Monoclonal Antobodies

Question 1

What is a monoclonal antibody?

Answer 1

Monovalent antibodies which bind to the same epitope and are produced from a single B-lymphocyte clone

Question 2

How are monoclonal antibodies produced?

Answer 2

Immunising a certain species against a specific epitope on an antigen
Harvest B lymphocytes from the spleen of a mouse

Resulting hybridoma cells are cultured

Question 3

Give some examples of monoclonal antibodies

Answer 3

Trastuzumab
Infliximab
Abciximab

Question 4

What is the target of trastuzumab?

Answer 4

Inhibits HER-2 signalling

Used to treat breast cancer (herceptin)

Question 5

What is the target of infliximab?

Answer 5

Inhibits TNF-α

Used to treat autoimmune disease

Question 6

What is the target of abciximab?

Answer 6

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist

Platelet aggregation inhibitor - used during and after coronary artery procedures

Question 7

What monoclonal antibody is used in lymphoma treatment?

Answer 7

Rituximab

Question 8

What patient education is required for lymphoma treatment for rituximab?

Answer 8

Explain that the pt may still suffer from side effects
They should inform staff of any changes
Pt must not take anti-hypertensive meds 12 hrs prior to infusion

Question 9

What pre-medication must be taken before rituximab?

Answer 9

Steroids, anti-histamine, paracetamol