Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are used to treat cancers by targeting cell receptors or other components of cell signaling pathways unique to or overexpressed by cancer cells.

Bevacizumab is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and works by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to limit tumor growth by prevention of angiogenesis.

Cetuximab treats colorectal and head and neck cancers by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which interferes with growth of cancer cells.

Rituximab treats rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, and CLL. Rituximab works by targeting the CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes, which induces a cell mediated toxic effect.  Rituximab treatment can result in tumor lysis syndrome.

Trastuzumab treats breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and gastric cancer. Trastuzumab binds to and inhibits effect of HER2 signaling pathways. Congestive heart failure is a possible adverse effect.   

Class Drugs

Bevacizumab

Cetuximab

Rituximab

Trastuzumab

Class Mechanism of Action

Generally, MABs target cell receptors or other components of signaling pathways to mediate their effect

Class Applications

See individual drugs

Class Adverse Effects

See individual drugs

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Bevacizumab	Colorectal cancer	Mechanism; -Binds to and inhibits effect of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor); -Prevents angiogenesis	"Beverly Hills" "Scissors" "Zoom"
Cetuximab	Colorectal cancerHead and Neck cancer	Mechanism; -Binds to and inhibits effect of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor); -Interferes with growth of cancer cells	"Set" "Tux" "Mob"
Rituximab	Rheumatoid arthritisLymphomaCLL	Mechanism; -Binds to and inhibits effect of CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes; -Induces cell mediated process for toxicity; Adverse Effects; -Hypersensitivity reaction (hypotension, bronchospasm, angioedema); -Tumor lysis syndrome	"Ritz Crackers" "Tux" "Mob"
Trastuzumab	Breast cancerEsophageal cancerGastric cancer	Mechanism; -Binds to and inhibits effect of HER2 signaling pathways; -Stimulates cytotoxicity; Adverse Effects; Congestive heart failure	"Trap" "Stew" "Mob"