Biological response modifiers interleukin

Agents which enhance the host s response against neoplasias or force them to differentiate are termed biological response modifiers. Examples include interleukin 2 which is used to treat renal cell carcinoma, interferon a which is active against hematologic neoplasias, and tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) which is a powerful inducer of differentiation in certain leukemia cells by acting on retinoid receptors. Side effects include influenza like symptoms, changes in blood pressure and edema. 

Cytokines and biological response modifiers represent a broad class of therapeutic agents that modify the hosts response to cancer or cancer therapies. The enormous body information about their clinical uses and their side effects is beyond the scope of this essay that can only give illustrative examples. For an up-to-date information the reader can resort to reference [5]. As many as 33 different interleukins are known and the list continues to grow IL-2 used in the treatment of kidney cancer is one example. Interferon alpha is used for chronic myelogenous leukeia, hairy cell leukaemia and Kaposi s sarcoma. Interferons are also used in the treatment of chronic infections such as viral hepatitis. Tumor necrosis factor (alpha), G/GM/M-CSF, and several other cellular factors are used in treatment of various cancers. Many of these cytokines produce serious side effects that limit their use. 

Finally, biological response modifiers should be mentioned. Immunostimulants, a concept predating this century, are making a modern-day comeback with intensive research of interferons, interleukin, and synthetic polynucleotides. Studies involving interleukin-2 described significant responses in patients with melanoma, colorectal, kidney, and lung cancers. This and other stimulant factors are now in clinical use (see Chapter 15). 

Biological response modifiers Antibodies Interferon-alfa, interleukin 2 Hairy cell leukemia Kaposi s sarcoma melanoma carcinoid renal ceU ovary bladder non-Hodgkin s lymphoma mycosis fungoides multiple myeloma chronic myelogenous leukemia malignant melanoma... 

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is one of a group of the related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is made mainly by B lymphocytes and macrophages. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) causes other immune cells to make cytokines and increases the growth of T lymphocytes. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) may also block the growth of new blood vessels. A synthetic interleukin-12 (IL-12) is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer chemotherapy. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a type of cytokine of the factor which regulates the cell proliferation differentiation. 

Kinetic studies are important for the safety evaluation of interferons and interleukins. Both pharmaco- and toxicokinetics have been evaluated in single- and, in some cases, multiple-dose studies. Use of pharmacodynamic endpoints or serum markers of biological response are especially important in those cases where the serum levels are lower than the limits of detection of the assay for the test material. In addition, studies to investigate the accumulation of (modified) products with long half-lives in relation to the dosing regimen are useful. Tissue distribution studies have not been components of the safety evaluation of interferons and interleukins. 

---