What are monoclonal antibodies?
The NCI currently has about 4 active protocols using monoclonal antibodies that kids with neuroblastoma may qualify for. Mostly phase I and II clinical trials. It is called “monoclonal antibodies”, because they are made by the identical offspring of a single, cloned antibody producing cell. A mouse is injected with a specific antigen which causes the production of antibodies against it. These antibodies are isolated from the mouse’s spleen. The monoclonal antibodies are made by attaching single antibody-forming cells to tumor cells grown in culture.
