1455 Biotherapy “ask the specialist session”

Abstract

The use of Biological Response Modifiers (BRM's) for the treatment of disease (Biotherapy), began in the middle ages with the development of vaccines for smallpox. Hallmarks in this long history are: Coley's toxins, bacille Calmette-Guerin, the Interferons (IFN's), the Interleukins (IL's), monoclonal antibodies (MOAB's) and hematopoietic growth factors (HGF's). These developments have now established Biotherapy as having the following functions: diagnostic (MOABS), therapeutic (INF's, IL's) and supportive care (HGF's). We have now come full circle in the Biotherapy development cycle with the advent of tumour vaccines for the treatment of cancer. Presently either allogeneic or autologous vaccines with or without gene transduction are being administered in phase I and early phase II studies throughout the world. Traditions in caring for this patient population have also changed. High dose therapy in the hospital setting with or without Intensive Care support is being replaced as much as possible by out-patient therapy with home care support. While our physician colleagues are looking for the best curative possibilities, nurses are now concentrating their efforts worldwide to find the optimal way to care for patients treated with BRM's. Networking on a national and international level as well as research in Biotherapy nursing is essential. This Biotherapy “ask the specialist” session will touch on these concepts and hopefully stimulate you to partake in a lively discussion of these issues.