title: Molecular biology and immunology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review basic molecular biology and immunology concepts to provide a foundation for the understanding of current and developing biological treatments for cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published scientific papers, review articles, and book chapters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research into the structure, functions of the human cell, and development of molecular biology techniques, has increased the understanding of cancer pathophysiology. This research has assisted scientists to develop new cancer treatments, collectively called biotherapies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oncology nurses are increasingly facing the administration of a variety of new biotherapies. Basic knowledge of molecular biology and immunology will assist the oncology nurse to understand the mechanisms of action of these therapies, leading to improved patient education and more vigilant surveillance of side effects during and after administration.
authors.affiliation: Valley Radiotherapy Associates Medical Group, Vantage Oncology, Chatsworth, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mautner
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000486:Allergy and Immunology / Q000193:education; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D022082:Cellular Structures; D004506:Education, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000193:education; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D019139:Tumor Escape