Monoclonal antibody used in Head and neck cancer is:-
**Core Concept**
Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system. By inhibiting the PD-1 receptor, pembrolizumab enhances the body's immune response against cancer cells, particularly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pembrolizumab has shown significant efficacy in treating HNSCC by increasing the activity of T-cells, which recognize and target cancer cells for destruction. The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is often upregulated in HNSCC, allowing cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. By blocking this pathway, pembrolizumab restores the immune response, leading to tumor regression. Pembrolizumab has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A is incorrect** because while Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used in breast cancer, it targets the HER2/neu receptor, not PD-1. **Option B is incorrect** because Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, targeting the CD20 antigen on B-cells. **Option D is incorrect** because Ocralizumab is not a widely recognized monoclonal antibody, and its use in head and neck cancer is not established.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pembrolizumab's use in HNSCC highlights the importance of immunotherapy in oncology, particularly in tumors with high PD-L1 expression. This approach has revolutionized the treatment landscape for certain cancers, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
✓ Correct Answer: A. Pembrolizumab