Which term describes the use of biological agents like interferons in cancer treatment?

Prepare for the APHON Principles of Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Enhance your knowledge and get ready for certification!

The term that describes the use of biological agents, such as interferons, in cancer treatment is biotherapy. Biotherapy, also known as biological therapy, involves using living organisms, substances derived from living organisms, or synthetic versions of such substances to enhance or restore the body's natural immune response against cancer. Interferons are a type of cytokine that help to modulate the immune system and can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and enhance the body's immune response.

In contrast, chemotherapy typically refers to the use of chemical agents to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells, which doesn't encompass the immunological mechanisms employed by biotherapy. Symptomatic treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms without addressing the underlying cancer, and conventional therapy generally refers to standard treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Therefore, biotherapy is the most accurate term to describe the use of agents like interferons in the context of cancer treatment.

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