Immunotherapy is less invasive and more effective treatment for cancer. It trains the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

CAR-T cell therapy has been launched in India in 2024. India has developed NexCAR-19 in collaboration of industry and academy.

A patient’s T-cells are taken. T-cells are a type of white blood cells that fight cancer. T-cells are modified to recognize and destroy cancer cells. NexCAR19 treats B-cell lymphomas and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (in patients aged 15 and older).

NexCAR19 is the most affordable CAR-T therapy. Immuneel, a startup in Bangalore supported by Biocon and academia of Columbia University are conducting clinical trials for CAR-T therapy called IMAGINE.

Dr. Reddy’s Lab also published CAR-T therapy results of the clinical trial. It shows positive results in multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Another approach to cancer treatment is vaccination. Here personalized cancer vaccines are developed. They use mRNA technology. NHS in England is conducting trials for bowel cancer. A patient’s tumor is analyzed to detect unique mutations. It helps the immune system target the cancer more effectively. The trial will cover other cancers in future e.g. pancreatic and lung cancer in 2026.

HPV vaccination campaign has been launched in India in 2025. It protects the patients from cervical, anal and vaginal cancers.