Monoclonal antibody medicines for cancer: How they work

Articles

What cancers may be treated with monoclonal antibody drugs?
How does the immune system fight cancer?
How do monoclonal antibody drugs work?
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?
Content
What is an antibody?
What is a monoclonal antibody?
How do monoclonal antibody medicines work?
How are monoclonal antibody medicines used in cancer treatment?
What are the side effects of monoclonal antibody medicines?
Common side effects
Serious side effects
What should you consider when deciding on monoclonal antibody medicine treatment?

Rare but serious side effects of monoclonal antibody medicines may include:

Infusion reactions. Severe allergy-like reactions can happen. Very rarely, they can lead to death. You may receive medicine to block an allergic reaction before you start treatment. Infusion reactions usually happen while treatment is being given or soon after. Your healthcare team watches you closely for a reaction.
Heart conditions. Certain monoclonal antibodies increase the risk of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and heart attacks.
Lung conditions. Some monoclonal antibodies are linked to a higher risk of inflammatory lung disease.
Skin conditions. Sores and rashes on your skin can lead to serious infections in some cases. Serious sores also can happen in the mouth.