Use of Monoclonal Antibodies

• How do monoclonal antibodies help in laboratories?

  They measure and monitor levels of hormones or chemicals in blood
• How can monoclonal antibodies be used in cancer treatment?

  By targeting tumour markers on cancer cells
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using monoclonal antibodies?

  Advantages:

  • Specific to target cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells
  • Can be engineered for various conditions
  • Mouse-human hybrids reduce immune response risk

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Difficult to attach to drugs
  • Expensive to develop
  • May trigger immune responses in humans