Many families in Varanasi, Purvanchal and Bihar hear the words "immunotherapy" or "targeted therapy" from relatives or online and ask whether these newer treatments can help their patient. The honest answer is: for some patients, yes, and for others chemotherapy or surgery remains the better choice. This guide explains what these treatments are, who may benefit, the tests needed, side effects, cost and how to discuss them with an oncologist at ZenHeal Cancer Hospital, Varanasi.
Book Free OPD: Call +91 99307 09000. Same-day appointment with a medical oncologist at ZenHeal Varanasi.
What is targeted therapy?
Cancer cells often grow because of specific changes (mutations) in their genes or proteins. Targeted therapy uses medicines designed to block these particular changes. Because they act on a specific target, they work only when that target is present in the tumour. That is why testing comes first.
Examples of targets include:
- EGFR, ALK, ROS1 in some lung cancers
- HER2 in some breast and stomach cancers
- BRCA in some ovarian, breast and prostate cancers
- KRAS, BRAF in some colorectal cancers
Many targeted medicines are tablets taken at home, while some are given as drips in day-care.
What is immunotherapy?
Our immune system normally fights abnormal cells, but cancer can find ways to hide from it. Immunotherapy medicines (often called checkpoint inhibitors) help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. They are given as a drip, usually every few weeks, in a day-care unit.
Immunotherapy is used in selected patients with cancers such as lung, head and neck, kidney, bladder, melanoma, some colorectal and some stomach and food pipe cancers. Tests such as PD-L1 or MSI/MMR on the tumour help decide who is likely to benefit.
Who may benefit?
Your oncologist considers:
- The type and stage of cancer
- Biomarker test results on the biopsy
- Treatments already received
- The patient's general health, liver and kidney function, and other illnesses such as autoimmune disease
There is no single "new medicine that cures all cancers". A good oncologist uses these treatments where evidence supports them, and explains clearly when they are unlikely to help.
Tests before starting
- Biopsy tissue – the main source for biomarker tests. If your biopsy was done elsewhere, bring the blocks and slides; often the same tissue can be tested again without a new biopsy.
- Molecular tests – EGFR, ALK, HER2, BRCA, KRAS and others, or a broader panel (NGS) when appropriate.
- PD-L1 or MSI testing for immunotherapy decisions.
- Liquid biopsy (blood test) in some situations when tissue is not enough.
- Baseline blood tests – including thyroid, liver and kidney function, because these can change during treatment.
- CT or PET-CT to measure the disease before starting.
Side effects to know about
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy usually cause less hair loss and vomiting than many chemotherapy regimens, but they have their own side effects.
Targeted therapy may cause skin rash, diarrhoea, mouth sores, tiredness, changes in blood pressure or liver tests, depending on the medicine.
Immunotherapy can sometimes make the immune system attack healthy organs, causing:
- Diarrhoea or abdominal pain (colitis)
- Cough or breathlessness (lung inflammation)
- Thyroid problems, tiredness
- Skin rash or itching
- Changes in liver tests
Most side effects are manageable if reported early. Call the team promptly if a new symptom appears, even weeks after a dose.
How treatment works at ZenHeal Varanasi
Medical oncology at ZenHeal Varanasi is led by doctors such as Dr. Amit Kumar Pathak, Oncologist and Chemotherapist (MBBS, MD, IMS BHU). The pathway is:
- Consultation and report review – the oncologist checks whether a targeted or immunotherapy option is relevant.
- Testing – biomarker tests are arranged on existing or new tissue.
- Plan and estimate – the doctor explains the plan, expected benefit and side effects; the help desk shares a cost estimate and checks schemes.
- Day-care treatment – drips are given in the day-care unit, with monitoring; tablets are explained in detail for home use.
- Regular follow-up – blood tests and scans at set intervals to check response and safety.
Where surgery is part of the plan, the surgical oncology team, including Dr. Pritesh Rajeev Singh, works alongside the medical oncologists.
Cost and financial help
Immunotherapy and targeted medicines can be expensive, and the cost varies widely by drug, dose and duration. ZenHeal gives an estimate after the doctor finalises the plan. Ways to reduce costs:
- Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) – coverage depends on the package; our desk checks it for you
- Cashless insurance – many policies cover these treatments; pre-authorisation is handled by our team
- Patient assistance programmes offered by some drug companies
- Relief funds and NGO support through guidance from Love Heals Cancer
For patients from Purvanchal and Bihar
Patients from Ghazipur, Ballia, Mau, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, Buxar, Kaimur and Rohtas can begin with one visit to Varanasi for consultation and testing, and then plan treatment visits. Directions and facilities: cancer hospital in Varanasi and our Varanasi hospital page. Patients nearer Prayagraj can visit ZenHeal Prayagraj (see cancer hospital in Prayagraj).
Your first visit: what to bring and what happens
You do not need a referral letter. Call +91 99307 09000, tell the team the symptom or diagnosis, your district and the reports you already have, and ask for a same-day appointment at ZenHeal Varanasi. On the day, bring:
- All biopsy and histopathology reports, and slides or blocks if your earlier lab gave them
- Scan reports with CDs or films (ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET-CT)
- Recent blood tests and any discharge summaries
- A written list of current medicines, including Ayurvedic or home remedies
- Aadhaar card and Ayushman Bharat card if you have one, or your insurance card
The doctor takes a detailed history, examines the patient, reviews every report and explains what is known so far and what still needs to be checked. If tests are needed, the team tries to arrange them quickly so that families travelling from far districts do not have to make many trips. Before you leave, you should know the likely diagnosis or the next test, the treatment options being considered and a rough cost estimate once the plan is clear.
How family members can help
A cancer diagnosis affects the whole household. One family member can act as the main point of contact: keep all reports in one file in date order, write down the doctor's advice, note the names and doses of medicines, and keep the hospital helpline number saved. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals and stay as active as is comfortable. Watch for warning signs such as high fever, bleeding, severe vomiting or breathlessness, and call the team at once if they appear. Caregivers need rest too; take turns where possible and ask for counselling support if you feel overwhelmed.
Questions to ask your oncologist
- Is my cancer type one where targeted therapy or immunotherapy is used?
- Which biomarker tests do I need, and can they be done on my old biopsy?
- What benefit can I realistically expect?
- What side effects should I watch for at home?
- How long will treatment continue?
- What will it cost, and what can schemes or insurance cover?
How to choose a hospital for immunotherapy in Varanasi
When families choose a hospital for immunotherapy in Varanasi, look for medical oncologists who order biomarker tests before recommending treatment, a monitored day-care unit, clear explanation of side effects, and honest advice about when these treatments are not suitable.
Take the next step
Call +91 99307 09000 to Book Free OPD and get a same-day appointment with a medical oncologist at ZenHeal Cancer Hospital, Varanasi. See also: our doctors, free report review and our Varanasi hospital.