Biologic Therapy

Definition:

Biologic therapy, also known as immunotherapy or biological therapy, is a type of treatment that uses substances derived from living organisms to stimulate or enhance the body’s own immune system in order to fight diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and certain infections.

Types of Biologic Therapy

1. Monoclonal Antibodies:

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that can mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful substances. They can be designed to target specific antigens found on the surface of cancer cells or other diseased cells, blocking their growth or facilitating their destruction.

2. Cytokines:

Cytokines are proteins produced by immune cells that regulate various immune responses. Biologic therapy can involve the administration of certain cytokines, such as interferons or interleukins, to boost the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy abnormal cells.

3. Vaccines:

Vaccines used in biologic therapy aim to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack specific disease-causing agents, such as cancer cells or viruses. These vaccines can be composed of whole cells, proteins, or fragments of genetic material.

4. Cell-Based Therapies:

Cell-based therapies involve the manipulation and use of specific immune cells, such as T cells or natural killer cells, to target and destroy diseases. These cells can be modified or trained to recognize and attack specific antigens found on diseased cells.

How Biologic Therapy Works

Biologic therapy works by either enhancing the body’s natural immune response or by directly targeting specific cells or molecules involved in the disease process. It can help to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells, reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders, or prevent viral replication.

By stimulating or supplementing the immune system, biologic therapies can improve the body’s ability to recognize and destroy abnormal cells more effectively, leading to improved treatment outcomes and increased survival rates in certain diseases.