Abstract

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY: A MOLECULAR TARGETED THERAPIES FOR CANCER TREATMENT

Jhakeshwar Prasad*, Ashish Kumar Netam, S. Prakash Rao, Trilochan Satapathy and
Bibhas Pandit

Abstract

The systemic use of cytotoxic agents to disrupt mitosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells, with foreseeable dose-limiting haematological toxicities. Targeted therapies affect specific cellular molecular mechanisms promoting cancer cell survival and proliferation, enabling treatment tailored to specific tumour characteristics. The key pathways include the hormonal axis, growth factor receptor-mediated tyrosine kinases and cellular immune system. Monoclonal antibodies can target extracellular ligands or cell surface growth factor receptors. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors prevent signal transduction from the intracellular portion of the receptors. Monoclonal antibodies represent a major advance in treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Targeted delivery of these agents based on leukemic cell-surface receptor recognition, improves efficacy and minimizes off-target toxicity. The antigens CD19, CD20, CD22 and CD52, are the most common antigens to which monoclonal antibodies in B-cell ALL have been directed. This review will focus on mechanisms of action and clinical applications to monoclonal antibody therapy in the context of cancer.

Keywords: Cancer, immunotherapy, Monoclonal antibodies, targeted therapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors.