Drugs Affecting the Immune System: Biologic Response Modifiers

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to drugs affecting the immune system and biologic response modifiers, crucial for understanding the subject matter in preparation for exams.

Neutropenia

A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils in the blood.

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

A measure of the number of neutrophils in the blood, with a normal range of 1.5 to 8.0 (1,500 to 8,000/mm3).

Leukopenia

A reduction in the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition where there is an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood, normally 150,000 – 400,000.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells (RBCs).

Granulocytes

White blood cells characterized by granules in their cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells.

Biologic Response Modifiers (BRMs)

Agents that modify immune response, enhance immunologic functions, and may interfere with tumor activities.

Filgrastim

A granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used to stimulate the production of neutrophils.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A glycoprotein that stimulates RBC production in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Interferons

Naturally occurring proteins that play a role in the immune response, classified into Type I (Alpha, Beta) and Type II (Gamma).

Cytotoxic/Cytostatic effects

Effects that destroy or interfere with tumor activities.

Macrophages

Immune cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.

Hematologic side effects

Reversible effects on blood cell counts, such as neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, caused by certain medications.

Capillary leak syndrome

A condition characterized by the escape of fluid from blood vessels into surrounding tissues.

Palifermin

A keratinocyte growth factor that promotes the growth and repair of oral mucosa.

Colony-Stimulating Factors (CSF)

Proteins that stimulate the growth and differentiation of stem cells in the bone marrow.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2)

A type of cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses.

Sociocultural considerations

Factors such as beliefs and practices, particularly in relation to medical treatment and interventions.

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia

A condition caused by chemotherapy that leads to a decrease in the number of platelets.