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Biological Therapy of Cancer--fifth symposium. From basic research to clinical application. 27-30 October 1999,

R Francis1, D Chao

  • 1Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London, Department of Clinical Oncology, Rowland Hill Street, London , NW3 2PF, UK. r.francis@rfhsm.ac.uk

Idrugs : the Investigational Drugs Journal
|August 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Biological therapies, including antibodies and cytokines, show promise in cancer treatment. Further research and modified trial designs are crucial for integrating these novel approaches with traditional chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Significant advancements in biological therapies for cancer are emerging.
  • Current therapies include licensed antibodies, available cytokines, and routinely used growth factors.
  • Understanding tumor biology and the immune system is key to developing novel treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the progress and key areas of biological therapy for cancer.
  • To discuss the integration of novel biological agents into clinical practice.
  • To highlight the importance of modified clinical trial designs for biological therapies.

Main Methods:

  • The meeting covered major areas of biological therapy: tumor immunology, vaccine therapy, dendritic cell approaches, gene therapy, and antibody therapies.
  • Focus on therapies that have entered Phase I trials.
  • Emphasis on evaluating both standard trial objectives and biological endpoints.

Main Results:

  • Many biological therapies are well-tolerated with minimal side effects in early trials.
  • Cell-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in various therapeutic approaches.
  • Modified trial designs incorporating biological endpoints are necessary.

Conclusions:

  • Biological therapies represent a promising new avenue for cancer treatment.
  • These therapies may offer alternatives or complements to conventional chemotherapy.
  • Further clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of these agents.

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