What role do cytokines play in cancer treatment?

Cytokines play a significant role in cancer treatment as they mediate immune responses and help the body fight cancer. These small proteins are crucial in the communication between cells and can influence the immune system's ability to respond to tumors. Various types of cytokines, such as interferons and interleukins, have been shown to enhance the activity of immune cells, making them more effective at recognizing and destroying cancer cells.

In therapeutic contexts, certain cytokines are used to boost the immune system, trigger an immune response against tumor cells, or modify the environment around the tumor to improve the effectiveness of other treatments. This immune-modulating effect is a key reason why cytokines have garnered attention in research and clinical practices surrounding cancer.

The other options focus on roles that cytokines do not primarily serve in the context of cancer treatment. For instance, while they may have a complex relationship with tumor growth, their primary function in therapy is to stimulate the immune response rather than promote cancer. Additionally, cytokines are not solely utilized for pain management, and while they can have an impact on side effects of chemotherapy, this is not their main role in the context of cancer treatment.