What type of therapy uses antibodies against cancer-targeted antigens?

What type of therapy uses antibodies against cancer-targeted antigens?

• A. Radiotherapy
• B. Chemotherapy
• C. Biotherapy
• D. Hormonal therapy

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is biotherapy, which utilizes antibodies designed to target specific antigens found on cancer cells. This approach is part of a broader category known as immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and combat cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are a common form of biotherapy; they can directly inhibit cancer cell growth, mark cancer cells for destruction by the immune system, or block signals that promote cancer cell survival. In contrast, radiotherapy focuses on using high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells, while chemotherapy involves the use of cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Hormonal therapy targets hormone receptors in certain cancers, aiming to block the body's natural hormones from supporting cancer growth. Each of these therapies has distinct mechanisms and goals, whereas biotherapy specifically targets cancer cells through the immune system using antibodies, making it a unique and vital treatment option in oncology.

The correct answer is biotherapy, which utilizes antibodies designed to target specific antigens found on cancer cells. This approach is part of a broader category known as immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and combat cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are a common form of biotherapy; they can directly inhibit cancer cell growth, mark cancer cells for destruction by the immune system, or block signals that promote cancer cell survival.

In contrast, radiotherapy focuses on using high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells, while chemotherapy involves the use of cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Hormonal therapy targets hormone receptors in certain cancers, aiming to block the body's natural hormones from supporting cancer growth. Each of these therapies has distinct mechanisms and goals, whereas biotherapy specifically targets cancer cells through the immune system using antibodies, making it a unique and vital treatment option in oncology.