Final answer:
Cytokines are used therapeutically to boost the immune system's response to cancer, leading to potential tumor shrinkage, and diagnostically in the form of monoclonal antibodies for cancer detection and targeting. Additionally, they have applications in treating various other health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cytokines are important cell-to-cell communication molecules with various therapeutic and diagnostic uses, especially in the context of cancer treatment and immune system modulation. They can function as anti-cancer cytokines, with examples including interferons, interleukins, and thalidomide. These cytokines can enhance the immune response, such as stimulating cytotoxic T cells, leading to tumor shrinkage.
For diagnostic purposes, cytokines or their effects can be measured to assess the presence or stage of disease. In cancer diagnosis, monoclonal antibodies targeting specific cytokines can be used for identifying and targeting cancer cells. Clinical uses of cytokines also include the management of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, severe anemia, hemophilia, and the prevention of hepatitis B infection.