Monoclonal antibody therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses man-made antibodies to target and destroy cancer cells. While this therapy can be effective, there are also some risks associated with it.
One of the main risks of monoclonal antibody therapy is that the antibodies can also attack healthy cells. This can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Additionally, monoclonal antibody therapy can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
Another risk of this therapy is that the cancer cells may become resistant to the treatment over time. This can happen if the cancer cells mutate, making them no longer recognize the antibodies. When this happens, the cancer cells can continue to grow and spread, despite the treatment.
Despite these risks, monoclonal antibody therapy can be an effective treatment for some types of cancer. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this therapy before starting treatment.
Monoclonal antibody therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses man-made versions of antibodies (immune system proteins) to target and destroy cancer cells. While this treatment can be very effective, there are some risks associated with it.
The most common side effect of monoclonal antibody therapy is infusion-related reactions. These reactions can occur when the monoclonal antibodies are first injected into the body and usually go away within a few hours. Symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle or joint pain.
Less common side effects of monoclonal antibody therapy can include:
- Allergic reactions
- Inflammation of the lungs
- Kidney problems
- Skin rashes
In rare cases, monoclonal antibody therapy can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. These side effects may include a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
If you are considering monoclonal antibody therapy, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
