Monoclonal antibody targeting of anti-cancer agents

Abstract

The concept of targeting cytotoxic agents to tumour sites following linkage to antibodies has become more acceptable following the development of monoclonal antibodies which react with tumour associated antigens (1). These include anti-CEA monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer as well as antibodies designated 791T/36, 19–9 and 17–1A, which react with colon carcinoma-associated membrane antigens. Monoclonal antibodies have also been produced which react with other types of human cancer including malignant melanoma, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, and carcinomas of breast, ovary and lung (1).