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Disillusionments and hopes in the field of biological response modifiers
1Divisione Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Sant' Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
A number of new approaches are currently being investigated throughout the world which aim at the better simulation of immunoregulation by different BRM's. However it must be accepted that a remarkable difference exists between the positive results obtained with BRM's in experimental tumor systems and current clinical experiences. It is suggested that the treatment of preneoplastic lesions and immunoprevention of cancer could be a more rational aim for the application of BRM's than the treatment of advanced neoplastic diseases. This hypothesis is based primarily on the theoretical understanding of the immune system as a biological mechanism whose "natural" function is to eliminate "minimal deviation" cells when they occur as regular biological events during cell multiplication. BRM's should be considered first of all as bioregulators for the maintenance and restoration of cellular and tissue homeostasis.
Insights
Biological response modifiers (BRMs) show promise in cancer immunoprevention and treating preneoplastic lesions. Their role as bioregulators for immune homeostasis offers a rational approach, differing from advanced cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Bioregulation
Background:
- Current research explores novel approaches for simulating immunoregulation using biological response modifiers (BRMs).
- A significant discrepancy exists between the efficacy of BRMs in experimental tumor models and their clinical application.
- BRMs are investigated for their potential to modulate immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of BRMs in cancer immunoprevention and treatment of preneoplastic lesions.
- To explore the hypothesis that BRMs are more effective in early-stage disease than in advanced cancers.
- To understand the role of BRMs as bioregulators of immune homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on BRMs and immunoregulation.
- Analysis of experimental tumor system data versus clinical experiences with BRMs.
- Theoretical modeling of the immune system's role in eliminating early-stage cancer cells.
Main Results:
- BRMs demonstrate significant positive results in experimental tumor systems.
- Clinical experiences with BRMs in treating advanced cancers show limitations.
- A theoretical framework suggests the immune system naturally eliminates early-stage aberrant cells.
Conclusions:
- BRMs may be more rationally applied to preneoplastic lesions and cancer immunoprevention.
- The immune system's natural function is to eliminate "minimal deviation" cells.
- BRMs should primarily be viewed as bioregulators for maintaining and restoring homeostasis.