Cytokine Receptor Directed Therapy with Genetically Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies Armed with Radionuclides

The hybridoma technique of Kohler and Milstein (1975) rekindled interest in the use of antibodies targeted to cell surface antigens to treat cancer patients. However, such monoclonal antibodies have been relatively ineffective (Catane and Longo 1989). There have been a number of explanations for this observed low therapeutic efficacy. One of the factors is that the murine monoclonal antibodies are immunogenic. An even more critical factor is that most of the monoclonal antibodies employed are not effective cytocidal agents against human neoplastic cells. Furthermore, in most cases, the antibodies were not directed against a vital structure present on the surface of malignant cells, such as a growth factor receptor required for tumor cell proliferation.