Immunotherapy has transformed outcomes in many cancers — from melanoma and lung cancer to bladder and kidney cancer. Korea's National Cancer Center and major hospitals offer cutting-edge immunotherapy as part of multidisciplinary cancer care.
Cancer immunotherapy encompasses several approaches that harness or enhance the immune system's natural ability to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The most transformative recent advance has been immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) — monoclonal antibodies that block inhibitory signals (PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways) that cancer cells use to evade immune destruction. By releasing these 'brakes' on the immune system, ICIs enable T-cells to attack cancer cells with renewed vigour.
Immunotherapy has dramatically changed the treatment landscape for multiple cancer types — including metastatic melanoma (where 5-year survival has improved from ~10% to ~50%), non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma, among others. CAR-T cell therapy — where a patient's T-cells are genetically engineered to target specific cancer antigens — has produced remarkable results in certain blood cancers (B-cell leukaemia and lymphoma) and is increasingly available. Korea has a particularly high burden of gastric and liver cancers, and immunotherapy is increasingly incorporated into treatment regimens for these cancers as evidence accumulates.
At Korea's National Cancer Center and major university hospital cancer centres, immunotherapy is delivered as part of multidisciplinary tumour board-reviewed treatment plans, aligned with international guidelines (NCCN, ESMO). These centres participate in international clinical trials, giving some patients access to cutting-edge therapies. Immunotherapy side effects differ fundamentally from chemotherapy — rather than bone marrow suppression and nausea, ICIs cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs): colitis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, thyroiditis, and skin reactions — all reflecting immune over-activation. These require prompt identification and management, typically with corticosteroids.
Key Points
- Checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4) are transforming cancer outcomes
- Used in melanoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, renal cancer, and more
- Korea's major cancer centres deliver immunotherapy in line with NCCN/ESMO guidelines
- Side effects are immune-related (not bone marrow suppression) — report symptoms promptly
- CAR-T cell therapy available for certain blood cancers
- Clinical trial participation at major cancer centres provides access to novel therapies
When to See a Doctor
- Any cancer patient exploring treatment options — discuss with your oncologist
- Diarrhoea, breathlessness, rash, or jaundice while on immunotherapy — report immediately
- Cancer recurrence or progression — immunotherapy may be an option
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025