Which class of drugs is commonly used in targeted therapy for cancer?

Monoclonal antibodies are a pivotal class of drugs in the realm of targeted therapy for cancer. These agents are designed to specifically bind to particular proteins or antigens that are overexpressed in certain cancer cells. By doing so, they can block the growth and spread of cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells, allowing for a more precise form of treatment.

Monoclonal antibodies can work through several mechanisms, including marking cancer cells for destruction by the immune system, delivering cytotoxic drugs directly to cancer cells, or inhibiting specific pathways that promote tumor growth. Their ability to target specific characteristics of cancer cells differentiates them from traditional chemotherapy, which often affects both cancerous and healthy cells.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes: antibiotics are primarily used to treat bacterial infections, antiviral drugs are effective against viruses, and analgesics are used for pain relief. None of these categories are typically associated with the targeted therapy approach that defines the use of monoclonal antibodies in oncology. This specificity in purpose underscores why monoclonal antibodies are recognized as a cornerstone of targeted cancer therapy.