Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

Which term is commonly associated with the use of biological therapies in cancer treatment?

1. Immunotherapy

2. Chemotherapy

3. Radiation therapy

4. Targeted therapy

The correct answer is: Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is the term that is commonly associated with the use of biological therapies in cancer treatment. This approach harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and combat cancer cells, making it a key component of biological therapies. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which directly kills rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy works by enhancing or restoring the immune system's natural ability to identify and attack cancer cells. In recent years, immunotherapy has seen significant advances, with therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR T-cell therapy becoming integral to cancer care. These treatments exemplify how biological therapies can target specific components of the immune response or cancer biology, allowing for a more tailored and often less toxic approach to treatment. While chemotherapy and radiation therapy are classic modalities that directly affect cancer cells, they do not fall under the category of biological therapies. Targeted therapy, while it does represent a more focused treatment strategy, primarily uses drugs that target specific pathways or genetic alterations in cancer cells, not necessarily enhancing immune function like immunotherapy does.