Update on Targeted Therapy—Focus on Monoclonal Antibodies

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies represent a diverse class of therapeutic agents frequently used in the treatment of various malignancies. Monoclonal antibodies have a common structure with varying amounts of human and nonhuman components. These agents have been developed to identify and to interact with specific cellular targets or signaling pathways, leading to cell death by various mechanisms. Adverse effects associated with monoclonal antibodies are related to their structure (human vs nonhuman content) and to their cellular targets. Pharmacists should be familiar with this class of therapeutic agents to provide effective management and to monitor patients receiving monoclonal antibody therapy.