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Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancer

Casey W Shuptrine1, Rishi Surana, Louis M Weiner

  • 1Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States. cws39@georgetown.edu

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|January 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Monoclonal antibodies are key cancer treatments, targeting tumors and activating immune responses. This review covers their action, uses, and resistance in cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Monoclonal antibodies have become a cornerstone in cancer treatment over the last decade.
  • They possess a unique ability to target tumor cells directly and engage the immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of action of monoclonal antibodies in cancer.
  • To discuss their clinical applications in oncology.
  • To explore potential mechanisms of resistance to this therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on monoclonal antibody therapy in cancer.
  • Analysis of immunological mechanisms including complement cascade and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
  • Examination of clinical data and resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • Monoclonal antibodies offer targeted tumor cell killing and immune activation.
  • Their specificity contributes to effective anti-tumor responses with manageable side effects.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Monoclonal antibodies are vital in modern cancer care due to their dual action.
  • Continued research into mechanisms and resistance will enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers.

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