Future Approaches for Treating Hematologic Disease

Authors: Reff M.; Braslawsky G.; Hanna N.

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Volume 2, Number 4, December 2001 , pp. 369-382(14)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The approval of monoclonal antibodies for therapy of hematologic malignacies (Rituxan, Mylotarg, Campath) renewed the interest in antibodies as potential new treatment options for cancer patients. Antibodies are effective in inhibiting tumor cell growth , inducing apoptosis, and activating host effector mechanisms for tumor cell killing. Monoclonal antibodies can be clinically effective as monotherapy, as targeting agents delivering either potent cytotoxic drugs or radionuclides as well as in combination with conventional chemotherapies. Advances in antibody engineering provided new capabilities to reduce immunogenicity, alter half life, increase effector functions, and increase tumor targeting for optimal therapeutic modalities requiring chronic dosing regimens. During the next decade, as new tumor-specific surface antigens are discovered and the linkage between genes and function is better understood, new targets will be identified for regulating tumor cell growth by engineered antibodies with agonist or antagonist activity. Additionally, antibody engineering will allow for more efficient radionuclide or cytotoxic drug targeting or lead to more selective activation of relevant host effector mechanisms, leading to a safe and effective therapy of cancer.

Keywords: Treating Hematologic Disease; UNCONJUGATED MAB; immunological effector cells; MAb-calicheamicin immunoconjugate; Pharmacokinetic Profile

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389201013378626

Publication date: 2001-12-01

• Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to cover all the latest and outstanding developments in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Each issue of the journal contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of current topics in both pre-clinical and clinical areas of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is an essential journal for academic, clinical, government and pharmaceutical scientists who wish to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

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• By this author: Reff M. ;  Braslawsky G. ;  Hanna N.

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