Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are broad groups of cancer treatments. They work differently, and their names alone do not tell you which treatment is appropriate for a particular person.
Updated 22 October 2026 · Cancer Point
What chemotherapy does
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Depending on the situation, it may aim to cure cancer, reduce the risk of return, control growth or relieve symptoms. It may be given before or after other treatments, or used on its own.
Because some healthy cells are also affected, side effects can include fatigue, mouth problems, nausea and changes in blood counts. The exact risks depend on the medicines and schedule; not everyone has the same effects. Tablets can be powerful cancer treatment too and need careful instructions.
What immunotherapy does
Immunotherapy helps the immune system act against cancer. It includes several approaches and is useful for some cancers and treatment situations. It is not a universal replacement for chemotherapy.
Some immunotherapies can cause the immune system to affect healthy organs. Side effects may occur during treatment or later. New symptoms should be reported promptly, even when they seem unrelated to cancer.
Ask for a practical safety plan
Before the first treatment, write down the exact drug names, schedule and team contact number. Ask which symptoms require an urgent call and what to do outside clinic hours. Follow your own team’s fever and infection instructions rather than an online rule intended for another regimen.
Do not judge whether treatment is working by how severe the side effects feel. Your team will explain how response is assessed and when scans, examinations or tests are planned.
Your appointment checklist
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- Why is this option preferred over the alternatives?
- Are biomarker tests needed to choose it?
- Which medicines, herbs or supplements could interfere?
- How may treatment affect fertility, work, travel or daily activities?
- Which symptoms mean I should call immediately?
Keep a simple record of symptoms, when they began and their effect on eating, drinking, sleep or activity. Report problems early; do not wait until they become severe. Decisions about pausing or changing a cancer medicine belong with the treating team.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 22 October 2026. Linked organizations do not endorse Cancer Point.