NCLEX Hematology Practice Test

Monoclonal antibodies that target specific proteins on lymphoma cells are used to harness the body's immune system against the cancer. In many non-Hodgkin lymphomas, malignant B cells express CD20, so a monoclonal antibody can bind to that antigen and mark the cells for attack. This triggers immune processes such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, where natural killer cells kill the antibody-coated cells, and complement-mediated lysis, which helps destroy the cancer cells. These antibodies can be used alone or combined with chemotherapy to boost effectiveness.

Other options don’t employ this targeted immune approach. Antibiotics treat bacteria, antivirals target viruses, and hormone replacement therapy addresses hormonal deficiencies, none of which specifically leverage the immune system to attack non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells.