For patients to make decisions together with their oncologists, it is essential to know the distinctions between chemotherapy and immunotherapy. With a specialization as a medical oncologist in Gurgaon, Dr. Pooja Babbar is cited as a dependable Cancer Specialist in Gurgaon and offers both therapies customizing to the patient’s cancer type, stage, and general health.
What is Chemotherapy?
The treatment of Chemotherapy involves the use of potent medicines to cancer s’ rapidly dividing cells. It is able to combat cancers that have metastasized to several regions, working everywhere in the body. Chemotherapy is administered orally or intravenously and as with many other therapies, chemotherapy is more effective when other treatments are used in conjunction with it.
Benefits of Chemotherapy:
- It is effective for a wide variety of cancers.
- Has the ability to decrease the size of tumors in advance of surgeries and radiation treatments.
Drawbacks of Chemotherapy:
The Hair loss, fatigue, and nausea are all common side effects alongside a lowered immunity.
What is Immunotherapy?
Differentiating Immunotherapy from other methods of Cancer treatment, this is the type of treatment that helps the body’s immune system in identifying and countering cancer cells. Rather than directly destroying cancer cells, it bolsters the body’s ability to defend itself.
Advantages of Immunotherapy:
- Provides more precise focus at cancer cells.
- Possibility of long-lasting protection against recurrence.
- For some patients, there are less side effects when compared with traditional chemotherapy.
Possible Side Effects:
Skin rashes, inflammation, mild to moderate exhaustion, and flu-like symptoms.
Key Differences Between Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
| Characteristics | Chemotherapy | Immunotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Directly kills rapidly dividing cells | Boosts immune system to fight cancer cells |
| Target Area | Such cancer and some healthy cells are affected | Executed through immune recognition |
| As compared to chemotherapy | Side effects are more common and systemic | Side effects are usually mild and immune-related |
| Best For | Works best with aggressive or widespread cancers | Cancers which respond to immune-based treatments |
| How it works effects | Effects are usually enduring | May offer enduring benefits to immunity |
Choosing the Right Treatment
The stage and type of cancer, genetic profile and overall health of the patient, determines the choice of chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Both treatments can, at times, be given in combination to achieve the best outcome.
Leveraging her recognition as a Leading Medical Oncologist and Cancer Specialist in Gurgaon, Dr. Pooja Babbar utilizes precise medical imaging technologies to devise custom-tailored treatment blueprints, garnering her patients the best possible outcomes in their cancer battles.
Contact information: Fortis Hospital, Plot No.2, Sector 5, IMT Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana 122052.
