When is immunotherapy recommended for stomach cancer?

The treatment uses medicines that help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is not suitable for every stomach cancer. Testing the tumour can look for features that make an immune-based treatment more relevant, while scans and clinical assessment show whether the cancer can be removed or has spread.

Depending on the situation, immunotherapy can be discussed with chemotherapy, after other treatment, or when the cancer has returned or spread. The plan also considers autoimmune illness, organ function, medicines that suppress immunity and any earlier treatment.

Ask the oncology team whether your biopsy has been tested for treatment-guiding markers and whether the result changes your options. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and previous reactions. Before treatment, the team may check blood tests and discuss how to report new symptoms promptly.

Read about [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) and review your diagnosis at [Stomach Cancer](/conditions/stomach-cancer/). Do not start immune-stimulating supplements without discussing them with your cancer team.

Contact your treatment team promptly for new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, severe diarrhoea, marked abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin, a widespread rash, confusion or unusual weakness. These symptoms can have several causes, but immune-related inflammation needs early assessment.

Which tumour tests are relevant to my treatment choice? What is the aim of immunotherapy in my situation? How would it fit with chemotherapy or surgery? Which symptoms should lead to a same-day call?