BETA - What are monoclonal antibodies (2026)

This video provides a clear introduction to monoclonal antibodies, a key and widely used form of immunotherapy in the treatment of blood cancers such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. It begins by explaining how natural antibodies work in the immune system—recognizing foreign substances and helping the body destroy infected or abnormal cells.

Building on this foundation, the video explains that monoclonal antibodies are lab-engineered proteins designed to target a single, specific marker on cancer cells. By binding to these markers, they help the immune system identify and eliminate cancer cells more effectively, either by directly triggering cell death or by recruiting other immune cells to attack.

The video also reviews common targets across different blood cancers, such as CD19, CD20, CD38, and BCMA, and explains the various ways monoclonal antibodies can work—including activating immune responses, engaging natural killer cells, or, in some cases, delivering toxic payloads to cancer cells.

In addition, it covers how these therapies are administered (either intravenously or by subcutaneous injection), how they are often used in combination with other treatments, and how treatment duration can vary depending on the disease. Common side effects—especially infusion-related reactions—are discussed, along with how they are managed and often reduced over time with premedications.

Finally, the video emphasizes that monoclonal antibodies are considered immunotherapy, not chemotherapy, because they work by targeting cancer cells and activating the immune system rather than directly damaging cells. Overall, it highlights how monoclonal antibodies have transformed cancer care by offering a more precise and generally well-tolerated treatment option.