Which type of cancer treatment specifically alters the immune system?

The option that specifically alters the immune system is biologic response modifiers. These treatments are designed to enhance or restore the immune system's ability to fight cancer. They can work by stimulating the immune system directly or by creating a more favorable environment for the immune cells to effectively target and destroy cancer cells.

Biologic response modifiers include a variety of agents such as monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and vaccines, which can specifically activate immune cells or modulate immune pathways to improve the body’s response to cancer. This approach is distinct from other treatment modalities, which do not primarily focus on modifying the immune response.

Hormonal therapy focuses on interfering with hormone signals that can promote the growth of certain cancers, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells, but does not have a direct effect on the immune system. Surgery involves the physical removal of tumors or affected tissues and does not modulate immune function directly.

Therefore, biologic response modifiers are uniquely positioned as treatments that specifically target and alter the immune system to combat cancer.