What best describes immunotherapy?

Prepare for the VCE Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Immunotherapy is best described as treatments that alter immune system function. This approach leverages the body's own immune system to fight diseases, particularly cancer. Immunotherapy can enhance or restore the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells, utilizing various techniques such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer vaccines. By modulating the immune response, these therapies can be tailored to target specific characteristics of the tumor or enhance the immune system's overall ability to detect and attack malignant cells.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately encapsulate the concept of immunotherapy. Completely eliminating all pathogens does not align with the selective and targeted nature of immunotherapy, as the latter focuses on specific disease mechanisms rather than indiscriminately eradicating all pathogens. Traditional cancer treatments targeting all cells, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often affect both healthy and cancerous cells, which is fundamentally different from the targeted approach of immunotherapy. Lastly, antibiotic treatments are designed to combat bacterial infections rather than manipulating the immune system, which further distinguishes immunotherapy from curative methods that involve antibiotics.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy