Walsh & Hoyt: Biologic Response Modifiers

Biologic response modifiers are naturally occurring compounds that physiologically control or modify biologic responses in health and disease. The processes modified by these substances include the immune system; the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of blood cells; and the responses of the body to fever and infection. Some biologic response modifiers can be used to treat cancer. Such drugs include the interferons, interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and stimulating factors such as erythropoietin, darbepoietin, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Some of these substances can be produced by recombinant DNA technology and are used in higher doses than normal physiologic levels. Bortezomib (Velcade). Levamisole (ergamisol). Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H). Gemtuzamab (Mylotarg). Iodine-131 tositumomab. Rituximab. Monoclonal antibodies. Trastuzumab (Herceptin). ZD1839 (Iressa). Gleevec. SU5416.