Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy

Cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are modern treatments that attack cancer cells more precisely than traditional chemotherapy. Immunotherapy strengthens your body’s immune system to fight cancer, while targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules or pathways that help cancer grow.

At Max Hospital, Dwarka, under the guidance of Dr. Peush Bajpai, Director & Unit Head, Medical Oncology, patients receive personalised, cutting-edge cancer care designed for effective outcomes and better quality of life.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps your immune system recognise and destroy cancer cells. Normally, cancer cells can hide from the immune system, but immunotherapy “teaches” the immune system to spot and attack them.

Types of Immunotherapy

• Checkpoint Inhibitors: Medicines that block certain proteins used by cancer cells to hide from the immune system, allowing immune cells to attack the cancer.
• CAR-T Cell Therapy: T-cells (a type of immune cell) are taken from the patient, modified in a lab to target cancer cells, and then returned to the body.
• Cancer Vaccines: Help the immune system recognise specific cancer markers so it can fight tumours more effectively.
• Cytokine Therapy: Uses natural proteins to boost the immune response against cancer.

What is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules or pathways that help cancer cells survive and grow. By attacking these targets directly, the therapy reduces damage to healthy cells and often causes fewer side effects.

Types of Targeted Therapy

• Monoclonal Antibodies: Lab-made proteins that attach to cancer cells and block signals that help them grow.
• Small Molecule Drugs: Medications that block proteins or enzymes critical for cancer cell survival.
• Hormone Therapy: Reduces hormones that certain cancers, like breast or prostate cancer, need to grow.
• Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Prevent new blood vessels from forming, cutting off the tumour’s blood supply.

Benefits of Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy

• Precision Treatment: Focuses on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
• Fewer Side Effects: Often gentler than traditional chemotherapy.
• Can Be Combined with Other Treatments: Works with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy for better results.
• Personalised Approach: Treatment is tailored to the patient’s type of cancer, genetics, and overall health.
• Supports the Immune System: Helps the body fight cancer and lowers the chance of recurrence.

Who Can Benefit?

These therapies are usually recommended for:

• Advanced or metastatic cancers
• Recurrent or resistant tumours
• Cancers with specific genetic or molecular markers
• Patients seeking treatments with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy

Common cancers treated include: lung, breast, prostate, melanoma, lymphoma, leukaemia, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr. Peush Bajpai evaluates every patient individually to ensure the therapy is safe and suitable.

Treatment Process

1. Evaluation & Testing

Your oncologist may recommend imaging, blood tests, biopsies, or genetic testing to understand the cancer and identify the best treatment options.

2. Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on the results, a customised immunotherapy or targeted therapy plan is created for your specific cancer type and overall health.

3. Administration

Treatment may be given as an intravenous infusion, oral medication, or injection, depending on the therapy.

4. Monitoring & Follow-Up

Patients are closely monitored with regular check-ups, imaging, and lab tests to track response and manage any side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are these therapies suitable for all patients?

No. Suitability depends on the type and stage of cancer, genetic markers, and overall health. Dr. Bajpai evaluates each case carefully.

Q2. What side effects can occur?

Side effects are usually milder than chemotherapy but may include fatigue, flu-like symptoms, skin reactions, or immune-related effects.

Q3. Can these therapies be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy can be combined with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to improve results.

Q4. How long does treatment last?

Treatment duration varies depending on the type of cancer, therapy response, and patient condition. Some treatments are short-term; others may continue for several months.

Why Choose Dr. Peush Bajpai at Max Hospital, Dwarka?

• Over 20 years of experience in medical and precision oncology
• Expertise in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and comprehensive cancer care
• Personalised, patient-focused care with attention to quality of life

Take the Next Step

Consult Dr. Peush Bajpai, Director & Unit Head, Medical Oncology at Max Hospital, Dwarka.

With expertise in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, Dr. Bajpai provides personalised, evidence-based, and compassionate care designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.