* Different cells in the body have different antigens on their surface – so you can
make monoclonal antibodies that will bind to specific cells in the body.
* Cancer cells have antigens on their cell membrane that are not found on normal
body cells – they’re called tumour markers.
* In labs you can make monoclonal antibodies that will bind to these tumour
markers.
* An anti-cancer drug can be attached to these monoclonal antibodies. This might
be a radioactive substance, a toxic drug or a chemical which stops cancer cells
growing and dividing.
* The antibodies are given to a patient through a drip.
* The antibodies target specific cells (the cancer cells) because they only bind to
the tumour markers.
* The drug kills the cancer cells but doesn’t kill any normal body cells near the
tumour
* Cancer is the result of changes in cells that leads to uncontrolled growth and
division.
* Benign tumours are growths of abnormal cells which are contained in one area,
usually within a membrane. They do not invade other parts of the body.
* Malignant tumour cells are cancers. They invade neighbouring tissues and spread
to different parts of the body in the blood where they form secondary tumours.
* Scientists have identified lifestyle risk factors for various types of cancer e.g.
smoking and lung cancer, obesity and cancers of the bowel, liver and kidney. U.V.
radiation from the sun can also cause skin cancer.
* Viral infections can also be a risk factors for certain cancers e.g. HPV and cervical
cancer.
* There are also genetic risk factors for some cancers e.g. having certain faulty
genes has shown an increased likelihood of developing breast and ovarian
cancer.
