[Biological therapy in pediatrics].
In the late 1980s, the murine monoclonal antibody muromonab was used in children undergoing organ transplantation. Since then, dozens of new molecules have been developed to modulate the immune response, block growth factors, or prevent infections on the basis of the antigen-antibody-specific response. In pediatrics, most biological therapies are used off-label, although they are effective and well tolerated and are used as first-line therapy in some severe genetic diseases. Biologicals allow specific targeting and can be engineered against any antigen. The safety of these treatments varies depending on the molecule and precise knowledge of side effects is essential for clinicians. The development of these promising agents requires clinical trials in children to validate their effectiveness and safety in the medium and long term.
Belot
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Service de néphrologie et rhumatologie pédiatrique, hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant, hospices civils de Lyon, université de Lyon, 69677 Bron cedex, France. alexbelot@yahoo.fr
Cochat
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D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001691:Biological Therapy; D002648:Child; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000639:trends*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents