How does a monoclonal antibody work in cancer treatment?

A monoclonal antibody works in cancer treatment primarily by targeting specific antigens on cancer cells, which allows for a more precise approach to treatment. These antibodies are engineered to recognize and bind to particular proteins or antigens that are present on the surface of cancer cells.

Once they bind to these antigens, several mechanisms can be activated. This can lead to direct destruction of the cancer cell, as this binding can trigger immune responses that mark the cancer cells for destruction by other immune system components. Additionally, the presence of the antibody can initiate pathways that lead to cancer cell death or block the signals that enable cancer cells to grow and divide.

This targeted approach minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, differentiating monoclonal antibody therapy from more conventional treatments like chemotherapy, which often affect both cancerous and healthy cells. By focusing on specific antigens that are unique to the cancer cells, monoclonal antibodies provide a means to combat the disease more effectively while limiting side effects.