Question

Immunotherapy these days is one of the most efficient ways of treatment of cancer. The therapy involved activates the immune system and destroys the tumour.

1. Write an example of one such biological response modifier used in immunotherapy.
2. Why do patients need such substances if immune system is already working in body?
3. State what is 'Contact inhibition'.

Answer 1

1. The patients are given substances called biological response modifiers such as α-interferon, which activate their immune system and help in destroying the tumour.
2. These are required to generate responses against the body's own cellular issues, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders.
3. Normal cells show a property called contact inhibition, by virtue of which contact with other cells inhibits their uncontrolled growth.