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In a heartening update, popular TV actress Hina Khan shared positive news about her health journey after battling breast cancer. The ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ star, who recently attended a public event in Mumbai, spoke briefly to photographers about her treatment progress. Her candid update has brought relief to fans, who have supported her since she revealed her diagnosis. While chemotherapy and surgery are now behind her, Hina has moved to immunotherapy, a treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. But what does this mean for her recovery? Read ahead to know more about it.
“My Chemos Are Over”: Hina Khan
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Hina Khan, 36, first announced her breast cancer diagnosis in June 2024, urging fans to prioritise health check-ups. “Not last chemo. My chemos are over, my surgery is also over, and I am on other treatment right now. I am taking my immunotherapies, and everything is going good,” she said with a smile at a recent event. She underwent months of chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove cancerous tissue. Her latest update confirms she’s entered the next phase: immunotherapy.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. According to a study, it uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function. Immunotherapy can work by stimulating the immune system to work harder or smarter to attack cancer cells or by providing the immune system with components, such as man-made immune system proteins.
Difference Between Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy?
According to Dr Ashish Gupta, Chief Oncologist, Unique Hospital Cancer Centre, Delhi, below is a clear comparison between chemotherapy and immunotherapy, two common cancer treatments. Here’s a concise breakdown of the key differences:
How They Work
- Powerful medication within chemotherapy purposes its effect against fast-growing cancer cells. The treatment damages not only cancer cells but also normal cells inside the body which produces side effects consisting of hair loss together with fatigue and nausea.
- Immune system therapy enhances natural cancer cell recognition abilities within the body. The treatment functions more specifically by protecting normal body cells while minimizing adverse reactions.
Treatment Approach
- Chemotherapy functions by spreading throughout the body which allows it to eliminate cancer cells that have spread from their origin.
- Immunotherapy treats cancer by increasing the body's defence mechanics against tumours yet treats only particular cancers found in melanoma or lung cancer.
Side Effects
- The therapy affects healthy cells producing standard side effects that weaken immunity and cause digestive problems and hair loss.
- The side effects from immunotherapy tend to be mild but patients might experience flu-like symptoms together with autoimmune responses because their immune system becomes too active.
Long-Term Impact
- Quick results from chemotherapy exist yet the treatment fails to stop cancer from returning after remission.
- Such treatment induces long-term protection through its ability to train the immune system about cancer cell recognition which decreases the possibility of recurrence.
Conclusion
Hina Khan’s health update highlights both her strength and advancements in cancer care. While immunotherapy offers hope, experts stress the importance of personalized treatment plans. As Hina continues her recovery, fans worldwide root for her comeback—on and off-screen. With science, support, and sheer willpower, Hina’s story reminds us all that even the toughest journeys can lead to brighter days.