Does immunotherapy treat lung cancer?

Lung cancer is not one single disease. The team may identify whether it is a non-small-cell or small-cell cancer, examine biopsy findings, and test tumour markers that can influence systemic treatment. Scans show where the cancer is, while lung function and other health conditions help determine which treatments are suitable.

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise cancer cells and may be given alone or with chemotherapy or another medicine. It can be used in different treatment settings, such as after an operation, before or with other treatment, or when cancer has spread. The plan is reviewed using symptoms, examination, blood tests and imaging.

Ask whether the biopsy has established the lung cancer type and whether relevant tumour testing is complete. Tell the team about lung disease, autoimmune conditions, breathing problems, medicines and previous cancer treatment. Ask how treatment may affect breathing, energy and daily activities. Background information is available under [Lung Cancer](/conditions/lung-cancer/) and [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/).

Report a new or worsening cough, breathlessness, chest pain, fever, diarrhoea, rash, severe fatigue or changes in vision. Immune-related inflammation can affect the lungs and other organs, so do not assume a new symptom is part of the cancer or treatment without advice. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, fainting or rapidly worsening symptoms.

What type of lung cancer do I have, and which test results guide treatment? Is immunotherapy recommended alone or with another therapy? What is the goal at this stage? How will breathing and immune-related effects be monitored? Which symptoms require an urgent call or emergency care?