Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are substances produced in a lab that attach to certain proteins in the body (like a key in a lock). The antibodies can boost your body's natural defenses against disease or can be used to kill cancer cells or slow the progress of a disease.

Monoclonal antibodies are given through an intravenous (IV) injection. The antibodies can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver medicine or radiation directly to cancer cells to treat diseases such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Also, monoclonal antibodies can slow the progress of a disease by stopping biological processes such as inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

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.