Biologic response modifiers in pediatric cancer

L L Worth1, S S Jeha, E S Kleinerman

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Insights

Biologic response modifiers are emerging cancer treatments that stimulate the immune system to eliminate residual disease. Incorporating these agents may improve survival rates for various malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology and Immunology

Background:

  • Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) are increasingly utilized alongside traditional cancer therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
  • The field of BRM research is rapidly expanding, leading to their integration into diverse therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of biologic response modifiers in cancer management.
  • To highlight the potential of BRMs in improving patient outcomes and survival rates.

Main Methods:

  • This study reviews the current landscape and future potential of biologic response modifiers in cancer treatment.
  • It focuses on the mechanism of immune system stimulation by BRMs.

Main Results:

  • Biologic response modifiers can stimulate the host immune system to target and eradicate minimal residual cancer cells.
  • This immune stimulation holds promise for enhancing disease-free and long-term survival in patients with various cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Biologic response modifiers represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy, offering a way to leverage the immune system.
  • The primary challenge lies in optimizing the use of BRMs to maximize their anti-tumor effects and therapeutic efficacy.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Drug Products: Biologics, Biosimilars and Interchangeables01:28

Drug Products: Biologics, Biosimilars and Interchangeables

Biologics, derived from living sources such as humans, animals, or microorganisms, represent a significant category of pharmaceuticals. These complex molecules, developed through advanced biotechnological methods or purified from natural sources, include essential medical treatments like insulin and growth hormones. The complexity of biologics arises from their large molecular structures and the intricate processes required for their production, making them distinct from conventional...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...