Therapeutic Targets of Monoclonal Antibodies Used in the Treatment of Cancer: Current and Emerging

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading global causes of death and disease, and treatment options are constantly evolving. In this sense, the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in immunotherapy has been considered a fundamental aspect of modern cancer therapy. In order to avoid collateral damage, it is indispensable to identify specific molecular targets or biomarkers of therapy and/or diagnosis (theragnostic) when designing an appropriate immunotherapeutic regimen for any type of cancer. Furthermore, it is important to understand the currently employed mAbs in immunotherapy and their mechanisms of action in combating cancer. To achieve this, a comprehensive understanding of the biology of cancer cell antigens, domains, and functions is necessary, including both those presently utilized and those emerging as potential targets for the design of new mAbs in cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a description of the therapeutic targets utilized in cancer immunotherapy over the past 5 years, as well as emerging targets that hold promise as potential therapeutic options in the application of mAbs for immunotherapy. Additionally, the review explores the mechanisms of actin of the currently employed mAbs in immunotherapy.

Keywords: cancer; immunotherapy; monoclonal antibody; therapeutic targets.

Figure 1

Estimated global number of new cancer cases in 2020, for both sexes and all age groups. Reproduced from Global Cancer Observatory (http://gco.iarc.fr/ (accessed on 1 July 2023)); data source: GLOBOCAN 2020, International Agency for Research on Cancer 2022.

Figure 2

Tumoral antigens and therapeutic targets currently utilized in cancer immunotherapy are primarily located in cells of the immune system and tumor cells.