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Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are medicines that act like natural antibodies. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to help defend against a threat, like bacteria and viruses. Monoclonal antibodies can boost your immune system and stop or slow the progress of a disease. They have been designed to treat many conditions. Examples include some kinds of cancer and some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is given through a needle in a vein (I.V.) or by an injection. This treatment may be used alone. Or it may be given with other treatments, such as radiation therapy.