Dr. Mohanad Diab
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2026-03-156 min read

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Mohanad Diab, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Mediclinic Abu Dhabi.

What is Immunotherapy? A Patient's Guide to Modern Cancer Treatment

What is Immunotherapy?


Immunotherapy is a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment that works by empowering your body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells, immunotherapy trains your immune system to do the fighting.


How Does Immunotherapy Work?


Cancer cells are clever — they can hide from your immune system or turn off immune responses. Immunotherapy works by:


  • Checkpoint Inhibitors: Removing the "brakes" that cancer puts on your immune system
  • CAR T-Cell Therapy: Engineering your immune cells to better recognize cancer
  • Monoclonal Antibodies: Marking cancer cells so your immune system can find them
  • Cancer Vaccines: Teaching your immune system to recognize specific cancer proteins

    • Which Cancers Respond to Immunotherapy?


    Immunotherapy has shown remarkable results in treating:


  • Lung cancer: (non-small cell)
  • Melanoma: (skin cancer)
  • Kidney cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Certain types of breast cancer
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Some lymphomas

    • Benefits of Immunotherapy


  • Can produce long-lasting responses
  • Generally fewer side effects than chemotherapy
  • May work when other treatments have stopped
  • Can be combined with other treatments

    • Immunotherapy at Mediclinic Abu Dhabi


    Dr. Mohanad Diab offers the latest immunotherapy protocols at Mediclinic Abu Dhabi. Each patient's treatment plan is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board to determine the most effective approach.


    Side Effects


    While generally well-tolerated, immunotherapy can cause:

  • Fatigue
  • Skin reactions
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • In rare cases, autoimmune reactions

    • Your oncologist will monitor you closely throughout treatment.


    If you'd like to learn whether immunotherapy is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohanad Diab at Mediclinic Abu Dhabi.

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