?
It requires careful discussion. Because immunotherapy activates the immune system, it can worsen an existing autoimmune condition. That does not automatically exclude you, but the risks and benefits need to be weighed individually. Tell your oncologist about any autoimmune diagnosis, past or present.
What symptoms should I report between cycles?
Persistent diarrhoea, new or worsening cough or breathlessness, significant rash or itching, unusual tiredness, palpitations, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and any new severe symptom. Report these promptly rather than waiting for your next appointment.
How long will I need to stay on immunotherapy?
It varies. In some settings treatment continues for a defined period, in others until disease progresses or side effects require stopping. Your oncologist will give you the planned duration for your regimen.
Do side effects stop when the treatment stops?
Usually, but not always immediately. Some immune-related effects appear or continue after treatment ends, and a few — such as thyroid changes — may require long-term medication. Follow-up covers this.
Does immunotherapy need to be given as an inpatient?
Generally no. It is usually given as a day care infusion, and most patients go home the same day.
Explore Immunotherapy Care at Athira
Speak with the oncology team to understand whether immunotherapy, biomarker testing or another treatment approach may be appropriate for your cancer.
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