title: Biological therapy of cancer.
abstract: Interferons and monoclonal antibodies are among the most promising biological approaches to cancer treatment which have so far been investigated. Both natural and recombinant interferon-alpha preparations have shown activity in a number of trials in hematologic malignancies, even in previously treated patients; activity in solid tumors, however, has been limited. Unconjugated monoclonal antibodies have been safely administered in several small trials and have had therapeutic value on occasion. In spite of a number of remaining problems and questions, monoclonal antibodies and their conjugates seem likely to find a number of distinct roles in cancer treatment; elimination of micrometastases and purging of bone marrow for grafting may be among these roles.
mesh_terms: D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000276:immunology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007938:Leukemia / Q000628:therapy; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000628:therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007370:Interferon Type I