Biological therapy of cancer

Abstract

Interferons and monoclonal antibodies are among the most promising biological approaches to cancer treatment which have so far been investigated. Both natural and recombinant interferon-alpha preparations have shown activity in a number of trials in hematologic malignancies, even in previously treated patients; activity in solid tumors, however, has been limited. Unconjugated monoclonal antibodies have been safely administered in several small trials and have had therapeutic value on occasion. In spite of a number of remaining problems and questions, monoclonal antibodies and their conjugates seem likely to find a number of distinct roles in cancer treatment; elimination of micrometastases and purging of bone marrow for grafting may be among these roles.

Sulfated modification of the water-soluble polysaccharides from Polyporus albicans mycelia and its potential biological activities

“…Macrophages exert their tumoricidal activity not only by direct contact but also by the release of a number of cytotoxic/cytostatic factors such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, ROS, and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [27]. Macrophages can be activated to become cytotoxic with a variety of agents that include several cytokines, bacterial-derived LPSs, and various chemotherapeutic drugs [28]. It has been established that NO produced by macrophages is involved in the destruction of various intracellular pathogens as well as tumor cells, and places cells in cytostasis [29].…”