Understanding Immunotherapy: A New Frontier in Cancer Treatment Available in Hyderabad

By Author : Suryani Dutta
  calender 04 July,2025
Understanding Immunotherapy: A New Frontier in Cancer Treatment Available in Hyderabad

Immunotherapy is transforming the way cancer is treated, not just globally but right here in Hyderabad. This innovative approach harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells with greater accuracy and fewer side effects.

Hyderabad, renowned for its state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, has emerged as a leading destination for breakthroughs in oncology. With access to world-class specialists and cutting-edge technology, patients in the city can now benefit from advanced immunotherapy solutions closer to home.

In this article, we’ll explain immunotherapy in Hyderabad, oncology breakthroughs in Hyderabad, and how patients in Hyderabad can access this life-changing treatment.

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What is Immunotherapy in Cancer and How Can Hyderabad Offer It?

Cancer immunotherapy, also known as immuno-oncotherapy, is a type of therapy that harnesses and optimizes the body's existing natural immune defenses to combat cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation, which directly target cancer cells but can harm healthy tissue, immunotherapy activates immune mechanisms—such as T-cells or antibodies—to precisely seek and destroy tumor cells. 

According to the NIH and major oncology research institutions, immunotherapy can be categorized into several key areas, and hospitals in Hyderabad offer a comprehensive range of services.

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors – Block proteins (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4) used by cancer cells to suppress immune attacks, freeing T-cells to function.
  • Monoclonal antibodies – Laboratory-made antibodies bind tumor-specific antigens, marking cancer cells for immune destruction.
  • T-cell transfer therapy (e.g., CAR-T) – The patient’s T-cells are modified in the laboratory to target cancer better and then reintroduced.
  • Cancer vaccines – These are devised to trigger immunity against tumor-specific proteins.
  • Immune modulators – Substances like cytokines that essentially stimulate the immune response.

These pathways, as listed above, represent the progression from nonspecific therapies to precision immunotherapy for cancer.

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Types of Services Offered By Immunotherapy Centres in Hyderabad

1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibition

Tumors often exploit checkpoints, such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, to disarm T-cells. Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), and ipilimumab (Yervoy) block these “brakes,” reinvigorating the immune attack.

2. Monoclonal Antibodies

These designer proteins act like guided missiles, binding specific antigens on cancer cells and flagging them for destruction. Some also deliver toxins or radioisotopes directly to cancer cells, minimizing impact on healthy tissue.

3. CAR-T & Adoptive Cell Therapy

This cancer care advancement in Hyderabad isolates and genetically modifies a patient's T-cells to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that target tumor antigens. The engineered cells are then infused back into the target cancer, showing dramatic effectiveness in certain leukemias and lymphomas.

4. Cancer Vaccines and Modulators

Vaccination is used to teach our immune system to identify tumor antigens, inducing long-lasting protective responses. Modulators, such as interleukins and interferons, further prime immune effector cells to target and attack cancer cells.

Global and Indian Advances

Globally, large players are increasing their R&D activities in India, particularly in Hyderabad, with the aim of contributing to next-generation cell therapies and clinical trials of drugs such as nivolumab and ipilimumab.

Oncology breakthroughs in Hyderabad are making a growing impact in immunotherapy. In Hyderabad, clinics such as Denvax (offering dendritic-cell-based immunotherapy) and the Cancer Healer Centre (providing personalized immune-based treatment protocols) are active. Additionally, diagnostic players like Neeli Genetics offer advanced genetic and immunotherapy-related testing services.

For full-spectrum medical and immuno-oncology services, including checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, adoptive cell therapies, supportive care, and diagnostics, large hospitals in Hyderabad, such as Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital, CARE Hospitals, AIG Hospitals, and MedWise Hospitals, are well-equipped.

Rise of Immunotherapy Adoption in Hyderabad Over Time

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Immunotherapy Explained: Hyderabad’s Role in Advancing Cancer Care

Hyderabad has emerged as a leading destination for advanced immunotherapy in India, thanks to its world-class hospitals, experienced oncology specialists, and access to the latest treatment modalities, including checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR-T therapy. The city offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation for personalized treatment plans. With state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, active clinical research, and cost-effective options that compare favorably to global standards, Hyderabad ensures high-quality care. Non-profit institutions and financial assistance programs further enhance accessibility, making it an ideal choice for patients seeking cutting-edge cancer treatments.

Hyderabad has emerged as a pivotal destination for immunotherapy in India because of the following centres:

  • CARE Hospitals (multiple branches in Hyderabad): Offers comprehensive immunotherapy including checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, adoptive cell transfer, CAR-T, oncolytic virus therapy, cancer vaccines, and immunomodulators.
  • Horizon Cancer Care (Banjara Hills): Promotes advanced immunotherapy with personalized treatment plans and mentions all key modalities like checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, adoptive cell transfer, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses.
  • Apollo Hospitals: Publicly reported successful use of CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, confirming availability of this advanced therapy locally.
  • Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital: A well-established non-profit oncology center in Hyderabad providing full-spectrum care, including medical, surgical, and radiation oncology, plus clinical research.

Choosing Immunotherapy in Hyderabad: What You Should Know

  • Identify your oncologist – Specialists listed on MediJourney offer tailored immunotherapy, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Perform diagnostics & biomarker testing – Before starting, tests help predict response and refine treatment.
  • Understand treatment types – From checkpoint inhibitors to CAR-T, each therapy is suited to different cancer profiles.
  • Monitor side effects closely – Hyderabadi centers have robust support teams to manage immune-related complications.
  • Look for clinical trials – With active R&D hubs and international collaborations (e.g., Bristol Myers Squibb), patients may qualify for novel therapy trials.
  • Check overall cost and support – Institutions offer financial counseling; nonprofits like Basavatarakam provide subsidized care.

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Real Patient Pathway if You Are Seeking Treatment in Hyderabad

A journey of a patient seeking immunotherapy in Hyderabad might include:

  • Initial consultation
  • Diagnostic assessment including PET scans, biopsy, and genetic profiling
  • A tumor board review determines whether immunotherapy is suitable
  • Choose therapy (e.g., nivolumab, CAR-T, dendritic-cell vaccine) delivered at day-care units with trained oncology nurses
  • Ongoing monitoring for side effects and efficacy
  • Follow-up and recovery often involve combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy or surgery for the best outcome

Final Thoughts

To summarize, the study of immunotherapy in Hyderabad reveals an optimistic outlook on cancer care advancements in the city. From checkpoint blockade to personalized CAR-T therapy, these targeted treatments, key features of targeted cancer therapy in India, are giving better patient outcomes. 

Cancer care advancements in Hyderabad are made by combining global expertise, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and compassionate care. If you or a loved one is fighting cancer, remember that immunotherapy offers not just hope but a scientifically validated, actively available treatment option right here in the city. Contact us at MediJourney today to guide you to the right hospitals and doctors in Hyderabad.

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Author

B.Sc in Media Science, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, 2019-2022

Suryani Dutta is a passionate content writer with a background in media studies, equipping her with a deep understanding of storytelling, audience engagement, and digital trends.

Reviewer

Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit is a leading medical oncologist in New Delhi. With over 22 years of experience in cancer treatment, he has performed more than 15,000 immunotherapy cycles. His specializations include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy for solid tumors (breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, head and neck, and sarcoma)....

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