| Immunotherapy | Targeted Therapy | Chemotherapy |
| 1. Mechanism:
– Boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells – Includes immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy
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1. Mechanism:
– Targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival – Involves drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors and hormone therapies |
1. Mechanism:
– Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells |
| 2. Target:
– Focuses on enhancing immune responses against cancer |
2. Target:
– Aims at specific mutations or alterations within cancer cells |
2. Target:
– Targets both cancerous and healthy rapidly dividing cells. |
| 3. Precision:
– Offers a more targeted approach, aiming to spare healthy cells |
3. Precision:
– Offers precision medicine, minimizing damage to normal cells |
3. Precision:
– A broad-spectrum treatment, affecting various rapidly dividing cells. |
| 4. Side Effects:
– Generally, causes fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy – May include immune-related side effects |
4. Side Effects:
– Generally, causes fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy – May lead to the development of resistance over time
|
4. Side Effects:
– Commonly associated with side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. – Can affect healthy cells, leading to more pronounced side effects |
| 5. Efficacy:
– Has shown remarkable success in specific cancers, particularly those with limited treatment options – Responses can vary among patients |
5. Efficacy:
– Highly effective in cancers with well-defined targetable mutations – Continuous research is essential to identify new targetable mutations
|
5. Efficacy:
– Effective in a wide range of cancers, particularly those with widespread or metastatic tumors. – Often used in combination with other treatments. |
| 6. Challenges:
– May not be effective for all types of cancer – Ongoing research focuses on refining techniques and expanding applications |
6. Challenges:
– Development of resistance is a significant challenge – Limited effectiveness in cancers without identifiable targetable mutations |
6. Challenges:
– Higher likelihood of side effects due to its impact on healthy cells. – Ongoing research focuses on improving drug delivery systems and reducing adverse effects. |
In summary, while Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Chemotherapy are all integral components of cancer treatment, they differ in their mechanisms, precision, side effects, efficacy, and challenges. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, and individual patient characteristics. Advances in research continue to refine these treatments, offering new hope for improved outcomes in the fight against cancer. For individuals seeking cancer specialist in Haryana, consulting with Aggarwal Cancer Care & Diagnostic centre can provide personalized guidance.