Which aspect of immunotherapy distinguishes it from traditional chemotherapy?

The correct answer highlights a fundamental principle of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy works by stimulating or enhancing the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. This approach is distinct from traditional chemotherapy, which primarily acts by directly targeting and destroying rapidly dividing cancer cells, but may not necessarily engage the immune system in the same proactive manner.

The emphasis on stimulating the immune response is crucial, as it allows immunotherapy to potentially lead to longer-lasting effects in some cases, offering a different mechanism of action compared to the cytotoxic nature of chemotherapy. This characteristic can lead to improved outcomes for certain patients, as it trains the immune system to recognize and monitor for cancer cells, providing an additional layer of defense beyond the immediate effects of drug administration.

In contrast, while factors such as cost, side effects, and frequency of administration are relevant in discussing treatment options, they do not capture the essential mechanism that distinguishes immunotherapy from chemotherapy. Thus, the key differentiator remains its ability to engage and enhance the immune response against tumors.