biological therapy
Quick Summary
Biological therapy, also known as immunotherapy, is a medical treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight diseases, particularly cancer. It works by enhancing the body's natural defenses against abnormal cells.12
Key approaches include:
* Targeting Antigens: Using antibodies or engineered cells to recognize and attack specific proteins on cancer cells.1
* Cancer Vaccines: Stimulating the immune system, specifically T cells, to identify and destroy cancer cells.1
* Modulating Immune Signals: Blocking signals that prevent T cells from attacking cancer, thereby boosting the immune response.1
* Biological Response Modifiers: These include substances like interferons and interleukins that can directly affect tumor cells or improve the body's ability to tolerate toxic treatments.12
This
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.
cancerBiopsyMolecular biological techniques can be employed to detect mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and cytogenetic tests can be performed on tissue samples to analyze the chromosome content of the cells.
Read MoreMolecular biological techniques can be employed to detect mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and cytogenetic tests can be performed on tissue samples to analyze the chromosome content of the cells.
Read More- cancerImmunotherapy
Other biological response modifiers that have been developed include interferon, tumor necrosis factor, and various interleukins. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), for example, stimulates the growth of a wide range of antigen-fighting cells, including several kinds that can kill cancer cells. One use of IL-2 is to expand immune…
Read MoreOther biological response modifiers that have been developed include interferon, tumor necrosis factor, and various interleukins. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), for example, stimulates the growth of a wide range of antigen-fighting cells, including several kinds that can kill cancer cells. One use of IL-2 is to expand immune…
Read More 
bladder cancerTreatment…cancer may be treated through biological therapy, or immunotherapy, in which the body’s own cells, chemicals, or other natural agents are used to help boost the natural immune response against the cancer. In some cases a special type of bacteria is injected directly into the bladder. The body’s immune response…
Read More…cancer may be treated through biological therapy, or immunotherapy, in which the body’s own cells, chemicals, or other natural agents are used to help boost the natural immune response against the cancer. In some cases a special type of bacteria is injected directly into the bladder. The body’s immune response…
Read More
melanomaDiagnosis and treatmentIn addition, some patients receive biological therapy, in which agents designed to mimic substances naturally occurring in the body are used to fight cancer or to counter side effects of certain anticancer drugs.
Read MoreIn addition, some patients receive biological therapy, in which agents designed to mimic substances naturally occurring in the body are used to fight cancer or to counter side effects of certain anticancer drugs.
Read More