How do corticosteroids primarily fight cancers?

Corticosteroids primarily fight cancers through mechanisms that include lysing lymphoblasts and decreasing edema, making option B the most accurate choice. In certain types of cancer, particularly hematologic malignancies such as leukemias and lymphomas, corticosteroids are effective because they can induce lysis in rapidly dividing lymphoblasts, which are immature lymphocytes that proliferate uncontrollably in these conditions. This lysis contributes to the reduction of the overall tumor burden.

Additionally, corticosteroids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and edema. This property is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing tumor-related swelling or complications due to inflammation, which can lead to symptoms and complications that affect the patient's quality of life. By managing these symptoms, corticosteroids help create a more favorable environment for other therapeutic interventions to take effect while also directly impacting the cancer cells.

The other choices present valid mechanisms that can be related to cancer treatment but are not the primary action of corticosteroids in fighting cancers. For example, while inducing apoptosis can occur in some contexts, it's not the main mechanism by which corticosteroids operate in the treatment of cancers. Similarly, while promoting immune activation and inhibiting angiogenesis are important therapeutic strategies in oncology, corticosteroids do not typically utilize these processes as their