Which of the following is NOT a common approach for treating cancer?

The correct answer is Option (4) → Acupuncture

Cancer is treated by removing the tumour, by killing the cancer cells, or by helping the body’s immune system destroy them. The book names three common approaches: surgery, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy (drugs that kill cancer cells) is also used.

Option (1) Surgery — A common approach for treating cancer. The tumour mass is removed by an operation. Most cancers are treated by surgery together with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Option (2) Radiation therapy — A common approach for treating cancer. In radiotherapy, tumour cells are irradiated lethally, with care taken to protect the normal tissue around the tumour.

Option (3) Immunotherapy — A common approach for treating cancer. Tumour cells can escape the immune system. Patients are given biological response modifiers such as α-interferon, which activate the immune system to destroy the tumour.

Option (4) Acupuncture — Not a common approach for treating cancer. Acupuncture (treatment by inserting fine needles into the skin) does not remove or kill tumour cells. It is not among the approaches the book gives.

NCERT Extract:
Cancer – “… Treatment of cancer : The common approaches for treatment of cancer are surgery, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. In radiotherapy, tumor cells are irradiated lethally, taking proper care of the normal tissues surrounding the tumor mass. Several chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill cancerous cells. Some of these are specific for particular tumors. Majority of drugs have side effects like hair loss, anemia, etc. Most cancers are treated by combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.”