Which monoclonal antibody is commonly used in cancer treatment?

Which monoclonal antibody is commonly used in cancer treatment?

• A. Adalimumab
• B. Rituximab
• C. Trastuzumab
• D. Bevacizumab

Answer: (B)

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein found on the surface of certain types of B cells, which are a key component of the immune system. This medication is primarily used in the treatment of various malignancies, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). By binding to CD20, rituximab marks these B cells for destruction by the immune system, effectively reducing the number of cancerous cells. In addition to its use in hematologic cancers, rituximab has shown efficacy in some autoimmune diseases, highlighting its versatile role in both oncology and immunology. Its ability to selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal cells contributes to its effectiveness and relatively favorable safety profile compared to traditional chemotherapies. Other options listed, while also significant in cancer treatment, focus on different targets or mechanisms. For example, trastuzumab targets the HER2 protein in breast cancer, bevacizumab inhibits angiogenesis in various cancers, and adalimumab is primarily used for autoimmune conditions rather than cancer.

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein found on the surface of certain types of B cells, which are a key component of the immune system. This medication is primarily used in the treatment of various malignancies, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). By binding to CD20, rituximab marks these B cells for destruction by the immune system, effectively reducing the number of cancerous cells.

In addition to its use in hematologic cancers, rituximab has shown efficacy in some autoimmune diseases, highlighting its versatile role in both oncology and immunology. Its ability to selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal cells contributes to its effectiveness and relatively favorable safety profile compared to traditional chemotherapies.

Other options listed, while also significant in cancer treatment, focus on different targets or mechanisms. For example, trastuzumab targets the HER2 protein in breast cancer, bevacizumab inhibits angiogenesis in various cancers, and adalimumab is primarily used for autoimmune conditions rather than cancer.