Biological Preparations

Question 1

Cytokines/Interferons

Answer 1

•INF-a:

• induce gene expression, enhance immune response from NK-cells and dendritic cells.
• Hairy cell leukemia, melanoma, Kaposis sarcoma, CML, follicular Lymphoma.
• AE: flu-like symptoms, Myelotoxicity, induction of AI disease.

• IL-2:

• Augment immune reaction by activating cytotoxic T-ly & NK-cells.
• Metastatic melanoma, RCC.
• AE: capillary peak Syndrome, hypotension, fever, decr liver and renal function.

Question 2

Monoclonal antibodies

Answer 2

• Rituximab:
- anti-CD20 -> complement and cell mediated recrution.
- B-cell Lymphoma, CLL, RA.
- AE: hypotension, chills, tumor lysis syndrome
• Ibritumomab:
- anti-CD20, tagged w/Ytrium90. Follicular Lymphoma.
• Alentuzumab:
- anti-CD52. CLL.

• Bevacizumab:
- anti-VEGF. Decr neovascularization. DOC in Metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

• Cetuximab:
- anti-EGFR. Colorectal, head & neck.

• Trastuzumab:

• anti-HER2. In epithelial ca and Breast cancer. Also in gastric and esophageal.
• AE: congestive heart failure

Question 3

Protein kinase inhibitors

Answer 3

Imatinib.

• Inhibits tyrosine kinase activity -> inhibit bcr-abl kinases that is present in every CML patient -> Inhibits PDGF-Rc.
• in CML and GIT tumors.
• AE: >QT