What are the different types of biologic therapies?
Many different types of biologic therapies used to treat cancer: Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are cytokines (chemical signals) that make the bone marrow produce more immune system cells and blood cells. One type of CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), makes it possible to use higher doses of chemotherapy drugs because it strengthens the immune system. Cytokines are chemicals that the immune system makes to control the activity of other immune system cells. Cytokines are used to reduce the side effects of other cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, which is important but is not really immunotherapy. Cytokines made in the laboratory are also used to boost the immune system in patients who are being treated with cancer vaccines. Nonspecific immunomodulating agents – Nonspecific immunomodulating agents are biologic therapy drugs that stimulate the immune system, causing it to produce more cytokines and antibodies to help fight cancer and infections in t
