Biologic therapy, also known as biological therapy, is a medical treatment that uses living organisms or substances derived from them to treat diseases. The correct spelling of this word is [baɪəˈlɒdʒɪk ˈθɛrəpi], with the stress on the second syllable of "biologic" and the first syllable of "therapy". The "biologic" part is spelled with a single "o" in American English and a double "o" in British English, while the "therapy" part is spelled with the digraph "th" and the letter "y".
Biologic therapy, also known as biologic drugs or biologics, is a medical treatment approach that utilizes the use of living organisms, substances derived from living organisms, or laboratory-made versions of those substances to treat various diseases and conditions. These therapies are designed to target specific molecules or pathways involved in the disease process and help restore proper functioning of the immune system.
Biologic therapies are commonly used in the field of oncology to treat cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, as well as in the management of autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. They can also be utilized in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, and certain genetic disorders.
Unlike traditional medications, which are often composed of chemical compounds, biologics are typically large, complex molecules produced through biotechnology techniques. These substances can include antibodies, growth factors, hormones, or vaccines. Biologic therapies are typically administered via injection or infusion, and they work by targeting specific cells or molecules involved in the disease process, either by blocking their activity or enhancing the immune system's response.
While biologic therapies have shown great efficacy in treating various conditions, they can also carry some risks and side effects. Since they modulate the immune system, they can sometimes lead to adverse reactions, including an increased susceptibility to infections or immune-related allergies. Close monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to maximize the benefits of biologic therapies while minimizing any potential risks.
The word "biologic therapy" comes from the combination of two terms: "biologic" and "therapy".
1. Biologic: The term "biologic" originates from the Greek word "biologikós" (βιολογικός), which is a combination of two words: "bios" (βίος) meaning "life" and "logos" (λόγος) meaning "study" or "science". It refers to substances derived from living organisms or their components, such as cells or proteins.
2. Therapy: The word "therapy" stems from the Greek word "therápia" (θεραπεία), which means "healing" or "treatment". It encompasses any form of treatment used to alleviate or cure a disease or condition.