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Treatment and the treatment process

Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that stick to a specific marker on the surface of the leukaemia cell.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An antibody on a cell.
Figure 1.An antibody on a cell.

01Short answer

Once attached, the antibody flags the cell for the immune system, kills it directly, or delivers a chemotherapy molecule to it (an antibody–drug conjugate). In CLL, for example, CD20 antibodies are widely used. The first infusion is most likely to cause a reaction, so it is given slowly and with observation.

02Simple explanation

Topic. monoclonal antibodies.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

03Scientific explanation

Conjugate: antibody plus drug, delivered straight to the cell.

B-cell depletion: CD20 antibodies also lower healthy B cells, raising infection and hepatitis B risk.

04What happens in the body?

Monoclonal antibodies

Once attached, the antibody flags the cell for the immune system, kills it directly, or delivers a chemotherapy molecule to it (an antibody–drug conjugate). In CLL, for example, CD20 antibodies are widely used. The first infusion is most likely to cause a reaction, so it is given slowly and with observation.

In more detail

Conjugate: antibody plus drug, delivered straight to the cell. B-cell depletion: CD20 antibodies also lower healthy B cells, raising infection and hepatitis B risk.

A flag on a cell — Monoclonal antibodies
Figure 2.A flag on a cell — Monoclonal antibodies

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

An infusion chair — Monoclonal antibodies
Figure 3.An infusion chair — Monoclonal antibodies

05Monoclonal antibodies: the steps

Four steps.

Test — Target present.1TestTarget present.
Preparation — Premedication.2PreparationPremedication.
Infusion — Slowly.3InfusionSlowly.
Observation — Reactions.4ObservationReactions.

06Types

TypePrincipleExample target
Naked antibodyFlags the cellCD20
ConjugateDelivers a drugCD22, CD33
BispecificLinks an immune cellCD19

07Key terms

Monoclonal antibody
Identical antibodies aimed at one target.
Infusion reaction
Chills, fever or rash during an infusion.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

09Frequently asked questions

Why is the first infusion long?

It is given slowly to lower the risk of a reaction.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Why is the first infusion long?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Monoclonal Antibodies
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
  3. MedlinePlus. Leukemia
  4. MedlinePlus. Bendamustine injection
  5. MedlinePlus. Vincristine injection
  6. MedlinePlus. Dexamethasone
  7. NHS. Steroids
  8. MedlinePlus. Venetoclax
  9. MedlinePlus. Platelet Disorders
  10. MedlinePlus. Aciclovir (acyclovir)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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