What is the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy?

Monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy primarily work by targeting specific antigens expressed on the surface of tumor cells. These antibodies are engineered to recognize and bind to unique markers, or antigens, that are present on cancer cells but not on normal cells or are present in lower quantities. By binding to these antigens, monoclonal antibodies can exert several effects.

This targeting can lead to the destruction of the cancer cell through various mechanisms. For instance, they may trigger immune-mediated destruction, where the binding of the antibody flags the tumor cell for recognition and attack by other immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells or macrophages. Additionally, the binding of monoclonal antibodies can block signaling pathways that promote tumor growth, leading to cell cycle arrest and reduced proliferation.

Moreover, some monoclonal antibodies are conjugated to toxic agents or radioisotopes that deliver a cytotoxic effect directly to the cancer cell while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Therefore, the unique ability of monoclonal antibodies to specifically recognize tumor cell antigens makes them a powerful tool in targeted cancer therapies, enhancing the efficacy of treatment while minimizing damage to normal cells.