Recent advances in immunotherapy and monoclonal antibody treatment of cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review the immune response and tumor immunology, and to provide an update on the success and obstacles to targeted therapy using monoclonal antibodies and antibody conjugates.


METHODS
Research articles and textbooks.


CONCLUSIONS
Ongoing studies are exploiting the targeting properties of the immune system to improve anticancer therapy. Both monoclonal antibodies and immunoconjugates have shown promise in treatment of specific diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
The rapid growth of molecular techniques has allowed for the development of new anticancer therapies. Since nurses are intimately involved in the delivery of such therapy as well as in educating patients regarding risks and benefits, they must be knowledgeable.
Cheng
J D
JD
Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Rieger
P T
PT
von Mehren
M
M
Adams
G P
GP
Weiner
L M
LM
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009859:Oncology Nursing
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal