Antibodies For Treatment Of Cancer Research Articles

Monoclonal Antibodies in Cancer Treatment

Research advances and promising clinical outcomes with immunotherapeutics has led to a resurgence of incorporating monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment. Unconjugated, conjugated and multi-target constructs are emerging as a conventional form of therapy along with the classical trio of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The recent major accomplishments in monoclonals include: first, the development of human and chimeric structures negating the induction of humoral responses to murine counterparts which limited use; second, protein engineering has improved the affinity and specificity of the antibody to its target; third, technics have been designed to select monoclonal antibodies imparting a biological consequence (function) following binding; and, lastly, recombinant proteins are being created with multiple epitopic specificities and/or fusion with other biologically active proteins such as toxins and cytokines/growth factors. Clinical efficacy in the treatment of haematological malignancies has secured a role for monoclonals in routine treatment. Evidence of clinical responses in patients with metastatic solid tumours is leading to the next generation of trials in the adjuvant setting. This paper presents an overview of the clinical experience with monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment over the past 5 years. Our aim is to highlight the successes and advances, as well as noting limitations of antibody therapeutics. The advances seen support a continued effort to optimise the creation, selection and use of immunotherapeutics in the battle against cancer.

Biologic basis for monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment

Biologic basis for monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment

Biological and clinical implications of lymphocyte hybridomas: tumor therapy with monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies of defined specificity can be produced using hybridoma technology. New attempts are being made to explore the potential of antibody therapy for cancer. Preliminary studies show that problems such as antigenic modulation, circulating free antigen, effector cell shortage, and host anti-mouse immunoglobulin response must be overcome. Uses of monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment include the administration of unconjugated antibodies or of antibodies coupled to drugs, toxins, or radioisotopes, and the use of monoclonal antibodies in vitro to eradicate residual malignant cells.