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How are monoclonal antibodies used to treat diseases?

* 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