biological response modifier

biology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Biological response modifiers are treatments used to combat cancer by enhancing the body's natural defenses against tumors. These modifiers can directly inhibit tumor cell growth and also help the body tolerate toxic cancer treatments.1

Examples of biological response modifiers include:
* Monoclonal antibodies
* Immunomodulating agents like the BCG vaccine
* Lymphokines and cytokines, such as interleukin-2
* Interferons, which have antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory properties useful in treating certain viral infections and cancers.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

therapeutics
Biological response modifiers
Biological response modifiers, used to treat cancer, exert their antitumour effects by improving host defense mechanisms against the tumour. They have a direct antiproliferative effect on tumour cells and also enhance the ability of the host to tolerate damage by toxic chemicals…
Read More
Biological response modifiers, used to treat cancer, exert their antitumour effects by improving host defense mechanisms against the tumour. They have a direct antiproliferative effect on tumour cells and also enhance the ability of the host to tolerate damage by toxic chemicals…
Read More