Monoclonal Antobodies Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are monoclonal antibodies in the context of cancer therapy?
Laboratory made antibodies designed to buy specific antigens on cancer cells, enabling targeted therapy with high specificity and fewer after target effects
Name two major mechanisms by which mabs kill cancer cells
1) direct inhibition of growth signals by blocking receptors
2) recruiting immune effector functions such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)
What is antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity ADCC?
A process where antibodies bound to cancer cells recruit immune cells like NK cells via the FC region leading to targeted cell killing
What is compliment dependence cytotoxicity CDC?
A mechanism where antibodies activate the compliment system upon binding to cancer cells resulting in cell lysis
Give an example of an antibody that targets the HER2 receptor and its clinical use
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used for HER2 positive breast and gastric cancer. It blocks HER2 signalling and mediates immune responses.
Give an example of a mab that targets CD20 and his clinical use
Rituximab targets CD20 on B cells and is used in non-hodgkins lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
How can antibodies be used to deliver cytotoxic agents to cancer cells?
Some antibodies are conjugated to chemotherapy drugs or radioactive substances delivering them directly to cancer cells (antibody drug conjugates)
What is an immune checkpoints inhibitor and give an example?
An antibody that blocks proteins (PD-1, CTLA-4) used by cancer cells to evade immune destruction examples include pembrolizumab (anti PD-1)
List two common adverse effects associated with antibody cancer therapies
Infusion related reactions and organs specific toxicities for example hepatotoxicity and skin reactions
What is the main advantage of using antibodies over traditional chemotherapy?
Higher specificity for cancer cells resulting in fewer off target effects and improved safety profiles
What can we do to combat some side effects?
Co-administer with oral steroids (Prednisone)
What is a newer mab drug still in clinical trials?
CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cells (living drugs) for haematological cancers and in early trials for solid tumours.
Name a radioimmunotherapy conjugated mab drug
Bexxar
Name a mab drug that prevents angiogenesis
Bevacizumab. Anti-VEGF mab. Starves tumour of nutrients by stopping it from making blood cells. Side effect is haemorrage and hypertension.
