title: Preclinical studies and clinical utilization of monoclonal antibodies in epithelial ovarian cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present an overview of selected monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that have been studied in epithelial ovarian cancer with a focus on combination treatment with conventional chemotherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors perform a narrative review of the literature. Preclinical studies that provided rationale for mAb use are examined, and selected clinical trials that evaluated efficacy and tolerability are reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Numerous mAbs have been utilized in epithelial ovarian cancer, including bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor), trastuzumab (anti-human epidermal growth factor-2), cetuximab (anti-epidermal growth factor receptor), and oregovomab (anti-CA125). Favorable preclinical results have lead to the development of a number of clinical trials. Side-effects have been minimal and combination therapy has been well-tolerated. Efficacy has been variable in the clinical trials.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Targeted treatment with mAbs in conjunction with cytotoxic chemotherapy has been an important research area during the last decade. This therapeutic approach holds promise for improved outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35249, USA. pfrederick5@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Frederick
authors.forename: J Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Straughn
authors.forename: Ronald D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: Donald J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Buchsbaum
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents