Monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. These antibodies are designed to target specific proteins or antigens on the surface of cancer cells, enabling targeted therapy for cancer treatment. The development and use of monoclonal antibodies in oncology has revolutionized cancer therapy by providing more effective, less toxic treatments for a variety of cancers.

Types[edit | edit source]

Monoclonal antibodies are classified based on their source, and include mouse, chimeric, humanized, and human antibodies. Each type has distinct characteristics in terms of effectiveness and immunogenicity.

Monoclonal antibodies can work in several ways: by blocking the growth signals of cancer cells, marking cancer cells for destruction by the immune system, delivering cytotoxic agents directly to the tumor, or preventing the formation of blood vessels that supply tumors.

  • Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
  • Human: In the context of monoclonal antibodies, refers to antibodies derived from human sources, designed to reduce immune reactions in patients.
  • Mouse: Refers to monoclonal antibodies fully derived from mouse sources, commonly used for research and as precursors for chimeric antibodies.
  • Chimeric: Monoclonal antibodies that combine both mouse and human components.
  • Humanized: Monoclonal antibodies with human components, developed from mouse antibodies to reduce immune responses.

Human Monoclonal Antibodies[edit | edit source]

Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies[edit | edit source]

Chimeric Monoclonal Antibodies[edit | edit source]

Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies[edit | edit source]

Rat/Mouse Hybrid Monoclonal Antibodies[edit | edit source]

Chimeric + Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies[edit | edit source]


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