Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that the immune system uses to identify and neutralize foreign bodies, which can be bacteria, viruses, or even tumor cells. These proteins are specific because they recognize a particular target, the so-called antigen, that will be present in cells outside the body. Understand how the immune system works.
Monoclonal antibodies, such as denosumab, obinutuzumab, or ustequinumab, for example, occur in the laboratory, often identical to those found in the human body, which will help the body fight certain diseases. Thus, depending on the monoclonal antibody used, these remedies can be used to treat certain serious diseases such as osteoporosis, leukemia, plaque psoriasis or certain types of cancer, such as breast or bone cancer for example.
Examples of monoclonal antibodies include
This monoclonal antibody, marketed as Herceptin, was developed by genetic engineering and specifically attacks a protein that is it? people with certain breast and stomach cancers. Therefore, this remedy is indicated for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer or with metastasis and late-stage gastric cancer.
Marketed as Prolia or Xgeva, it contains in its composition the human monoclonal antibody IgG2, which interferes with the action of a specific protein that strengthens bones, reducing the risk of breakage. For example, denosumab is indicated for the treatment of bone loss, osteoporosis, bone cancer or advanced cancer with bone metastases (which have spread to the bones).
Also known commercially as Gazyva, it has antibodies in its composition that specifically recognize and bind to the CD20 protein, which is located on the surface of white blood cells or B lymphocytes. Therefore, obinutuzumab is indicated for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, because it is able to stop the abnormal growth of white blood cells that cause this disease.
This remedy can also be known commercially as Stelara and is composed of the human monoclonal antibody IgG1, which inhibits the specific proteins responsible for psoriasis. Therefore, this remedy is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Also known as Perjeta, it is composed of monoclonal antibodies that bind to the human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor, present in certain cancer cells, slowing or stopping their growth. Therefore, Perjeta is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer.
Medicines containing monoclonal antibodies should only be taken on medical advice, as the type of antibody to be used and the recommended doses depend on the problem to be treated and its severity.
In most cases, these remedies are used in the treatment of cancer, as they are antineoplastic remedies that should be used in accordance with the specific instructions given by the doctor and that should be administered in hospitals or clinics.