Technology evaluation: edrecolomab, Centocor Inc.
Specific targeting of tumor cells may be achieved by using monoclonal antibodies to tumor antigens. Edrecolomab is a mouse-derived monoclonal IGg2A antibody directed against the human tumor-associated CO17-1A (or Ep-CAM) antigen, and is the first monoclonal antibody approved for cancer therapy. Encouraging results of several clinical trials were recently reported using edrecolomab for adjuvant therapy after surgery of Duke's C colorectal cancer. Side effects and toxicity profiles compare favorably to conventional regimens of radio- or chemotherapy. Future challenges lie in further improvement of these novel therapeutics, hopefully generating benefit for a larger number of cancer patients.
Abicht
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Genzentrum und Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 München, Germany.
Lochmüller
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D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D001709:Biotechnology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C050928:carcinoma-associated antigen 17-1A; D007371:Interferon-gamma