Cancer is not one disease; it’s hundreds. In 2024 alone, an estimated of 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths were projected in the United States.
Such surprising figures show why innovation is vital.
For decades, cancer treatment relied heavily on chemotherapy: powerful, but often blunt, affecting healthy cells along with cancerous ones. But today, a new class of drugs has quietly revolutionized cancer care: monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Engineered to bind exclusively to molecular markers on cancer cells, these biologics deliver targeted action with improved safety. For many patients, this means more effective care with fewer side effects.
What Are Monoclonal Antibodies?
First developed in 1975 by César Milstein and Georges Köhler, monoclonal antibodies were initially produced using mouse immune cells.
Over time, these evolved into chimeric, humanized, and fully human antibodies, which reduced immune reactions and made them safe for clinical use.
So, what are they basically?
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-engineered proteins designed to mimic the body’s natural immune response. They are created to recognize and bind to specific targets or antigens, such as those found on the surface of cancer cells with high precision.
Unlike traditional treatments that affect both healthy and cancerous cells, mAbs offer precision therapy, enabling the immune system to target and attack tumor cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues.
What are Monoclonal Antibodies Made Of?
To understand how monoclonal antibodies combat cancer, it is helpful to examine their structure, as their shape and components determine how they bind to targets and activate the immune system.
Shape:
Antibodies have a Y-shaped structure, with a long stem and two arms.
Chains:
- Two heavy chains form the main stem of the Y.
- Two light chains form the arms of the Y.
Regions:
- Variable regions (tips of the arms): These act like a “lock” that binds a specific “key,” the antigen on a cancer cell.
- Constant regions (rest of the Y): Provide structural support and communicate with the immune system.
Analogy:
Think of an antibody as a Y-shaped hook: the tips grab onto the cancer cell, while the stem signals the immune system to take action.
Note: The global monoclonal antibody therapeutics market was valued at approximately $265.17 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1,057.91 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.84% over the forecast period.
How Do Monoclonal Antibodies Work Against Cancer?
These lab-made antibodies employ multiple approaches to fight cancer. Once they get bound to specific antigens on the surface of tumor cells, they can:
- Directly target the cancer cells by blocking growth signals or receptors.
- Recruit the immune system to destroy the targeted cells via processes like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).
- Deliver cytotoxic agents such as chemotherapy drugs or radioactive particles directly to tumor cells (antibody-drug conjugates, ADCs).
- Act as checkpoint inhibitors, releasing immune brakes to help T-cells attack cancer more effectively.
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Did you know? As of May 15, 2024, there are 213 mAbs approved or under review worldwide, 99 of which are indicated for the treatment of cancer, and 76 of which have received WHO approval. Because of this, mAbs are a very effective and targeted treatment in modern oncology. |
Take Note: Researchers and laboratories looking to advance cancer therapy can easily purchase monoclonal antibodies from trusted suppliers like AAA Biotech for their studies and experiments.
Monoclonal Antibodies Delivering Results in Cancer Care
Rituximab (Rituxan®) in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
It targets CD20 on B cells, including those that are cancerous. Approved in 1997, rituximab improves progression-free survival, either on its own or with chemotherapy.
Bevacizumab (Avastin®) in Various Cancers
It targets VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) to prevent the formation of new blood vessels. Approved for colorectal cancer, NSCLC (Non-small cell lung cancer), and glioblastoma, it can improve progression-free survival when used with chemotherapy.
Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
It targets the HER2/neu receptor, which is overexpressed in some breast cancers. When combined with chemotherapy, it improves overall survival and lowers the risk of recurrence.
The Bottom Line
Cancer treatment is continually evolving, and monoclonal antibodies are at the forefront, leading the way with targeted, life-saving approaches. Researchers and laboratories can rely on reputable sources, such as AAABio, to access these antibodies for ongoing studies and innovations.
With continued breakthroughs and growing accessibility, monoclonal antibodies are not just improving patient outcomes; they’re shaping the future of oncology.
