Biotherapy refers to treatments that aim to enhance or restore the immune system's ability to combat infections and diseases. This type of therapy, also known as biological therapy, involves using the body's natural mechanisms to fight illness or to mitigate some side effects of medical treatments. Often, it utilizes substances known as biological response modifiers (BRMs). While the body typically produces small amounts of BRMs in response to health threats, larger quantities can be synthesized in laboratories to treat conditions like cancer and other diseases.Biological therapies include antibodies, interferon, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and various colony-stimulating factors such as GM-CSF and G-CSF. Interleukin-2 and interferon are BRMs currently being investigated for their potential to treat advanced diseases. Presently, interferon is employed in treating certain conditions. Additionally, biological therapies are being developed to inhibit inflammation mediators like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to address diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Etanercept (ENBREL) is an injectable TNF-blocker available for individuals with severe rheumatoid arthritis.The side effects of biological therapies vary based on the specific treatment used. Commonly, these treatments may result in symptoms similar to the flu, including chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some individuals may experience skin rashes, easy bruising, or bleeding. Interleukin therapy, in particular, can lead to swelling. Depending on the severity of these side effects, hospitalization may be necessary during the treatment period. However, these side effects are generally temporary and tend to diminish once the treatment concludes.
