More on Monoclonal Antibodies

• What is the name for the antigens which cancerous cells have on their cell membranes which normal cells don't have?

  Tumour markers
• How are monoclonal antibodies used to fight cancer?


  Anti-cancerous drugs are attached to monoclonal antibodies which bind with the tumour markers on cancerous cells and kills them
• How are cancer patients given anti-cancer drugs attached to monoclonal antibodies?

  Through a drip
• What other uses do monoclonal antibodies have?

  • Bind to hormones and other chemicals in blood to measure their levels
  • Test blood samples for pathogens
  • Locate specific molecules in cells or tissues
• How are monoclonal antibodies used to locate a molecule inside a tissue or cell?

  • Monoclonal antibodies which bind to the specific substance are produced
  • Antibodies are then attached to a fluorescent dye
  • If the specific molecule is present, the antibodies will attach to it and can be detected using the dye
• What are the disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies?

  Can cause more side effects than originally expected