When is immunotherapy recommended for lung cancer?

The plan depends on whether the cancer is non-small cell or small cell, its stage, tumour markers and whether it can be treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Immunotherapy may be used on its own or alongside chemotherapy, targeted treatment or another approach. Testing on a biopsy can help identify medicines that may fit. The team also reviews lung function, autoimmune disease, previous organ transplant, medicines and any infection risk before recommending treatment.

Ask whether your biopsy has been tested for relevant biomarkers and what the treatment goal is. Tell your team about breathing problems, autoimmune illness, steroid treatment and all medicines. Keep appointments for blood tests and scans. Report changes promptly instead of adjusting treatment yourself. New cough, diarrhoea, rash, fatigue or changes in vision may need assessment because immune effects can involve several organs.

Contact your oncology team promptly for a new or worsening cough, chest tightness, fever, persistent diarrhoea, severe rash, yellow skin, marked weakness or reduced urine. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or sudden confusion. Lung symptoms may come from cancer, infection or treatment, and an early review helps identify the cause.

What type and stage of lung cancer do I have? Have the biopsy results shown a marker relevant to treatment? Is immunotherapy alone or in combination being considered? How will breathing and other immune effects be monitored?