All questions · What each treatment is doing

What is immunotherapy?

It does not attack the cancer directly. It takes the brakes off your own immune system so that your body can recognize the cancer and fight it.

Because the brakes are off, the immune system can sometimes attack healthy parts too. Tell your team quickly about a new rash, diarrhea or shortness of breath.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.

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Content last updated 25 September 2026 · How we write these cards · Report a problem with this card

These cards are for learning. They are not medical advice and do not replace talking with your own doctor.