Immunotherapy vs Chemotherapy: What’s the Difference?

Introduction

Cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the years. While chemotherapy has long been the backbone of cancer care, a revolutionary approach—immunotherapy—is now changing the landscape. For patients seeking advanced oncology care, understanding the difference between immunotherapy and chemotherapy can help make informed decisions about treatment.

At the forefront of this medical transformation is Dr. Ankur Bahl, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon, one of India’s premier hospitals for cancer care.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cells. While effective against a wide range of cancers, it also affects healthy cells, leading to side effects.

How Chemotherapy Works:

1. Kills fast-growing cells (including cancer cells)
2. Administered orally or intravenously
3. Delivered in cycles to allow body recovery

Common Side Effects:

1. Fatigue
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Hair loss
4. Low blood cell count
5. Increased infection risk

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking cancer treatment that boosts the body’s natural immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Types of Immunotherapy:

1. Checkpoint Inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors)
2. CAR-T Cell Therapy
3. Monoclonal Antibodies
4. Cancer Vaccines

Benefits of Immunotherapy:

1. More targeted action
2. Fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy
3. Long-term protection in some cancers
4. Effective even in resistant or advanced-stage cancers

Key Differences Between Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Dr. Ankur Bahl’s Expertise in Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy

At Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Dr. Ankur Bahl brings world-class expertise in both chemotherapy and cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments. With over 15 years of experience, he personalizes treatment plans for patients based on cancer type, stage, genetic makeup, and immune response.

Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl?

1. Senior Director, Medical Oncology, FMRI Gurgaon
2. Trained at AIIMS and Oxford
3. Specializes in targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and precision oncology
4. Recognized by international platforms and peer-reviewed journals
5. Offers holistic cancer care including palliative and supportive therapies

When is Immunotherapy Used Instead of Chemotherapy?

Immunotherapy is often used:

1. When chemotherapy is not effective
2. In advanced or metastatic cancers
3. As a combination therapy with chemo or radiation
4. In cancers with known immune-related markers (e.g., high PD-L1 expression)

Dr. Ankur Bahl utilizes biomarker testing and genetic profiling at Fortis Hospital to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

The Fortis Hospital Advantage

At FMRI Gurgaon, patients benefit from:

1. Advanced diagnostic labs
2. State-of-the-art immunotherapy infusion suites
3. Multidisciplinary tumor board reviews
4. Personalized treatment plans
5. Supportive care including nutrition, pain management, and counseling

Real Patient Stories

“I was diagnosed with lung cancer and was unfit for chemotherapy. Dr. Ankur Bahl suggested immunotherapy, and within months, I saw significant improvement with fewer side effects.” – Patient from Kenya