Can immunotherapy cure cancer?

My mother has been diagnosed with poorly differentiated cancer aggressive cancer in her lungs and don’t know if primary or secondary. 
the have decided to remove the tumour and give immunotherapy along with chemo. 
The problem is my mum thinks she will be cured after all this. I can’t ask any questions when the dr is there as she does not want to know. Is immunotherapy a cure or is it just to help someone live longer?  The dr originally said they were looking for a cure but have now changed treatment to chemo and immunotherapy alongside surgery. I  understand they need to give hope but I would  like to be prepared and know the full facts. 
Is it just to prolong her life or can it get rid of  cancer? 

  • Hello Suzanzan

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis. It's obviously a very difficult time for you both and understandable that you may be worried. 

    It's not uncommon for people to now want to know their full prognosis but as her daughter, it's natural that you have questions about her treatment. Unfortunately, we can't say what the outcome may be for your Mum. I don't know if your Mum would be happy to give the care team permission to talk to you separately about the treatment plan and her prognosis. It may be that if your Mum has a nurse specialist she's been given contact details for they could help answer some of those questions or potentially when she goes for her next appointment this is something that your Mum could ask the clinical team to do. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses for some information and support you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that your Mum's treatment goes smoothly and that the team can give you both some reassurance as she moves forward. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • I truly hope so as that is my treatment plan.