Why immunotherapy is a true lifesaver for stage 4 renal cancer — an oncologist's experience

In the fight against kidney cancer, especially in its advanced stages, the advent of immunotherapy has brought new hope. Imagine your body's immune system as an army fighting invaders like germs. Immunotherapy gives this army special training and tools to recognise and destroy cancer cells. For those facing stage 4 renal cancer, immunotherapy offers a promising lifeline.

Immunotherapy stands at the forefront of modern cancer treatment, revolutionising the approach to combating cancer by leveraging the body's own immune defences. Unlike conventional treatments like surgery or radiation, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy works by enhancing the immune system's ability to identify and eradicate cancerous threats. It's akin to providing specialised training and advanced weaponry to bolster the immune army's efforts in the fight against cancer.

Immunotherapy has showcased impressive effectiveness across various cancer types, spanning from melanoma and kidney cancer to lung cancer, bladder cancer, and lymphoma. Its ability to activate the immune system against cancer cells has resulted in prolonged survival and enhanced outcomes for numerous patients. As a result, immunotherapy stands out as a transformative approach in cancer treatment, offering promising results across different forms of the disease.

While it's important to understand that immunotherapy alone cannot cure cancer, numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in prolonging progression-free survival.

Immunotherapy is often recommended by doctors for individuals with advanced stage-IV or recurrent cases of kidney cancers. Treatment approaches for kidney cancer vary based on several factors, including age, overall health, and the stage of cancer. While surgery remains a viable option for stages I–III, advanced stage IV cancer may benefit from immunotherapy either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies.

Immunotherapy has shown promise in slowing disease progression and even reducing tumour size in some cases. Research indicates the potential use of immunotherapies, such as PD-1 inhibitors, particularly for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the most prevalent form of kidney cancer.

However, it's crucial for individuals to discuss with their doctor the potential benefits of immunotherapy to determine its suitability for their specific condition.

For individuals grappling with stage-4 renal cancer, immunotherapy represents a beacon of hope and a potential lifeline in the face of adversity. By engaging in open and informed discussions with healthcare providers, patients can explore the feasibility and potential benefits of incorporating immunotherapy into their treatment regimen. While not a panacea, immunotherapy offers the prospect of extended survival and improved outcomes, underscoring its significance as a therapeutic option in stage-4 renal cancer care.

Immunotherapy stands as a transformative force in the landscape of cancer treatment, offering renewed optimism and tangible benefits to patients battling stage-4 renal cancer. As research continues to unravel the intricacies of the immune system and refine immunotherapeutic approaches, the future holds promise for even greater advancements in the fight against this devastating disease. By embracing immunotherapy as a complementary strategy alongside conventional treatments, we can forge a path towards improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals confronting stage 4 renal cancer.

—The author, Dr. Raghunath S.K, is Senior Consultant and Director of Uro-oncology and Robotic Surgery, at HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore. The views expressed are personal.