Antibody therapy of prostate cancer
Scientists in the U.S. led by Dr. Mark Greene of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a monoclonal antibody that hope to become an effective therapeutic agent against prostate cancer.Each year thousands of people die from aggressive forms of the disease. This research holds out hope for those affected, but it will be some time before clinical trials are conducted. When infected by foreign cells such as bacteria or viruses or cancer cells of one of the defenses very important that we can use is to produce antibodies. All cells have proteins on their surfaces known as antigens. When the cells of our bodies in foreign antigens are recognized as foreign by the immune system and B lymphocytes will be asked to produce antibodies.
Once antibodies act by binding and binding to antigens on the cell surface of invasive form. Ultimately leads to cell destruction and disposal of infected or cancerous cells. Antibodies are a powerful weapon in the fight against the disease. There are two important characteristics of antibodies that can be exploited in the treatment of disease. One is that the antibodies are fully specified. For example, if we contract an infection like rubella we will produce an antibody specifically directed to the rubella virus.The second feature is that the antibodies remain in the body after an infection has been cleared thereby conferring protection against future is disease.It these characteristics that have led to the development of vaccine technology.
Pharmaceutical companies have pathological organisms and treat them so they can not cause infection. These inactive organisms are the main component of a vaccine. When a vaccine is administered our immune system recognizes the antigen, the antibody is produced and to become immune to further infection. The antibody producing cells are B cells, which are white blood cells. Scientists can isolate and clone B cells to produce antibodies in laboratory conditions. These antibodies can then be used therapeutically to treat infection or cancer. The antibodies produced will be either polyclonal or monoclonal. Polyclonal antibodies are produced from various cell lines. Monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single cell line. To produce a monoclonal antibody of a B lymphocyte is fused with a tumor cell.
The fused cell is known as a hybridoma, and has the ability to replicate endlessly. This technology allows scientists to create large highly specific antibodies that can be used to treat the disease very effectively unlimited quantities. One of the main advantages of the use of monoclonal antibodies is their absolute specificity. It targets a cancer cell directly with very few side effects for the patient.Antibodies that are already being used to address diseases such as lymphoma and breast cancer. So far there have been no successful antibody therapy for prostate cancer. Dr. Greene's research team has produced an antibody called F77 which looks very promising. : Although the research is at a very early stage, the possibility of an effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer for the first time Art By arises.Ann O'Leary
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