monoclonal antibodies

Question 1

what are the applications of monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 1

• they tag specific molecules
• are present in home pregnancy tests
• they are involved in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and drugs
• can target drugs

Question 2

describe the treatment of cancer

Answer 2

1. tumour cells may express antigens
2. an antibody is produced (externally) which is specific to the antigen on cancer cells
3. they couple the antibody to a cytotoxic agent agent (e.g radioactive substance)
4. the antibody-cytotoxic complex is injected into the patient which targets the cancer cell and destroys it