What is the goal of biotherapy in cancer treatment?

The goal of biotherapy in cancer treatment is to augment the body's immune response against cancer. This therapeutic approach leverages the body’s own immune system to identify and combat cancer cells more effectively. Biotherapy, also referred to as immunotherapy, includes various strategies such as the use of monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and vaccines. These treatments aim to empower the immune system to recognize cancer as a foreign entity, thus enhancing its ability to target and destroy cancerous cells.

While treatments that destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells, remove tumors, or induce mutations can have roles in cancer therapy, they do not align with the specific objectives of biotherapy. The unique focus of biotherapy on strengthening and utilizing the immune system distinguishes it from other cancer treatment modalities, where direct cell destruction or removal is the primary mechanism of action.