Liposomal MTP-PE: a promising new biologic response modifier.
OBJECTIVE
To describe liposomal muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (MTP-PE), a new biologic response modifier that stimulates macrophages to a tumoricidal state.


METHODS
Published articles, abstracts, and conference proceedings.


RESULTS
Studies show that MTP-PE extends the progression-free interval of relapsed patients with osteosarcoma. Investigators are testing MTP-PE in combination with multiagent chemotherapy regimens to determine if the influences recurrence rates. It can be administered safely in the outpatient setting. Patients with reported side effects respond well to medical and nursing interventions. Efficacy and long-term side effects are unknown.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses must understand the history, mechanism of action, proper administration, side effects, and psychosocial implications of MTP-PE to effectively plan nursing care.


CONCLUSIONS
Promising results of treatment with this new biologic response modifier likely indicate that more and more nurses will be called on to administer it and counsel patients about its effects and side effects.
Gano
J B
JB
Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
Kleinerman
E S
ES
D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008081:Liposomes; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D008081:Liposomes; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; C037144:mifamurtide; D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine