Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy: A Scoping Review

Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment by leveraging the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. This scoping review synthesizes recent data on the clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) impacts of key immunotherapy agents, including checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and CAR T-cell therapies. A systematic search in PubMed and Google Scholar identified primary studies published in the past five years (2020-2024) focusing on clinical efficacy and QoL metrics. Findings reveal that immunotherapy offers notable survival benefits and QoL improvements, especially in hematologic cancers, where CAR T-cell therapies demonstrate high efficacy in relapsed or refractory cases. However, challenges remain in extending these benefits to solid tumors, with common obstacles being immune-related toxicities and limited access. Promising new strategies, such as CAR NK cells and combination regimens, are under investigation to enhance safety and applicability to solid tumors. Critical factors influencing outcomes include patient-specific elements like genetic mutations, age, and variability in clinical trial demographics, which affect both efficacy and QoL. As immunotherapy advances, personalized treatment approaches informed by genetic and clinical profiles will be crucial for optimizing results. Further research should address toxicity reduction, broaden target options, and develop accessible off-the-shelf therapies. This review underscores immunotherapy's impact on survival and QoL, advocating for precision medicine in oncology to enhance patient-centered outcomes.