The Experiences of Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy: A Qualitative Study

Objective: The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment provides significant clinical benefits, but it is also associated with some side effects. While these drugs enable the immune system to respond more aggressively to cancer cells, they can sometimes lead to excessive immune responses that may damage normal tissues. This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Methods: This study is a qualitative research conducted on the experiences of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy at a university hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, between June 2024 and January 2025. The standards for reporting qualitative research studies reporting guidelines were used to report this study. Data collection was conducted through semistructured face‐to‐face interviews. Results: This study explores the experiences of cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. The research identified five main themes. These themes include patients’ anxiety and uncertainty about the disease process, their need for information, feelings of trust, expectations for the future and hope, economic problems, and financial burdens, as well as gaps in knowledge regarding treatment‐related toxic effects. Conclusion: This research has provided valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. It highlights the need for healthcare professionals to inform patients about the treatment process and potential side effects and to properly manage their expectations regarding the effectiveness of the treatment.