[Monoclonal antibody therapy]

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are antibodies, produced by cell clones, directed against specific antigens (Ag), which act by binding specifically to the target Ag. Depending on the mAb used, this binding may have different effects on the target (neutralizing, lytic, opsonizing or antibody dependent cytotoxicity, ADCC). In clinical practice, mAb are used as immunosuppressants, antineoplastic agents, or for diagnostic purposes. mAb are given i.v. by slow infusion; the dosage depends on the mAb used. Contraindications include allergic, neoplastic, infective diseases, but also hypertension, cardiac failure and pregnancy. Infusions are usually well tolerated, headache and skin rashes being recorded only rarely; however, little is known about long-term effects (possible derangement of the immune response and/or increase in neoplasms). mAb are potentially a powerful tool in medicine, but more studies are required to define their role and establish their possible adverse effects in humans.