What are side effects of immunotherapy
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For informational purposes only
This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.
Sources & medical oversight
- Built by OpenCancer’s team of physician-scientists and cancer survivors.
- Last updated October 30, 2025. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.
Common Side Effects of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by activating your immune system to fight cancer, which can sometimes cause your immune system to attack healthy parts of your body. These are called immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
Most Common Side Effects
According to NCCN Guidelines and the American Cancer Society, the most frequent side effects include:
Mild to Moderate (Most Common)
- Fatigue - feeling unusually tired or weak
- Skin reactions - rash, itching, or vitiligo (loss of skin color)
- Diarrhea and colitis - inflammation of the intestines
- Nausea - upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle or joint aches
More Serious (Less Common but Important)
The FDA and ASCO Guidelines emphasize monitoring for these potentially serious side effects:
- Pneumonitis - lung inflammation causing cough or breathing difficulty
- Hepatitis - liver inflammation (elevated liver enzymes)
- Thyroid problems - either overactive or underactive thyroid
- Kidney inflammation (nephritis)
- Endocrine issues - affecting pituitary, adrenal, or pancreas function
- Neurological effects - numbness, weakness, or confusion (rare)
Important Timing Information
According to NCCN Guidelines, side effects can occur:
- During treatment
- Weeks to months after starting
- Even after treatment has stopped
When to Contact Your Healthcare Team
The American Cancer Society recommends calling immediately if you experience:
- Severe diarrhea or bloody stools
- Difficulty breathing or persistent cough
- Severe rash covering large areas
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unusual weakness or confusion
Management
Most immune-related side effects are manageable, especially when caught early. Your oncology team may:
- Temporarily pause immunotherapy
- Prescribe corticosteroids to calm immune response
- Provide supportive medications
- Monitor with regular blood tests
It's crucial to report ANY new symptoms to your care team promptly - early intervention typically leads to better outcomes and allows you to continue treatment safely.
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