New therapeutic modalities for cancer.
A review is given on new biological approaches to cancer therapy based on knowledge concerning interferons, interleukins. LAK-cells, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumour necrosis factor, colony-stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies and oncogenes. There are many potential permutations for the application of biological therapy for cancer. One of the most important developments has been the increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms of malignancy through which biological manipulation can be tailored to an individual tumour. Although current clinical studies are not demonstrating high response rates they may well be analogous to the advances seen with chemotherapy in its early days. As yet only relatively small numbers of patients have had access to, or been suitable for, treatment. With further refinements in production, administration, and an increase in the specificity of treatment, the possibility of curing metastatic solid tumours may become a reality.
Thomas
H
H
Department of Clinical Oncology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, England.
Sikora
K
K
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007378:Interleukins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D009857:Oncogenes; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001685:Biological Factors; D007378:Interleukins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007372:Interferons