Immunotherapy in Modern Oncology: Promise, Challenges, and Rational Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Introduction

Cancer treatment has entered a new era with the development of immunotherapy. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which acts directly on cancer cells, immunotherapy works by stimulating the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy malignant cells. This approach is based on advances in our understanding of tumor biology and immune surveillance. Over the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly improved outcomes in several advanced cancers, with some patients achieving durable responses and long-term survival.

However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Bangladesh, the growing use of immunotherapy raises important questions regarding affordability, accessibility, and rational use.