Cancer treatment has evolved tremendously over the past few decades, offering patients more effective and personalized care options. In this educational video, Dr. Rahul Jena, Uro-Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon at Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre & Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, breaks down two major treatment approaches — Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy — in a simple, easy-to-understand format.
This blog summarizes the key points from the video to help patients and families better understand how these treatments function and when they may be used.
Understanding the Treatments
🔬 What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is one of the oldest and most widely used cancer treatments. It works by using strong medicines to:
- Destroy rapidly growing cancer cells
- Stop cancer from spreading
- Shrink tumors before surgery
- Kill leftover cancer cells after surgery
Chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream, which means it can target cancer cells anywhere in the body. However, because it affects all fast-dividing cells, some healthy cells also get damaged — leading to side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and low blood counts.
When Is Chemotherapy Used?
Chemotherapy is often recommended for:
- Advanced or spreading cancers
- Cancers where surgery alone may not be enough
- Reducing tumor size before procedures
- Eliminating leftover cells after surgery
Its effectiveness depends on the type and stage of cancer, and the patient’s overall health.
🛡️ What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a newer and more targeted approach. Instead of attacking cancer cells directly, it:
- Strengthens the body’s immune system
- Helps immune cells recognize and destroy cancer
- Blocks signals that allow cancer cells to hide inside the body
Immunotherapy works differently for each patient because it relies on the immune response.
When Is Immunotherapy Used?
Doctors may recommend immunotherapy for:
- Cancers that do not respond well to chemotherapy
- Specific cancers like bladder cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer
- Patients who are medically fit for immune-modulating treatments
- Advanced or metastatic cancers
While it has fewer side effects than chemotherapy, it may still cause immune-related reactions that require close medical supervision.
Key Differences: Chemotherapy vs Immunotherapy
| Feature | Chemotherapy | Immunotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Kills fast-growing cancer cells | Boosts immune system to fight cancer |
| Effect | Systemic, affects whole body | More targeted, immune-specific |
| Side effects | Nausea, hair loss, fatigue | Immune reactions, inflammation |
| Usage | Many types of cancers | Selected cancers |
| Response | Often quicker | May take longer to show results |
Both treatments are essential and valuable — the choice depends on the patient’s cancer type, stage, and overall health.
Benefits & Limitations of Each Treatment
⭐ Benefits of Chemotherapy
- Works for a wide range of cancers
- Fast-acting
- Can be combined with surgery or radiation
- Useful when cancer has spread
⭐ Limitations
- More side effects
- Affects healthy cells
- Some cancers may not respond well
⭐ Benefits of Immunotherapy
- More targeted
- Fewer long-term side effects
- Enhances natural immune defenses
- Effective even in advanced cancer cases
⭐ Limitations
- Not suitable for all cancers
- May cause immune-related inflammation
- Can take longer to show visible results
👨⚕️ About Dr. Rahul Jena – Leading Uro-Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon in Bhubaneswar
Dr. Rahul Jena is recognized as one of the most trusted Uro-Oncologists and Consultant Urologists in Bhubaneswar, known for his expertise in diagnosing and treating complex urological cancers with precision and compassion. With advanced training in robotic surgery, laparoscopic procedures, and minimally invasive cancer treatment, he brings world-class urological care to Odisha.
🔹 Expertise & Special Interests
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis & Robotic Prostatectomy
Kidney Cancer & Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Bladder Cancer Surgery & TURBT
Testicular Cancer Treatment
Laser Surgery for Kidney Stones
Management of complex urological conditions
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between chemotherapy and immunotherapy is essential for patients and caregivers navigating a cancer diagnosis. While chemotherapy directly targets and destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells, immunotherapy empowers the body’s own immune system to identify and attack cancer more effectively. Each treatment has its own benefits, limitations, and role within a personalized cancer care plan.
As Dr. Rahul Jena emphasizes, no two patients are the same. The choice between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of both depends on multiple factors—such as cancer type, stage, overall health, and how the body responds to treatment. This is why individualized guidance from a qualified uro-oncologist is crucial.
With advanced technologies, improved treatment protocols, and expert specialists like Dr. Rahul Jena, patients today have access to more effective and targeted cancer care than ever before. The goal is not just treating the disease but improving quality of life, offering hope, and empowering patients to make informed decisions.
For expert guidance or personalized consultation, patients can connect with Dr. Rahul Jena, Uro-Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon at Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre & Research Institute, Bhubaneswar.