Monoclonal Antibodies in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized cancer therapy by offering targeted treatment options with improved specificity and efficacy compared to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These biologic agents work through diverse mechanisms, including direct tumor cell targeting, immune system modulation, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. Over the past two decades, significant advancements in monoclonal antibody engineering, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have enhanced their clinical utility. Despite their success, challenges such as resistance mechanisms, high costs, and limited accessibility remain. This thesis explores the structure, mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and combination strategies involving monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, emerging trends, including CAR-T cell therapy integration and natural product-enhanced mAbs, are discussed to highlight future directions in cancer immunotherapy. By providing a comprehensive analysis of their role in oncology, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments.