Interferons and Monoclonal Antibodies

Flashcards covering key concepts regarding Interferons and Monoclonal Antibodies discussed in the lecture.

Biologic Response-Modifying Drugs

Drugs that alter the body’s response to diseases such as cancer, autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases.

Immunomodulating Drugs

Medications that therapeutically alter a patient’s immune response to malignant tumor cells, modifying the body's immune response to destroy viruses and cancerous cells.

Interferons (IFNs)

Proteins with antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulating properties used to treat viral infections and cancer.

Monoclonal Antibodies (MABs)

Antibodies that specifically target cancer cells with minimal effect on healthy cells, used for treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Adverse Effects of Interferons

Include flulike symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and myalgia, with dose-limiting fatigue.

Indications for Interferons

Used to treat viral infections (e.g., hepatitis), cancers (e.g., malignant melanoma), and autoimmune disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis).

Adalimumab (Humira)

A monoclonal antibody that specifically targets TNF, used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Belimumab (Benlysta)

The first drug approved for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inhibits B-lymphocytes.

Infliximab (Remicade)

An anti-TNF monoclonal antibody used for Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, risks for neutropenia with other TNF drugs.

Natalizumab

Inhibits leukocyte adhesion and is used for multiple sclerosis, with a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.