What is the term used when the body forms antibodies to a particular drug?
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If you're considering monoclonal antibody therapy as part of your cancer treatment, learn about these drugs and carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risks. By Mayo Clinic StaffMonoclonal antibody drugs are treatments that enlist your body's germ-fighting immune system against diseases, including cancer. If your health care provider recommends a monoclonal antibody drug as part of your cancer treatment, find out what to expect from this therapy. Learn enough about monoclonal antibody drugs so that you feel comfortable asking questions and making decisions about your treatment. Work with your health care provider to decide whether a monoclonal antibody treatment may be right for you. How does the immune system fight cancer?The immune system is made up of a complex team of players that detect and destroy disease-causing agents, such as bacteria and viruses. Similarly, this system may eliminate damaged cells, such as cancer cells. One way the immune system finds and destroys invaders is with antibodies. An antibody attaches itself to a specific molecule (antigen) on the surface of the target cell, such as a cancer cell. When an antibody binds to the cell, 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 are often able to avoid detection by the immune system. The cancer cells might mask themselves so they can hide or the cancer cells might release signals that block the immune system cells from working correctly. What is a monoclonal antibody?Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, modify or mimic the immune system's attack on cells that aren't wanted, such as cancer cells. How do monoclonal antibody drugs work?Monoclonal antibodies are designed to function in different ways. A particular drug may actually function by more than one means. Examples include:
How are monoclonal antibody drugs used in cancer treatment?Many monoclonal antibodies have been approved for treating many different types of cancer. Clinical trials are studying new drugs and new uses for existing monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are administered through a vein (intravenously). How often you undergo monoclonal antibody treatment depends on your cancer and the drug you're receiving. Some monoclonal antibody drugs may be used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Some monoclonal antibody drugs are a part of standard treatment plans. Others are still experimental and used when other treatments have not been successful. What types of side effects do monoclonal antibody drugs cause?Monoclonal antibody treatment for cancer can cause side effects, some of which, though rare, can be very serious. Talk to your health care provider about what side effects are associated with the particular drug you're receiving. Balance the potential side effects with the expected benefits to determine whether this is the right treatment for you. Common side effectsIn general, the more common side effects caused by monoclonal antibody drugs include:
Serious side effectsSerious, but rare, side effects of monoclonal antibody therapy may include:
What should you consider when deciding on monoclonal antibody drug treatment?Discuss your cancer treatment options with your health care provider. Together you can weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment and decide whether a monoclonal antibody treatment is right for you. Questions to ask your health care team include:
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