biotherapy

modifier

 [mod´ĭ-fi-er]

1. an agent or method that causes something else to change.

2. problem modifier.

biologic response modifier (BRM) (biological response modifier) a method or agent, such as a cytokine, monoclonal antibody, or vaccine, that alters host-tumor interaction. This is usually accomplished by amplifying the antitumor mechanisms of the immune system, but it also may be effected by mechanisms that affect host or tumor cell characteristics, either directly or indirectly. Called also biomodulator.

problem modifier on level three of the problem classification scheme of the omaha system, either of the two sets of terms used in conjunction with client problems, allowing the nurse to identify ownership of the problem and its degree of severity in relation to client interest, risk factors, and signs or symptoms.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

biotherapy

(bī′ō-thĕr′ə-pē)

n. pl. biothera·pies

Treatment of disease with biologics, such as certain drugs, vaccines, or antitoxins.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

biotherapy

A highly nonspecific term for any treatment of any condition with anything that is or was at some point alive.

Alternative medicine
The term biotherapy has been utilised by a number of complementary and alternative medicine providers and will have ad hoc definitions according to the purveyor of the individual therapy.

Mainstream medicine
(1) Immunotherapy, see there.
(2) Treatment with genetically engineered products.
(3) The use of organ extracts in managing a condition—e.g., thyroid tissue extracts.
(4) The International Biotherapy Society lists maggot debridement therapy, hirudotherapy, apitherapy and ichthiotherapy as forms of biotherapy.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.