Cellular Regulation B: Biological Response Modifiers

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to biological response modifiers and treatments in nursing practice.

Biological Response Modifiers (BRM)

Substances that change the body's immune response to disease, particularly used in immunotherapy for cancer.

Immunotherapy

Treatment that enhances or modifies the immune response to fight diseases such as cancer.

Checkpoint Inhibitors

Agents that inhibit the mechanisms that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Laboratory-produced molecules that can bind to specific targets on cells, used in cancer treatments.

Cytokines

Proteins that are important in cell signaling, stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Agents that support the production of blood cells and aid in recovery from chemotherapy.

Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)

An erythropoiesis-stimulating agent used to treat anemia related to myelosuppression.

Filgrastim (Neupogen)

A colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the production of neutrophils to combat neutropenia.

Platelet Enhancers

Agents that stimulate thrombopoietin receptors to increase platelet production.

Cyclophosphamide

A chemotherapy agent that can lead to myelosuppression requiring the use of hematopoietic growth factors.

Cytokine Release Syndrome

A potentially serious immune reaction where large amounts of inflammatory cytokines are released rapidly in response to therapies.

Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)

An immunosuppressant used to prevent transplant rejection and treat autoimmune disorders.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell therapy

Therapeutic procedure involving modification of a patient's T-cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells.

Nursing Considerations

Factors healthcare professionals must consider when administering therapies, including side effects and patient monitoring.

Common Side Effects

Adverse effects frequently seen with medications, such as fever and nausea associated with monoclonal antibodies.