Antibody therapy of acute myelogenous leukemia

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become an important modality for cancer therapy. A genetically engineered humanized anti-CD33 antibody HuM195 has demonstrated activity against overt relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and against minimal residual disease in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Radioimmunotherapy with beta (beta) particle-emitting isotopes hers produced significant responses while minimizing radiation exposure to normal tissues in both nonmyeloablative and myeloablative regimens. Targeted alpha (alpha) particle therapy with Bi-213-labeled HuM195 offers the possibility of more selective tumor cell kill. Additionally, directed chemotherapy using an anti-CD33-calicheamicin conjugate (CMA-676) has produced remissions in patients with relapsed AML.