How does immunotherapy work in cancer treatment?

Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s immune response to identify and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, which directly attack and kill cancer cells, immunotherapy leverages the body’s own immune system to recognize and combat cancer. This approach can involve various methods, such as boosting the overall immune response, creating antibodies that target specific cancer cells, or training immune cells to attack tumors more effectively.

One reason this option stands out is that it emphasizes the innovative nature of immunotherapy, which represents a shift from conventional treatment modalities. It allows for a potentially more selective approach that can result in fewer side effects and continued immune surveillance against cancer recurrence. Immunotherapy can also adapt to the unique characteristics of different cancers, making it a versatile tool in oncology. Additionally, this treatment can lead to prolonged remissions in some patients, providing a significant advancement in cancer management.