Monoclonal Antibody

Term: Monoclonal AntibodyDefinition: A type of protein designed to bind to specific targets on cells, used in the treatment of various diseases, including those caused by asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (mon-oh-KLOH-nal AN-tih-bah-dee)Origin: The term "monoclonal" is derived from the Greek words "monos," meaning single, and "klon," meaning sprout or twig, referring to the single cell origin of these antibodies. "Antibody" comes from the German "Antikörper," meaning anti-body, which was coined to describe substances that counteract antigens.Significance in Asbestos Context: Monoclonal antibodies are significant in the treatment of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, where they can target cancer cells specifically, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.Example Sentence: The patient with asbestos-related lung cancer was treated with a monoclonal antibody therapy to target the cancer cells more effectively.Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Biologic Therapy, Cancer TreatmentNotes: - Monoclonal antibodies are often used in combination with other treatments. - They can have side effects, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider. - Not all monoclonal antibodies are effective for every patient, so personalized treatment plans are crucial.