Articles
Monoclonal antibody drugs for cancer: How they work
Content
How does the immune system fight cancer?
What is a monoclonal antibody?
How do monoclonal antibody drugs work?
What cancers may be treated with monoclonal antibody drugs?
How are monoclonal antibody drugs used in cancer treatment?
What types of side effects do monoclonal antibody drugs cause?
What should you consider when deciding on monoclonal antibody drug treatment?
How does the immune system fight cancer?
The immune system is composed of a complex team of players that detect and destroy disease-causing agents, such as bacteria and viruses. Similarly, this system may eliminate damaged or abnormal cells, such as cancer cells.
One factor in the immune system is the work of antibodies. An antibody attaches itself to a specific molecule (antigen) on the surface of a problematic cell. When an antibody binds to the antigen, it serves as a flag to attract disease-fighting molecules or as a trigger that promotes cell destruction by other immune system processes.
Cancer cells may outpace the immune system, avoid detection, or block immune system activity.
