What to expect from immunotherapy for head and neck cancer

This treatment helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells. Your team may assess the tumour site, extent of disease, prior treatment, swallowing and nutrition, and your general health before recommending it. It can be used alone or with another treatment. A visit may include a symptom review, examination and blood tests before the infusion. Imaging and follow-up appointments help the team assess the response and decide the next step.

Tell the team about mouth or throat soreness, swallowing changes, appetite, weight change, skin irritation, diarrhoea, constipation, joint pain, cough and fatigue. Ask for advice early if eating or drinking becomes difficult; a dietitian, speech and swallowing specialist or dentist may be part of supportive care. Keep a written list of medicines and avoid adding supplements without discussing them. Plan transport if an infusion leaves you tired.

Contact your team promptly for worsening swallowing difficulty, inability to drink, persistent vomiting, new diarrhoea, severe mouth pain, a spreading rash, fever, yellowing of the eyes, reduced urine, new cough or breathlessness. Seek urgent help for choking, severe breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, fainting or confusion. A symptom may be caused by treatment, the cancer or another illness, so assessment is safer than trying to interpret it alone.

Ask how immunotherapy fits with surgery, radiotherapy or other medicines, what support is available for swallowing and nutrition, which symptoms need same-day contact, and how the response will be assessed. Confirm the infusion schedule, blood tests, after-hours number and whether you should change any regular medicine.