Cancer Treatment in Thane: Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy & More

No, chemotherapy is not required for every cancer patient. The treatment recommended depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the specific biology of the tumour. Some cancers respond better to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, or surgery and radiation alone. Advances in precision oncology now allow doctors to identify specific genetic mutations driving a cancer and select treatments that directly target those mutations, which can be more effective and have fewer side effects than chemotherapy. Your oncologist will recommend chemotherapy only when it is the most appropriate option for your specific situation.

Cancer treatment decisions are based on several key factors: the type of cancer, its stage and spread, the molecular and genetic profile of the tumour, your overall health and organ function, and your personal preferences. Oncologists also follow evidence-based guidelines from organisations such as ASCO and ESMO to ensure treatment recommendations are aligned with the latest clinical research. In many cases, molecular testing is done first to check whether the cancer has specific mutations that respond to targeted therapies or immunotherapy. The goal is always to choose the treatment that offers the best outcome with the least harm.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. Because it affects all fast-dividing cells, it can cause side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. Immunotherapy works by activating or enhancing the body's own immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. It is particularly effective in cancers that express certain markers such as PD-L1 or have a high tumour mutation burden. Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to block specific proteins or genetic mutations that drive cancer growth. It is more precise than chemotherapy and typically has a different side effect profile. The right choice depends on the cancer type, molecular profile, and individual patient factors.

Molecular testing, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and biomarker profiling, is recommended when there is a possibility that the cancer has targetable genetic mutations. It is routinely advised for cancers such as lung, breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancer, as well as many blood cancers. Molecular testing helps identify mutations like EGFR, ALK, BRAF, HER2, and BRCA that have specific approved targeted therapies. It also helps determine eligibility for immunotherapy by checking for PD-L1 expression or microsatellite instability (MSI). In general, molecular testing is recommended before starting treatment for most advanced or metastatic cancers.

Immunotherapy is not suitable for all cancers or all patients. Its effectiveness depends on the specific type of cancer and the biological characteristics of the tumour. Immunotherapy works best in cancers that express PD-L1, have high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), or carry a high tumour mutation burden (TMB-H). It has shown strong results in cancers such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancers, and certain gastrointestinal cancers. However, for some cancer types, immunotherapy alone may not be effective and may need to be combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Biomarker testing is done before recommending immunotherapy to assess whether a patient is likely to benefit.

Even when two patients have the same type of cancer, their tumours can have very different molecular profiles, genetic mutations, and biological behaviour. One patient's lung cancer may have an EGFR mutation that responds well to targeted therapy, while another's may not have this mutation and require chemotherapy or immunotherapy instead. Other factors such as cancer stage, the patient's age, overall health, organ function, and prior treatments also influence the choice of therapy. This is the basis of precision oncology: treating each patient's cancer based on its unique characteristics rather than applying the same treatment to everyone with the same cancer type.

CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is an advanced form of immunotherapy where a patient's own immune cells (T-cells) are collected, genetically modified in a laboratory to recognise and attack cancer cells, and then infused back into the patient. It is currently approved for certain blood cancers including relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and multiple myeloma, particularly in patients who have not responded to or have relapsed after standard treatments. CAR-T therapy is a specialised treatment that requires careful patient selection. Dr. Darshan Jain evaluates each patient's case to determine whether they may be a candidate and provides guidance on the process and what to expect.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT), also called a stem cell transplant, is a procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is used to restore the blood-forming system after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation that destroys the existing marrow, or to replace marrow that is not functioning correctly due to disease. BMT is most commonly recommended for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, as well as certain non-cancerous conditions affecting the bone marrow. There are two main types: autologous transplant, where the patient's own stem cells are used, and allogeneic transplant, where stem cells come from a matched donor. Your oncologist will assess whether you are a suitable candidate based on your cancer type, stage, and overall health.

Managing side effects is an important part of cancer treatment, and your oncology team will monitor you closely throughout. Common side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and infection risk are managed with medications, dietary adjustments, and supportive care. For patients concerned about hair loss, scalp cooling therapy is available during certain chemotherapy regimens and can significantly reduce hair loss. Blood count monitoring helps detect and treat low immunity or anaemia early. Pain management, nutritional support, and psychological care are also offered as needed. Dr. Darshan Jain discusses potential side effects with each patient before starting treatment and puts a plan in place to manage them proactively, so patients can maintain quality of life during therapy.

Not necessarily. Newer treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy can be dramatically more effective than traditional chemotherapy for specific cancer types with the right molecular markers. However, for many cancers, well-established chemotherapy regimens remain the most effective option and have decades of clinical data supporting their use. The best treatment is always the one that is most appropriate for a particular patient's cancer type, stage, molecular profile, and overall health. At times, combining traditional and newer approaches produces the best results. Dr. Darshan Jain evaluates each case individually and recommends treatment based on clinical evidence and international guidelines, not simply on whether a treatment is new or old.