Synopsis

Biologics are therapeutics that target specific components of the immune system. They are characterised by unpronounceable generic names (alemtuzumab, eculizumab, blinotumomab, pembrolizumab). These medications have revolutionised the treatment of several immune-mediated disorders: including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis, lymphoma, lung, breast, ovarian and other cancers, and macular degeneration, and are widely used in a range of clinical disciplines.
This Grand Round will discuss the clinical utility and controversies surrounding the rapidly increasing number of available biological therapies, and their applications in paediatrics.

Speakers

Dr Joanne Smart, Dr Sharon Choo and Dr Theresa Cole
The Department of Allergy and Immunology