Advanced Cancer Treatment Options for International Patients

From Chemotherapy to Immunotherapy: An Evolution in Cancer Treatment

For decades, chemotherapy was the most common treatment for advanced cancers. While it was one of the effective methods in some cases, its nature of treating the patient cells was non-selective, attacking both cancerous and healthy cells. This method often led to debilitating side effects: nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and compromised immunity.

Today, advancements such as immunotherapy are revolutionizing cancer care, offering a gentler, more targeted approach that empowers the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Evolving from chemotherapy, immunotherapy deviates from directly killing the affected cells. Instead, it removes the barriers that prevent the immune system from recognizing the cancer cells and attacking them.

This approach has been gaining recognition for more targeted success and has proven to be highly effective for cancers such as:

• advanced melanoma.

• kidney cancer.

• lung cancer.

• head and neck cancers.

• breast cancer.

• stomach cancer.

• esophageal cancer.

• urinary bladder cancer.

• endometrial cancer.

• specific types of colon cancer.

For international patients, the advancement in immunotherapy that Manipal Hospitals Global offers, is aimed to provide a lifeline: it’s generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects compared to chemotherapy. Most patients do not experience the side effects like nausea, hair loss, and low blood counts associated with traditional treatments. In rare cases (5-10% of patients), an overactive immune response may cause side effects like diarrhea, skin rashes, hypothyroidism, or, in very rare instances, breathing difficulties or colitis. These are closely monitored and manageable with prompt intervention.

The true power of immunotherapy lies in its ability to create lasting results. While the treatment creates healed body’s immune cells, it curates a “memory” like scope, that grows with the ability to prevent cancer recurrence, offering long-term survival for responding patients.

Dr. Amit Rauthan, HOD & Consultant, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road addressed, “Our centre in India was among the earliest adopters of immunotherapy, and we’ve witnessed remarkable outcomes, particularly for stage 4 lung and breast cancer patients from Africa. Many of these patients, once facing limited survival prospects, are now living vibrant, high-quality lives—a testament to the transformative potential of this therapy.

Precision Oncology at Manipal Hospitals Global: Personalized Care for Every Tumor

Just as every cancer case is different, so is every patient. Precision oncology, also known as precision medicine, imbibes this by curating treatment to the unique genetic requirement of each patient’s tumor. At international institutions like Manipal Hospitals Global, advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) is done by analysing tumor biopsies in order to identify molecular driver mutations, which helps in identifying the genetic changes fuelling cancer growth.

For international patients, precision oncology is a game-changer. Many arrive at our centre with incomplete diagnostic reports, often lacking critical details like immunohistochemistry (IHC) or molecular profiling. We bridge these gaps with comprehensive diagnostics, including PET-CT scans and advanced biopsies with IHC and NGS analysis, to ensure accurate staging and diagnosis.

Our expertise in precision oncology ensures that every patient receives a personalized treatment plan, optimized for their specific cancer subtype. By integrating targeted therapies, biological therapies, and immunotherapy, we’re redefining cancer care, offering hope even in advanced cases.

Early Detection has Lifesaving Power: A Breast Cancer Case Study

Early detection can mean the difference between a manageable treatment journey and a gruelling battle. For international patients, accessing timely screenings can be challenging, but the impact is undeniable.

We educate all our patients on self-examination techniques like:

• checking for lumps.

• skin changes.

• swollen lymph nodes.

• encourage regular screenings.

Comprehensive Care at Manipal Hospitals Global: A Seamless Journey for International Patients

For international patients, navigating cancer care in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. At our center, we’ve designed a streamlined, multi-disciplinary approach to make the journey as smooth and supportive as possible.

Lifestyle changes are equally critical. We guide patients toward a healthy diet, high in protein, low in processed foods and sugars, and encourage daily physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or even running marathons for those who are able.

A Global Commitment to Healing

At Manipal Hospitals Global centres in India, we’re not just treating cancer—we’re transforming lives. As early adopters of immunotherapy, precision oncology, and targeted therapies, we’ve seen first-hand the power these advancements have and how they offer hope where none existed before.

If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, know that you’re not alone. Our MIPC office is here to guide you every step of the way, offering world-class care with the warmth and support you need to heal.