What is an important expected outcome when using nonspecific immunotherapies?

An important expected outcome of using nonspecific immunotherapies is the strengthening of the immune system in general. Nonspecific immunotherapies work by broadly enhancing the body's immune response rather than targeting specific cancer cells. These therapies can activate various components of the immune system, including cytokines and immune cells, to provide a more robust defense against various pathogens and potential malignancies.

By reinforcing the immune system, nonspecific immunotherapies can increase the immune surveillance capacity, making it more effective in detecting and responding to cancerous cells as well as infections. This generalized enhancement is crucial in cancer treatment, as a well-functioning immune system can recognize and attack tumor cells more efficiently.

While some options, such as targeted destruction of cancer cells and reduction of tumor size, are more characteristic of specific therapies that aim at particular tumor antigens or pathways, nonspecific immunotherapies focus on boosting the overall immune response. It’s also important to understand that improved immunity against viruses is not the primary aim of nonspecific immunotherapies, even though they may have that effect as a secondary benefit.