Cancer therapy with combinations of biological response modifiers and cytotoxics: an update

The pleiotropic effects of BRMs on cell function emerged as one of the more prominent themes at this conference. As we continue to learn more about the mechanisms of action of BRMs, it seems likely that this aspect of their biology will one day be used for therapeutic gain. Conceivably, by varying the dose and schedule of a single BRM, it may be possible to achieve very different therapeutic goals: alteration of cell surface antigens or receptors, modulation of the cytotoxic activity of chemotherapeutic agents, or stimulation/restoration of immune effector cell function after chemotherapy. Moreover, as amply illustrated by the work summarized here, BRMs will undoubtedly have an even broader therapeutic spectrum when used in combination with other modalities.