Biological therapies for bowel cancer
Biological or immuno-therapies are derived from, or target substances that occur naturally in the body. They have been designed or modified in the laboratory to target and destroy particular types of cancer cells. There are different types of biological therapy, including: monoclonal antibodies, cancer growth inhibitors, vaccines and gene therapy.
The main biological therapies used for bowel cancer are monoclonal antibodies.
Cetuximab (Erbitux), panitumumab (Vectibix) and bevacizumab (Avastin) are all monoclonal antibodies currently used in the treatment of bowel cancer. Monoclonal antibodies can be designed to find a particular type of cancer cell, attach itself to them and destroy them. They can also be designed to carry a radioactive molecule, which then delivers radiation directly to the cancer cells. For more information see Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancerhelp and
Beating Bowel Cancer.
Research is also looking at whether vaccines and gene therapy can be used to treat bowel cancer, but this type of research is in the very early stages. For more information see Macmillan Cancer Support or Cancerhelp.
We have not yet been able to interview anyone who has had experience of biological therapies for bowel cancer. If you have had this treatment and you would like us to include your story on this website, please write to:
Research Delivery Project Manager,
Health Experiences Research Group,
Department of Primary Health Care,
University of Oxford,
Old Road Campus, Headington,
Oxford, OX3 7LF
Last reviewed May 2010.
