Which biological response modifier is clinically administered to cancer patients to activate their endogenous immune system and help eradicate malignant tumors?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. alpha-Interferon (α-interferon)

  1. Step 1: Tumor cells often evade detection and destruction by the host immune system through down-regulation of MHC molecules or immunosuppressive signaling.
  2. Step 2: Immunotherapy in oncology uses biological response modifiers to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses.
  3. Step 3: Administration of -interferon activates natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and macrophages, enhancing the patient's immune surveillance to destroy tumor cells.
Answer
alpha-Interferon (α-interferon)
Why not the others: 'Morphine sulfate' is a potent opioid analgesic used to manage severe cancer pain, but has no anti-tumor immunological activity; 'Cyclosporin A' is an immunosuppressive drug used to prevent organ transplant rejection (which would promote tumor progression); 'Histamine dihydrochloride' is an allergic inflammatory mediator.

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