6.6 uses of monoclonal antibodies

• monoclonal antibodies are used in the treatment of a disease.
• some monoclonal antibodies have been developed to target the specific antigens on certain cancer cells.
• The monoclonal antibody could carry radioactive substances, a toxic drug, or another chemical directly to the cancer cell without damaging other body cells.
• Some monoclonal antibodies can trigger the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
• Some monoclonal antibodies can block receptors on the surface on cancer cells to stop them dividing.
• The main advantage of using monoclonal antibodies is that they target specific diseased cells without damaging healthy cells.
• disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies include:

  • they are expensive to produce
  • side effects