biological therapy

biological therapy Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Biological therapy is thus any form of treatment that uses the body’s natural abilities to cause the immune system to fight infection, treat disease, or to protect the body from side effects of treatment. For example, biological therapy to block the action of a messenger of inflammation, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), is being used to treat conditions such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Also known as biotherapy or immunotherapy. See also biological response modifier.