What is the primary mechanism of action for immunotherapy in cancer treatment?

The primary mechanism of action for immunotherapy in cancer treatment is that it boosts the body's immune system to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy leverages the immune system's natural ability to recognize and fight off pathogens, training it to identify cancer cells as threats. By enhancing various components of the immune response, such as T-cells or antibodies, immunotherapy can effectively increase the immune system's capacity to attack tumors.

This approach differs significantly from methods that directly kill cancer cells, as it does not rely on cytotoxic drugs or radiation that specifically target and damage cancerous tissues. Instead, immunotherapy enhances the overall immune surveillance of the body, enabling a more tailored attack on cancerous cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues. This targeted approach can lead to more effective and durable responses in cancer treatment.

The other options refer to mechanisms not associated with immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is distinct from therapies that alter cell cycle dynamics or use radiation, which focus more on directly disrupting cancer cell growth and division rather than empowering the immune response.