Monoclonal antibodies. Use in detection and treatment of cancer
Rabin, B.S.
Postgraduate Medicine 79(1): 293-8 303
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-5481 PMID: 2417219 Document Number: 279560
Monoclonal antibodies are homogeneous immunoglobulin proteins produced to a preselected antigen. These antibodies react to specific sites on the antigen and, if the antigen is part of the cell surface, mediate a destructive response against that cell. The antibodies may be useful in patients with malignancy to detect tumor-related antigens in patient serum, to localize the presence of metastatic disease, and to serve as therapeutic agents. The technology of monoclonal antibodies is rapidly evolving and will soon be part of routine treatment of patients with malignancy.