What type of therapy relies on the body's immune system to fight cancer?

Biotherapy, also known as immunotherapy, is a treatment approach that harnesses the body's immune system to identify and combat cancer cells. This type of therapy can involve the use of substances naturally produced by the body, such as interferons or interleukins, or may include man-made products like monoclonal antibodies. The primary goal of biotherapy is to enhance the immune response against tumors, preventing their growth and spread.

In contrast, cytocidal therapy refers to treatments that kill cancer cells directly, typically through methods like traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Cytostatic therapy, on the other hand, inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells without necessarily killing them, often using drugs that interfere with cell division. Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular targets associated with cancer cells, rather than activating the immune system. Each of these alternatives has its own mechanism of action, but biotherapy specifically emphasizes utilizing the body's own defenses to combat cancer, making it distinct and appropriate in this context.