modifier
[mod´ĭ-fi-er] 1. an agent or method that causes something else to change.
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.
biological response modifier
Immunology Any of a broad family of natural or synthetic molecules that up- or down-regulate, or restore immune responsiveness Types of BRMs Interferons, ILs, CSFs, TNFs, B-cell growth factor, B-cell differentiating factors, eosinophil chemotactic factor, lymphotoxin, macrophage chemotactic factor, macrophage activating factor, macrophage inhibiting factor, osteoclast-activating factor, and others; BRMs are generated after a T cell recognizes an antigen present on the surface of a self antigen-presenting cell which, once activated, produces a multiple lymphokines–cytokines Therapeutic effects of BRMs 1. Regulation and/or increased immune response;.
2. Cytotoxic or cytostatic activity against tumor cells;.
3. Inhibition of metastasis, or cell maturation;.
McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.