Biologic Response-Modifying and Antirheumatic Drugs

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to biologic response–modifying drugs and antirheumatic treatments, aiding in understanding and retention for examinations.

Biologic response–modifying drugs (BRMs)

A broad class of drugs that alter the body's response to various diseases including cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Adjuvants

Substances that enhance the body's immune response.

Immunostimulants

Agents that boost the immune system's activity.

Immunosuppressants

Drugs that reduce or suppress the strength of the body's immune system.

Hematopoietic drugs

Drugs that promote the formation of blood cells, including RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.

Immunomodulating drugs

Drugs that modify the immune response, which can include interferons and monoclonal antibodies.

Cytokines

Nonantibody proteins that act as chemical mediators of immune responses.

Tumor antigens

Chemical compounds expressed on tumor cell surfaces that help the immune system identify abnormal cells.

Humoral immunity

The branch of the immune system mediated by B cells.

Cell-mediated immunity

The immune response that involves T cells.

Monoclonal antibodies

Identical antibodies produced by a single plasma cell, utilized for targeted therapy.

DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)

Drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis that slow the disease process.

Capillary leak syndrome

A major toxicity associated with aldesleukin, where capillaries lose the ability to retain fluids, causing massive retention and possible respiratory distress.

Interferons

Proteins with antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulating properties.

TNF antagonists

Medications that inhibit tumor necrosis factor, used in autoimmune disorders.

Acute allergy-like symptoms

Common side effects from monoclonal antibodies which include fever and chills.

Anakinra

An IL-1 receptor antagonist used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Aldesleukin

An IL-2 derivative used in treating certain cancers, noted for its severe toxicity risk.

Etanercept

A TNF receptor antagonist used in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.