Monoclonal antibodies in medical oncology — mechanism of action

Abstract

Introduction of monoclonal antibodies into the armamentarium of systemic therapies has marked a breakthrough in oncology. In the case of several cancer types, monoclonal antibodies have significantly improved patients’ prognosis. Initially, antibodies were supposed to interact solely with surface molecules (receptors) acting as cytostatic drugs. However, it turned out that these immunologic agents attract and activate immune mechanisms involving antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or complement activation.