Sammanfattning
Monoclonal antibody drugs are used in the treatment of several malignant diseases. They exert their antitumor effects by binding to specific molecules expressed by cancer cells or immune cells. The antibodies may act directly on the malignant cells, by blocking biological processes that promote cell proliferation, viability and invasiveness, or by eliciting antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. They can also act indirectly through immune cells or other stromal cells. Over the past few years a new treatment option has been developed by the use of antibodies interfering with regulatory mechanisms of T lymphocytes. By blocking inhibitory check-point proteins on cytotoxic T cells, these antibodies enhance the reactivity of the immune system. Antibodies blocking T cell-inhibiting receptors CTLA4 and PD-1 are now in clinical use for treatment of several malignancies.
The antitumor antibodies provide new treatment options in various cancers. In particular, some of the results obtained, notably with the use of antibodies that enhance the immune response, are presently raising the hope of permanent cure for some patients and may represent the start of a new era in cancer therapy.