Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free AOCNP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Immunotherapy functions in cancer treatment by enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells. This approach leverages the immune system to recognize and attack malignant cells more effectively. Various types of immunotherapy, such as monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer vaccines, work to stimulate the immune system or amplify its ability to identify and destroy cancerous cells.

This method is distinct from the actions of traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy, which primarily aim to kill cancer cells directly. While immunotherapy may not eliminate tumors in the same way that chemotherapy does, its goal is to train and strengthen the immune system to combat cancer over time, ideally leading to better long-term outcomes and survivorship.

The option concerning the reduction of chemotherapy side effects does not adequately describe the primary function of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy might be administered alone or alongside chemotherapy, but its primary action focuses on the immune response rather than alleviating the side effects associated with more conventional treatments.

The claim that immunotherapy can increase tumor size is fundamentally incorrect, as the objective is to reduce or eliminate tumors rather than exacerbate them. Therefore, the correct understanding of immunotherapy is rooted in its capability to enhance immunity against cancer, leading to its effectiveness in the treatment of various malignancies.