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.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.