Monoclonal

The term monoclonal describes a population of cells which are descended from the same initial cell and are therefore strictly identical and form a clone. The monoclonal nature of malignant cells at least at the start of the malignancy process implies common properties such as the synthesis of a specific antigen (see antigen). Treatments are now available with monoclonal antibodies for some types of lymphomas and breast cancers. This treatment is considered to be a chemotherapy.