Biologics, or biologic response modifiers, are drugs that can kill cancer cells, change the body's response to cancer, or decrease the side effects of other treatments. Some biologics are now considered standard therapy for some types of cancer. Others are still experimental and are being developed and tested at only a handful of medical centers in the United States that are approved by the National Cancer Institute. Although each of these can be an effective treatment for certain cancers, every person's cancer is unique and requires treatment with an individualized regimen. The appropriate therapy or combination of therapies for each patient is best determined by a team of specialists at the time of diagnosis.
Optimal therapy derives from multidisciplinary discussions.
A major determinant of outcome for most newly diagnosed cancer patients with curable disease hinges on early multidisciplinary treatment planning and the availability of expertise and resources to carry out such a treatment plan.