An Oncology Immunotherapy Primer for Medical Writers: Understanding Hype Versus Hope

Abstract

Immunotherapy use in oncology is expanding rapidly. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, and cancer vaccines are providing deep and durable responses, including for those with previously untreatable cancers. Although these advances are certainly exciting, not all patients will respond to or be candidates for this type of treatment. It is important for medical writers to understand both the benefits and limitations of these therapies in order to accurately communicate clear and balanced language to both patients and the public. This article aims to review currently available immunotherapies, common toxicities, considerations for appropriate immunotherapy candidates, barriers to treatment, important resources, and strategies for medical writers to consider when reporting on and writing about the use of immunotherapy in oncology.