Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
07:36

Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody

Published on: May 16, 2020

Cutaneous adverse reactions to therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for cancer

Patricia L Myskowski1, Allan C Halpern

  • 1Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 160 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022, USA. myskowsp@mskcc.org

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|April 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Monoclonal antibody cancer therapies offer milder side effects than chemotherapy, but can cause skin reactions. Recognizing and managing these cutaneous adverse events is crucial as antibody use expands.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Targeted monoclonal antibodies represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
  • While generally well-tolerated, these therapies can elicit adverse reactions.
  • Early monoclonal antibodies had rare cutaneous side effects, mainly infusion-related.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the incidence and nature of skin reactions associated with monoclonal antibody therapy.
  • To highlight the increasing importance of managing dermatologic side effects in cancer patients.
  • To discuss the specific challenges posed by epidermal growth factor receptor-1 inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on monoclonal antibody therapy and associated adverse events.
  • Analysis of reported cutaneous reactions to various monoclonal antibodies.
  • Focus on skin toxicities linked to epidermal growth factor receptor-1 inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Monoclonal antibody therapy has led to approved treatments for various malignancies.
  • Adverse reactions are generally milder than chemotherapy, but skin reactions are notable.
  • Epidermal growth factor receptor-1 inhibitors frequently cause significant skin reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Monoclonal antibody therapy is an evolving cancer treatment modality.
  • Cutaneous adverse reactions are an important consideration in patient care.
  • Effective management of skin reactions is essential for patient compliance and treatment success.

More Related Videos

Dynamic Imaging of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells with [18F]Tetrafluoroborate Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography09:34

Dynamic Imaging of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells with [18F]Tetrafluoroborate Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography

Published on: February 17, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...