How Do Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibodies Work?

Reviewed on 1/10/2022

HOW DO ANTI-CD20 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES WORK?

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are a class of drugs used to treat patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (a type of cancer of the white blood cells), follicular lymphoma (cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes), rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function), and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a type of cancer that begins in a type of white blood cells that normally fights infection).

They are man-made antibody that was developed using cloning and recombinant DNA technology from human and murine (mice or rat) genes and work by inhibiting early-stage B lymphocyte activation. 

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are administered as a solution (liquid) to be added to fluid and injected intravenously (into a vein).

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies work in the following ways:

  • They work by killing the cancer cells.
  • Tumor cells (like most normal cells) have receptors on their surfaces. Several chemicals, proteins can attach to these receptors and cause changes within the cells. 
  • Molecules that attach to CD20 (a receptor present in more than 90% of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas) can affect the growth and development of the tumor cells and, sometimes, the production of new tumor cells.
  • Anti-CD20 antibodies attach to the CD20 receptor and cause the tumor cells to disintegrate (lyse). 
  • In addition, they prevent the production of additional tumor cells.

HOW ARE ANTI-CD20 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES USED?

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are used to treat conditions such as:

SLIDESHOW

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WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTI-CD20 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES?

Some of the common side effects include:

 

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

WHAT ARE NAMES OF ANTI-CD20 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES?

Generic and brand names of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies include:

References
https://reference.medscape.com/drugs/antineoplastics-anti-cd20-monoclonal-antibodies

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610009.html

https://www.rxlist.com/arzerra-drug.htm

https://www.rxlist.com/gazyva-drug.htm

https://www.rxlist.com/rituxan-drug.htm

https://www.rxlist.com/zevalin-drug.htm

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607038.html

https://www.medicinenet.com/rituximab/article.htm#what_is_rituximab_how_does_it_work_mechanism_of_action

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