What are Monoclonal Antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, or mimic the immune system's attack on
cancer cells. They are designed to bind to specific targets found on cancer cells.
How are Monoclonal Antibodies Created?
Monoclonal antibodies are created using hybridoma technology. This involves injecting a mouse with an antigen that provokes an immune response, extracting the spleen cells that produce antibodies, and then fusing these cells with myeloma cells. The resulting hybrid cells, or hybridomas, are capable of both producing antibodies and dividing indefinitely. The antibodies they produce are then harvested and purified for use in
cancer treatment.
Mechanisms of Action
Monoclonal antibodies can work through various mechanisms to combat cancer: Targeting specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells to mark them for destruction by the immune system.
Blocking growth signals that tumors need to grow and divide.
Delivering toxic substances directly to cancer cells, thus minimizing damage to normal cells.
Types of Monoclonal Antibodies
There are several types of monoclonal antibodies used in cancer therapy: Naked monoclonal antibodies: These are antibodies without any drug or radioactive material attached to them. They work by themselves by marking cancer cells for the immune system to destroy.
Conjugated monoclonal antibodies: These antibodies are joined to a chemotherapy drug, radioactive particle, or a toxin. They directly deliver these lethal agents to cancer cells.
Biospecific monoclonal antibodies: These antibodies can attach to two different proteins at the same time. They bring cancer cells and immune cells together, promoting an immune attack on the cancer.
Examples of Monoclonal Antibodies in Cancer Treatment
Several monoclonal antibodies have been approved for the treatment of various cancers: Trastuzumab (Herceptin): Used for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Rituximab (Rituxan): Used for certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Bevacizumab (Avastin): Used for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and glioblastoma.
Side Effects and Risks
While monoclonal antibodies can be effective, they also come with potential
side effects. Common side effects include allergic reactions, flu-like symptoms, and varying degrees of fatigue. More severe reactions can include infusion reactions, heart problems, and low blood cell counts.
Future Directions
The field of monoclonal antibodies is rapidly evolving. Researchers are continuously working on improving the effectiveness and specificity of these antibodies. The advent of
personalized medicine and the use of advanced genetic and molecular techniques hold promise for the development of next-generation monoclonal antibodies, potentially offering more targeted and less toxic cancer treatments.
Conclusion
Monoclonal antibodies represent a significant advancement in the field of cancer therapy. Their ability to specifically target cancer cells while sparing normal cells makes them a valuable tool in the fight against cancer. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to expand their potential, offering hope for improved outcomes for cancer patients.
