Does a medical oncology perform immunotherapy?

They assess the tumour and the person's health, choose the medicine, review test results and manage side effects. Nurses and pharmacists commonly support delivery, education and follow-up.

Cancer immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise or attack cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors are one type, but the exact option depends on the cancer, relevant tumour markers, earlier treatment and medical history.

Treatment may be delivered through a vein or by another route, according to the medicine. Because immune activation can affect healthy organs, monitoring can include symptoms, examination and blood tests before or during treatment.

Tell the oncology team about autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, lung or liver problems, current medicines and any previous reaction to cancer treatment. Share new symptoms even when they seem unrelated to the cancer or occur after a treatment visit.

Keep the treatment team's contact details available. Do not start steroids, supplements or immune-modifying medicines without checking how they fit the oncology plan, unless emergency care is directing immediate treatment.

Call the oncology team promptly for persistent diarrhoea, a spreading rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, marked fatigue, a new cough, breathing difficulty, severe headache, confusion, vision changes or unusual weakness. These symptoms can reflect inflammation that needs early assessment.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing trouble, collapse, a seizure or rapidly worsening confusion. Tell emergency clinicians that you are receiving immunotherapy because this can change the evaluation and treatment.

Consider asking why immunotherapy is being recommended, which signs could indicate immune-related inflammation, whom to call outside clinic hours and what monitoring is planned. Ask whether vaccines, travel or treatment from another clinician require coordination.