About the Center: FAQs

Most Commonly Asked Questions

What is a cancer cell?

A cancer cell is an abnormal cell that destroys normal healthy cells.

How does monoclonal antibody treatment work?

Researchers identify and isolate substances (proteins, carbohydrates) from cancer cells and immunize mice to produce antibodies. Antibodies that are found to be specific for a particular type of cancer are bio-engineered by manipulating the genes for the antibody so that a “human-like” antibody is produced that retains the specific reactivity with cancer. This is important so that when administered to patients, the patient's immune system will not “reject” the antibody as a foreign substance. The antibody is then tagged with a low dose of radioisotope for imaging the tumor or a high dose of radioisotope for anti-tumor therapy. When injected into humans, these radiolabeled antibodies can distinguish between healthy cells and cancer cells, binding to the cancer cells. The radiation that is targeted to the cancer cells can be observed by use of a special camera so that the tumor is localized and the size and stage of tumor growth determined. With higher doses of radioisotope tagged antibody, radio-immuno-therapy can destroy the cancer. An important difference between radioimmunotherapy and radiation therapy is that radiolabeled antibodies will target and destroy cancer cells almost anywhere in the body, that is both primary tumor and established metastases, as well as small undetectable metastases that would otherwise be missed and eventually grow into new tumor masses.

I've had chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Am I a candidate for monoclonal antibody therapy?

Yes. Your immune system is probably weak from the previous treatments. Since the monoclonal antibodies will target only the cancer cells, it will not tax the immune system as other treatment modalities do.

Are there treatments for all forms of cancer?

Currently, researchers have developed several antibodies effective for 80% of all cancers.

How do I find out more information and become part of a clinical trial?