What is a characteristic of active immunotherapy?

Active immunotherapy is characterized by its ability to enhance the immune system's response to cancer. This approach seeks to stimulate the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively. By promoting an immune response, active immunotherapy aims to help the body realize and target the cancer as a foreign entity, which is crucial for generating long-lasting immunity and potential cancer eradication.

In contrast, engineered immune cells, such as those used in CAR T-cell therapy, relate to a different method often classified under adoptive cell transfer rather than purely active immunotherapy. Delivering cytokines directly is more representative of supportive therapies that modify immune system behavior without necessarily enhancing the immune response against cancer in a holistic manner. Additionally, acting by blocking hormone receptors pertains to targeted therapies often used for hormone-sensitive cancers, which do not directly involve the mechanisms of active immunotherapy. Understanding the mechanism of action in active immunotherapy helps in recognizing its role in cancer treatment and the overall strategy of harnessing the body’s immune capabilities.