
Meet Dr. N. A. Siddiqui — Immunotherapy Doctor in Lucknow
Cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the past decade, offering patients more personalized and effective treatment options. One of the most important advances in modern oncology is immunotherapy, a treatment that helps the body's own immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.
If you are searching for an experienced Immunotherapy Doctor in Lucknow, Dr. N. A. Siddiqui, Medical Oncologist at Nabeel Cancer Care Centre, provides evidence-based immunotherapy for eligible patients as part of a comprehensive cancer care plan. Treatment recommendations are based on the type of cancer, its stage, biomarker testing, and the patient's overall health.
About Dr. N. A. Siddiqui
Dr. N. A. Siddiqui is a dedicated Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and medical treatment of various cancers. He focuses on personalized treatment planning using the latest evidence-based therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, and supportive care.
Qualifications
- MBBS
- MD (Medicine)
- DNB (Medical Oncology)
- MRCP (UK)
- ESMO Certified Medical Oncologist
- Certificate in Immuno-Oncology
- PDCR
Cancer Services
Dr. Siddiqui provides medical oncology care for:
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Colon & Rectal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Esophagus Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Blood Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma)
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly targets rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy works by enhancing or restoring the body's natural immune response.
Not every patient is a candidate for immunotherapy. Your oncologist will determine whether it is appropriate based on your cancer type, stage, and specific biomarkers.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Cancer cells can sometimes avoid detection by the immune system. Immunotherapy medicines help remove these barriers or activate immune cells so they can recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Depending on the cancer type, treatment may involve:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Other immune-based therapies approved for specific cancers
Your oncologist will explain which approach, if any, is suitable for your condition.
Who May Benefit from Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy may be considered for selected patients with cancers such as:
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancers
- Certain stomach and esophageal cancers
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Other cancers where approved indications exist
Eligibility depends on clinical evaluation and laboratory testing.
Biomarker Testing Before Immunotherapy
Before recommending immunotherapy, doctors may advise tests such as:
- PD-L1 testing
- MSI (Microsatellite Instability)
- dMMR (Mismatch Repair Deficiency)
- Tumor mutation profiling (where appropriate)
These tests help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from treatment.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
For selected patients, immunotherapy may:
- Help control cancer growth
- Improve long-term disease control in some cancers
- Be combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy
- Offer an option when other treatments are not suitable
Treatment results vary from patient to patient and depend on many factors.
Types of Cancers Treated with Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy may be used in the management of:
- Lung Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Melanoma
- Colon Cancer (selected cases)
- Rectal Cancer (selected cases)
- Esophagus Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
When is Immunotherapy Recommended?
Your oncologist may recommend immunotherapy:
- As the first treatment for eligible cancers
- After chemotherapy
- Along with chemotherapy
- After surgery in selected situations
- For recurrent or metastatic cancer when indicated
The treatment plan is individualized based on current medical guidelines.
How is Immunotherapy Given?
Immunotherapy is commonly administered:
- Through an intravenous (IV) infusion
- At intervals such as every 2, 3, 4, or 6 weeks, depending on the medicine
Treatment is usually provided in a supervised oncology day-care setting.
Possible Side Effects
Immunotherapy affects the immune system and can cause immune-related side effects. These are different from chemotherapy side effects.
Possible side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Skin rash or itching
- Diarrhea
- Thyroid function changes
- Liver inflammation
- Lung inflammation (rare)
- Joint pain
Patients should promptly report new symptoms so they can be evaluated and treated early.
Monitoring During Treatment
Regular follow-up helps ensure treatment safety and effectiveness.
Monitoring may include:
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET-CT where appropriate)
- Physical examination
- Review of symptoms
- Organ function assessment
Nutrition and Lifestyle During Immunotherapy
General recommendations include:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
- Remain physically active as tolerated
- Avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol
- Get adequate sleep
- Follow your oncologist's advice regarding vaccinations and infection prevention
Why Choose Dr. N. A. Siddiqui?
Patients choose Dr. N. A. Siddiqui for:
- Evidence-based oncology care
- Personalized treatment plans
- Access to modern cancer therapies
- Multidisciplinary treatment approach
- Compassionate patient care
- Detailed counseling and follow-up
- Focus on safety and quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body's immune system recognize and fight certain types of cancer.
Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy?
Neither treatment is universally better. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of cancer, stage, biomarkers, and individual patient factors.
Who is eligible for immunotherapy?
Eligibility depends on cancer type, biomarker testing, overall health, and current treatment guidelines.
Does immunotherapy have side effects?
Yes. Side effects can occur and may involve the immune system. Your oncology team will monitor you closely and manage side effects if they arise.
How long does immunotherapy treatment last?
Treatment duration varies depending on the cancer type, response to treatment, and the specific medicine being used.
Is immunotherapy available for all cancers?
No. Immunotherapy is approved only for specific cancers and clinical situations.
Can immunotherapy be combined with chemotherapy?
Yes. For some cancers, immunotherapy is used together with chemotherapy based on evidence and treatment guidelines.
Is hospitalization required?
Many immunotherapy treatments are given as outpatient IV infusions, allowing patients to return home the same day.
How do I know if immunotherapy is right for me?
A consultation with a medical oncologist, along with appropriate tests, can help determine whether immunotherapy is suitable.
How can I book an appointment?
You can contact Nabeel Cancer Care Centre to schedule a consultation with Dr. N. A. Siddiqui.
Book an Appointment
If you have been advised to consider immunotherapy or would like a treatment opinion, consult Dr. N. A. Siddiqui, Medical Oncologist at Nabeel Cancer Care Centre, Lucknow. A personalized evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.
