What is the role of immunotherapy in treating canine tumors?

The role of immunotherapy in treating canine tumors primarily involves harnessing the body's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. This approach works by stimulating or enhancing the natural immune response, allowing the body to recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively. This method can be particularly powerful because it not only targets the tumor but may also lead to a broader immune response that helps prevent recurrence.

Immunotherapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but its distinctive mechanism involves utilizing the body’s own defenses rather than directly killing cancer cells or replacing conventional therapies. While it may have synergistic effects when used alongside these treatments, the primary intent is to provoke an immune response against the tumor. This unique characteristic sets immunotherapy apart from purely cytotoxic treatments, which focus on directly damaging or destroying cancer cells.