Immunotherapy works by helping your immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells.¹

Yes – immunotherapy does have possible side effects that can be serious or even life-threatening. These may happen at any time during treatment or even many months after your treatment has ended, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of possible side effects so you are able to recognise them. Side effects from immunotherapy are usually mild to moderate and reversible if they are reported early.¹ Always talk to your healthcare team if you notice anything different about the way you are feeling.

Call your oncologist, cancer specialist or cancer nurse immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms, or if they get worse. Do not treat any signs and symptoms yourself. If you speak with another healthcare professional, tell them you are on immunotherapy. If it is an emergency, dial 000 or go straight to your nearest medical emergency centre.

Immunotherapy is a doctor-prescribed medicine that is usually given at a treatment centre. It is given as an infusion directly into your bloodstream, through a needle placed in a vein (usually in your arm or the back of your hand).¹

Yes – immunotherapy is a different type of treatment to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy attacks both cancer and healthy cells.¹ Immunotherapy affects the immune system. It helps the immune system attack and destroy the cancer cells.¹

No. Immunotherapy does not suppress the immune system like chemotherapy does. Immunotherapy helps your immune system to work better by magnifying the body’s natural immune response to cancer.¹