Cancer Treatment with Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies have been investigated for cancer treatment and the story is mixed. There have been many failures (scientists have not had tremendous success in general with regard to cancer treatment), but the prospects are still bright and many scientists are working with mAbs for cancer.

Route of Antibody Administration

MAbs for cancer treatment are usually injected to the bloodstream with a carrier although some clinical studies have involved the use of intraperitoneal administration of mAb where the treatment solution is injected to body cavities. Studies in experimental animals and in humans show that direct cavity injection targets smaller peritoneal tumors more efficiently than intravenous antibody treatment. Larger tumor masses are targeted more efficiently by the intravenous method, leading some researchers to hypothesize that the optimal situation will involve both delivery systems concurrently.

Using antibodies to deliver drugs

Treatment with mAbs often uses them like missiles delivering a warhead. The warhead is the drug intended for the cancerous cell or defective areas of the body; the specitivity of the antibodies makes this a truly targeted treatment. Several toxins have been coupled to mAbs and have been analyzed.

Treatment regimens either involve the induction of antibody by the body or the use of antibodies acting in conjunction with the complement system and/or effector cells (i.e., antibody-directed cell-mediated immunity).

Mayo Clinic on mAb's for cancer