Which type of immune therapy is known to enhance the body’s defense against cancer?

Monoclonal antibodies represent a type of immune therapy designed specifically to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells. These are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. In the context of cancer, monoclonal antibodies work by targeting specific antigens present on the surface of cancer cells, effectively marking them for destruction by the immune system.

The specificity of monoclonal antibodies allows for targeted therapy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, which contrasts with broader treatment modalities like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, some monoclonal antibodies can recruit other immune cells to attack cancer cells more effectively or inhibit growth signals that cancer cells may be using to proliferate.

Understanding the role of monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment is essential as it underscores the advancement in cancer therapies aimed at harnessing and enhancing the body's immune system to combat tumors directly.