New approaches in gastric cancer research: I. Monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis and therapy.
Although the use of monoclonal antibodies is still in the initial phase of clinical testing in most fields, it promises a basic change in the traditionally unsatisfactory treatment of gastric cancer. This review reports on the use of monoclonal antibodies in the diagnosis of gastric cancer, such as the detection of tumor markers and immunoscintigraphy. Another approach aimed at improving the diagnosis of gastric cancer by monoclonal antibodies, is the development of immunocytology as a simple screening method. Finally, monoclonal antibodies are useful for detecting oncogene products. The present experimental and clinical results achieved with cytotoxic monoclonal antibodies and immunotoxins in the treatment of gastric cancer indicate that the erstwhile theoretical concept has now been put into practice and, hopefully, will be of significant benefit to the patient. Additionally, intra-operative tumor imaging provides a chance of improving surgical treatment of gastric cancer.
Juhl
H
H
Dept. of Surgery, University of Hamburg.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor