Monoclonal Antibodies

• What is a monoclonal antibody?

  Antibodies with the same tertiary structure
• How can monoclonal antibodies be used to treat cancer?

  • Monoclonal antibodies are produced that are specific to antigens on cancer cells
  • These antibodies are given to a patient and attach themselves to the receptors on the cancer cells
  • They attach to the surface of the cancer cells and block the chemical signals that stimulate their uncontrolled growth
• How are monoclonal antibodies used in pregnancy tests?

  • The hCG present in the urine binds to monoclonal antibodies on the test strip
  • The hCG antibody colour complex moves along the strip until it is trapped by a different type of antibody creating a coloured line
• What are the ethical issues with monoclonal antibodies?

  • Animal testing

  Mice are used to produce both antibodies and tumor cells. The production of tumour cells involves giving cancer to a mouse

  • Risks to humans

  There have been some deaths associated with monoclonal antibodies in treatments. Patients should give informed consent

  • Conduct of drug trials

  Humans volunteers in drug trials must give informed consent