A few years ago, most cancer patients walked into the hospital expecting one standard treatment chemotherapy. It was the only word people associated with cancer care. But things have changed. 
One of our patients, 55-year-old Raghavan, came to KKR Hospital feeling helpless after hearing he needed “cancer treatment.” He assumed the entire journey would revolve around chemo. When his oncologist explained that there were newer options that worked differently and, in some cases, worked better the tension on his face eased. That conversation is becoming more common today, as modern treatments become accessible across India. 

Reports from ICMR show an improvement in survival outcomes for several cancers over the past decade, especially in hospitals that use advanced therapies like immunotherapy and targeted medicines. This shift has helped patients tolerate treatment better and continue living more normal lives while they heal. 

Immunotherapy: Letting the Immune System Do Its Job 

Immunotherapy works on a simple idea help the body recognize cancer the way it recognizes an infection. 
Cancer cells usually disguise themselves, making it hard for the immune system to spot them. Immunotherapy removes that disguise. Once the immune system “sees” the cancer clearly, it begins fighting back on its own. 

Not every patient responds the same way, but those who do often describe the experience as less draining than what they feared. Fatigue, fever-like symptoms, or mild skin changes may appear, but the body usually adjusts. What matters most is selecting the right type of immunotherapy based on the cancer’s nature. That is why doctors run several tests before deciding if this treatment will be effective. 

Targeted Therapy: A Smarter Way to Attack Cancer 

Targeted therapy takes a completely different route. 
Instead of affecting the whole body, it focuses on the internal machinery of the cancer cell. Many cancers grow because of specific mutations small “switches” inside the cell that tell it to multiply nonstop. Targeted drugs simply turn off those switches. 

For example, in certain breast cancer or lung cancer, a single genetic change can be responsible for most of the tumor growth. Once the change is identified through testing, doctors can choose a drug designed to block that exact pathway. Because healthy cells are left untouched, patients usually experience fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. 

At KKR Hospital, targeted therapy is planned only after understanding the tumor’s genetic and molecular details. This avoids guesswork and ensures the medicine chosen suits the patient’s exact diagnosis. 

Why These Treatments Matter Today 

Many patients today receive a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs depending on the stage and behavior of the cancer. Blending treatments often gives better control over the disease and lowers the chance of recurrence. 
The goal is simple — treat effectively while allowing patients to maintain dignity, comfort, and quality of life. 

Conclusion 

Cancer treatment is no longer one-dimensional. With the rise of immunotherapy and targeted therapies, the focus is shifting toward treatments that are personalized and kinder on the body. 

If you or a loved one is exploring modern treatment options, KKR Hospital, Chennai, offers guidance, detailed evaluation, and therapies suited to each patient’s condition.