Monoclonal Antibodies and Clinical Use in the Field of Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Monoclonal antibody-based cancer therapy has now been proven successful and effective in the therapeutic treatment of both haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens naturally circulating in the body, and monoclonal antibodies are designed to mimic this biological process. Possessing high specificity, monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to directly target cancerous cells, making them highly valuable in clinical settings as they cause minimal damage to non-cancerous cells. As an emerging technology in cancer treatment, they are used alongside established methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. This paper explores the historical development of monoclonal antibodies, detailing their production processes and examining current clinical applications in cancer treatment, along with the controversies surrounding their use. It also assesses the balance between the economic costs associated with monoclonal antibody therapies and their clinical success, while drawing comparisons with other newly emerging therapeutic technologies in the field. By synthesizing these elements, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment and their position within the broader landscape of oncology therapies.