Bayer: Science For A Better Life - research

A monoclonal antibody for cancer therapy

A targeted approach

Working on antibodies: (from right) Dr. Pamela Trail, Elizabeth Bortolon, Dahai Xue, Gerald Ranges, and Yong Chang.

Antibodies are important defense molecules in the human body. Like a well-equipped army, the immune system keeps invaders at bay, and this is why antibodies are increasingly being used in cancer therapy. Bayer is currently developing novel therapeutic antibodies which could help to treat the most common types of tumor. An approach that is already being used for leukemias and lymphomas could soon become reality for solid tumors as well.

Lock and key

Antibodies recognize certain molecules, known as antigens, on the surface of tumor cells, adhere to them and trigger a cascade of destruction that helps to eliminate the intruder from the body. Each antibody only fits together with one specific antigen, like a key in a lock. However, many tumors have mechanisms that make them invisible to the immune system. Read on to find out how it could still be possible to attack cancer with antibodies.