Which specialist performs immunotherapy?

Medical oncologists select and prescribe medicines that help the immune system recognise or respond to cancer. Before treatment, they review the cancer type, prior therapies, general health, medicines, and any conditions that could affect immune-related side effects. Infusion nurses or clinic staff administer many treatments and observe you during and after visits. The team may involve a surgeon, radiation oncologist, endocrinologist, lung specialist, gastroenterologist, or dermatologist if an immune reaction affects a particular organ.

Bring a complete list of medicines, supplements, allergies, and existing health conditions to the oncology appointment. Tell the team about new symptoms before an infusion, including fever, rash, diarrhoea, cough, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, or changes in vision. Do not start or stop steroids or other medicines for a suspected reaction without clinical guidance. Keep the oncology unit’s contact details available between visits.

Contact the oncology team quickly for persistent diarrhoea, a spreading rash, yellowing of the skin, severe weakness, new cough, chest discomfort, or reduced urine. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, sudden confusion, or severe chest pain. Immune-related effects can appear during treatment or after a dose, so report changes even when the next appointment is not soon.

Which medical oncologist will manage my treatment? How will the medicine be given and monitored? Which symptoms should prompt a same-day call? Could my other medicines or health conditions affect the plan?