Immunotherapy vs targeted therapy: how do they differ?

Immunotherapy changes how immune cells respond to cancer. Targeted therapy acts on a defined protein, gene change, or pathway that helps cancer cells grow or survive. Some people receive one approach, a sequence of treatments, or a combination, depending on the cancer and the medicines available.

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer, while targeted therapy blocks a specific cancer feature; testing and treatment history guide the choice.

Immunotherapy may be considered when the cancer type, stage, immune markers, previous treatment, and general health make an immune-based medicine reasonable. The treatment can sometimes continue while the immune system remains active, but the plan depends on response and side effects. Tell the team about autoimmune illness, transplant history, and medicines that suppress immunity because these details can change the discussion.

Targeted therapy may be considered when testing finds a feature that the medicine is designed to block. The result may come from tumour tissue, blood testing, or both, depending on the cancer. A target can change as cancer evolves, so the team may recommend repeat testing when treatment stops working or when a new sample is available.

Immunotherapy can cause the immune system to inflame healthy organs, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, rash, cough, breathlessness, or unusual tiredness. Targeted therapy may cause skin changes, diarrhoea, mouth soreness, high blood pressure, liver changes, or effects on blood counts, depending on the drug. Report new or worsening symptoms early; treatment may need a pause, supportive medicine, or specialist review.

Chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, hormone treatment, cellular treatment, or symptom-focused care may be more suitable at a particular point. The decision can also wait while a biopsy, molecular test, scan, or review of another illness is completed. Supportive treatment can be given alongside cancer treatment to manage pain, nausea, nutrition, sleep, or emotional strain.

The oncology team considers the cancer’s origin and extent, pathology, molecular findings, previous medicines, symptoms, organ function, other conditions, interactions, and your goals. Ask whether a target was found, what response would look like, how long treatment is reviewed, and which symptoms need same-day advice. If testing is unclear, ask whether another sample or specialist pathology review would alter the options.