Biotherapy is a treatment that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct or restore the body's natural defenses against cancer. This type of treatment is also called biologic therapy or immunotherapy.

Biotherapy may be used to:

• Stop, control or suppress processes that permit cancer growth.
• Make cancer cells more recognizable, and therefore more susceptible, to destruction by your immune system.
• Boost the killing power of your immune system cells.
• Alter cancer cells’ growth patterns to promote behavior like that of healthy cells.
• Enhance your body’s ability to repair or replace normal cells damaged or destroyed by other forms of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
• Prevent cancer cells from spreading to other parts of your body.

Biotherapy is seen to be a promising option in the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and genetic disorders.

Biotherapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

What is the difference between Chemotherapy and Biotherapy?
Chemotherapy and biotherapy are both treatments that fight cancer. While they may seem
alike, they work in different ways. Biotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. Chemotherapy attacks the cancer cells directly.