Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Cancer

Overview

Monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer functions similarly to how your natural antibodies work. Antibodies are proteins that constantly search for specific antigens, with each antibody being shaped like an upside-down letter Y. The ends of the Y’s legs are called antigen-binding fragments (Fab), which fit precisely into a spot on a specific antigen like a puzzle piece. When your antibodies find and bind to their target antigen, they attract other parts of your immune system to help destroy the cancer cell.

In monoclonal antibody therapy, lab-created antibodies, which are exact copies of a specific antibody, are used to treat various types of cancer. These lab-made antibodies are designed to identify and destroy specific cancer cells, boosting the immune system’s ability to fight the disease. This therapy can be utilized on its own or in combination with other cancer treatments to increase its effectiveness.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

Your antibodies are mirrored in cancer treatment with monoclonal antibodies. Proteins called antibodies are always searching for particular antigens. Antibodies function as follows:

• Antibodies resemble the letter Y turned upside down.
• A segment known as an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) terminates each Y leg. This fragment fits into a precise location on an antigen, similar to a puzzle piece.
• Your immune system is searched for antigens by your antibodies. Your antibodies draw in other immune system components to aid in the destruction of the cancer cell once they attach to their target antigen.

Monoclonal antibodies are multifunctional agents that can damage cancer cells in a number of ways. Here are a few applications for monoclonal antibodies:

• They create targets for the immune system. Certain monoclonal antibodies recognize and bind to cancerous cells. The immune system will find it simpler to target and eliminate the cancer cells as a result.
• They provide specialized medical care. Certain monoclonal antibodies carry radioactive materials and medicines to cancer cells. These are conjugates of medication and antibody.
• They stop signals sent by cancer cells. There are receptors on some cancer cells that tell them to divide. Monoclonal antibodies obstruct the signals, preventing the growth of cancer cells.

As an illustration, certain monoclonal antibodies function by blocking signals from cancer cells through a system known as the checkpoint system. Immune checkpoints are mechanisms that prevent the immune system from overreacting to invaders and mistakenly attacking healthy tissues. Cancer cells can deactivate this system by displaying checkpoint proteins on their surface to shield themselves from immune attack. Some monoclonal antibodies work by inhibiting these checkpoints, enabling immune system cells such as T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells.

Risks

Monoclonal therapy adverse effects are similar to those of all cancer treatments:

• Experiencing chills, fever, or vertigo.
• Experiencing overall illness.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• A rash that itches.
• A diarrheal illness.
• Extremely fatigued.
• A low pulse rate.
• Headache.

During their first therapy, some patients experience sensitive reactions:

• Flushing.
• Experiencing dyspnea, or the inability to catch your breath.
• Sensing weak or dizziness.

Before the procedure

Your healthcare provider may conduct tests on your blood or cancer cells, such as genetic or protein profiling. Differences in your genes or proteins can influence your treatment options.

During the procedure

Monoclonal antibody therapy is available to you as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which is a form of treatment administered by injection into a vein.

Outcome

This therapy enables healthcare providers to precisely target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, typically leading to fewer side effects than other cancer treatments. Moreover, it boosts your immune system’s capacity to fight cancer.