title: Biologic therapy.
abstract: Biologic therapy includes a diverse group of drugs that act directly on the immune system. Sometimes referred to as "targeted therapy," the biologics include cytokines and monoclonal antibodies. These agents can be genetically engineered versions of naturally occurring substances, or novel compounds used for the treatment of cancer and for nononcology diagnoses. This article provides information on the general types of biotherapy, an overview of how these drugs interact within the body, specific side effects, and nursing management.
authors.affiliation: Infusion Services, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington, USA. seisenbe@seattlecca.org
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eisenberg
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018925:Chemokines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016207:Cytokines; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018925:Chemokines; D016207:Cytokines; D007372:Interferons