Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 1, 582-590, Copyright © 1983 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
Monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy
RK Oldham
The need for improved specificity in cancer therapy is apparent. With the
advent of monoclonal antibodies, the possibility of specifically targeted
therapy is being considered. Early trials of monoclonal antibody in
experimental animals and humans have indicated its ability to traffic to
specific tumor sites and to localize on or around the tumor cells
displaying antigens to which the antibody is directed. This evidence of
specific targeting, along with preliminary evidence of therapeutic efficacy
for monoclonal antibodies and immunoconjugates with drugs, toxins, and
isotopes is encouraging. The current status of clinical trials with
monoclonal antibodies is reviewed and an example of the experimental
approach for the development of immunoconjugates in animal models is
presented.
