ANTIBODIES AS CYTOTOXIC THERAPY

Purpose: This review was conducted to characterize the results of trials of unconjugated monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of cancer. This survey does not cover antibodies conjugated to drugs, isotopes, or toxins. Methods: An English-language literature search was used to identify reports of trials of unconjugated monoclonal antibodies in patients with cancer. Results: Most trials have been pilot or phase I to II in nature. The most encouraging results have been described for various antibodies directed against lymphoma, and for certain monoclonal antibodies that bind to glycolipid antigens on melanoma, sarcoma, and neuroblastoma. Toxicity has not been a major problem with these reagents, but human antimouse antibodies have limited the potential application of murine reagents. Conclusion: At present, there are no unconjugated monoclonal antibodies that have proven therapeutic benefit in hematologic malignancies or solid tumors. The most active areas of current interest relate to antibodies to various growth factor receptors and the testing of humanized antibodies.