biological response modifier

biological response modifier

n.

A substance, such as interferon, that is produced naturally or manufactured as a drug designed to strengthen, direct, or restore the body's immune response against infection or cancer.

---

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.

---

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; 4. Stimulation of BM stem cells, required for recuperation from cytotoxic insult secondary to chemotherapy. See B cell, Colony-stimulating factor, Interferon, Interleukin, T cell, Tumor necrosis factor.