Question

When are the biological response modifiers used to treat cancer?

(a) When the immune system responds to cancerous cells

(b) When the immune system fails to detect the cancerous cells

(c) When the immune system is hyperactive

(d) When the immune system destroys the cancerous cells

This question was addressed to me in a job interview.

The query is from Human Health and Disease topic in section Human Health and Disease of Biology – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) When the immune system responds to cancerous cells

Easiest explanation: Tumour cells have been shown to avoid detection and destruction in the immune system. Therefore, the patients are given substances called as biological response modifiers such as α-interferon when the immune system of the body fails to recognise the cancerous cells, which then activates their immune system and helps in destroying the tumour.