Biological response modifiers (BRM) (BRM)

Biological response modifiers (BRMs) are a broad class of substances that modify the host's biological response by stimulating or suppressing the immune system to treat various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune conditions, and infections (NCI, 2023). Unlike traditional cytotoxic drugs that target cells directly, BRMs modulate the body's natural defense mechanisms to recognize and eliminate malignant cells or pathogens, or to dampen excessive inflammatory responses (StatPearls, 2023). This category encompasses a wide range of agents, such as cytokines (interferons and interleukins), monoclonal antibodies, colony-stimulating factors, and certain vaccines (Britannica, 2023). In oncology, BRMs are used to enhance anti-tumor immunity, while in rheumatology, they are frequently employed to inhibit specific inflammatory mediators like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukins. Because they interact with complex immunological networks, BRMs can cause significant side effects, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening conditions such as cytokine release syndrome or severe immunosuppression (PubMed, 2022).

Other names

ImmunotherapyBiological therapyBiotherapyImmunomodulatorsBiologicals

Biological response modifiers function by enhancing, directing, or restoring the body's natural immune system to fight disease. They may act by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, inhibiting molecular pathways that allow for disease progression, or suppressing overactive immune responses in the context of autoimmune conditions (NCI, 2023; StatPearls, 2023).