Immunotherapy Treatment in Melbourne
Immunotherapy is a form of anti-cancer treatment that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It has changed the treatment of many cancers and can produce long-lasting cancer control in some patients. It is not effective for every cancer, however, and the likely benefit depends on the tumour type, stage, biomarkers, previous treatment and the individual patient’s health.
Northern Blood & Cancer Care provides specialist immunotherapy planning and monitoring for patients across Melbourne. Our medical oncologists and haematologists assess whether an immune-based treatment is appropriate, explain how it differs from chemotherapy, and coordinate treatment through Northern Private Hospital, Northern Health or a tertiary service when required. Because immune-related side effects can behave very differently from chemotherapy side effects, ongoing specialist review and early recognition of new symptoms are particularly important.
The immune system normally identifies and removes abnormal cells, but cancer can develop ways to avoid immune detection or switch off an immune response. Immunotherapy aims to overcome some of these mechanisms. In solid-tumour oncology, the best-known treatments are immune checkpoint therapies, which release molecular “brakes” on immune cells so they can respond more effectively to cancer.
Haematology also uses a range of immune-based treatments, including therapeutic antibodies and, in selected blood cancers, more specialised approaches such as bispecific antibodies or cellular therapies. These treatments do not all work in the same way and may require very different monitoring. Advanced cellular therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy, are generally delivered through specialist tertiary centres rather than routine day oncology services.
In advanced disease, immunotherapy may be used to control cancer for as long as it remains effective and tolerable. Some patients have prolonged responses, while others do not respond or eventually develop resistance. Imaging and clinical review are used to assess benefit, but immune responses can occasionally look different from chemotherapy responses, so scans need to be interpreted in the clinical context.
The oncologist or haematologist first confirms the cancer type, stage and previous treatments. Tumour testing may include biomarkers that help estimate the chance of benefit, although no biomarker predicts response perfectly. The specialist also reviews autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, chronic infections, lung disease and other medical conditions because these can alter the balance of benefit and risk.
Baseline blood tests usually assess blood counts, liver and kidney function and endocrine function. Depending on the treatment and the patient’s history, additional investigations may be needed. Patients should tell their specialist about all prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements, and should mention any history of autoimmune conditions even if they have been quiet for years.
Immunotherapy can cause the immune system to inflame normal tissues as well as cancer cells. These immune-related adverse events are different from the predictable cell-damage effects associated with many chemotherapy drugs. They can affect almost any organ and may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has finished.
Commonly affected areas include the skin, thyroid and other hormone glands, bowel, liver and lungs. Symptoms can include a new rash, persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, headache, dizziness, cough, shortness of breath, jaundice or marked changes in thirst or urination. Less common but serious inflammation can involve the heart, kidneys, nervous system, muscles or other organs.
Early reporting matters because many immune-related side effects are easier to control when recognised promptly. Significant reactions are often treated by pausing immunotherapy and using medicines that suppress the immune response, such as corticosteroids, with additional specialist input where necessary. Patients should not wait for their next routine appointment if they develop a new or rapidly worsening symptom while receiving immunotherapy.
Northern Blood & Cancer Care’s medical oncologists include specialists with breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and broad solid-tumour expertise, while the haematology team manages immune-based treatments used for lymphoma, myeloma and other blood cancers. The team’s appointments across Northern Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Austin Health and Alfred Health support multidisciplinary discussion and referral to higher-complexity immune or cellular therapies when required.
Northern Private Hospital has a day chemotherapy service, while Northern Health’s Oncology and Medical Day Unit provides outpatient cancer and haematology treatments, including cancer medicines and other infusions. This gives patients receiving care through Northern Blood & Cancer Care access to local treatment pathways while their specialist continues to review response, toxicity and the wider treatment plan.
Infectious diseases and general medicine expertise within Northern Blood & Cancer Care is also relevant when infection needs to be distinguished from treatment toxicity or when cancer therapy is being given to a patient with complex medical issues. Where additional rehabilitation or supportive care is beneficial, referrals can be coordinated with appropriate hospital or external services.
Please bring a current referral, medication list and relevant pathology, imaging and previous treatment records. If immunotherapy is being considered, tell your specialist about autoimmune conditions, previous organ transplantation, significant lung disease, chronic infections and any previous immune-related reaction. Your oncologist or haematologist will explain the treatment goal, how often therapy is given, what monitoring is required and which symptoms need urgent contact.
A family member or support person is welcome. It can be useful to write down questions in advance, particularly about expected benefit, duration of treatment, biomarkers, side effects and what happens if treatment needs to be paused.
Immunotherapy can provide important treatment options, but its benefits and immune-related side effects require careful selection and follow-up. Northern Blood & Cancer Care combines experienced oncology and haematology specialists, clinical-trial involvement and strong links with Melbourne tertiary services to provide contemporary immune-based treatment with clear monitoring and escalation pathways.
Northern Blood & Cancer Care brings together a highly experienced team of haematologists, medical oncologists and specialist physicians, with consultations available at Northern Private Hospital in Epping.
Contact our team to arrange an appointment or discuss a referral.
