title: Immunotoxins for leukemia.
abstract: Unconjugated monoclonal antibodies that target hematopoietic differentiation antigens have been developed to treat hematologic malignancies. Although some of these have activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia, in general, monoclonal antibodies have limited efficacy as single agents in the treatment of leukemia. To increase their potency, the binding domains of monoclonal antibodies can be attached to protein toxins. Such compounds, termed immunotoxins, are delivered to the interior of leukemia cells based on antibody specificity for cell surface target antigens. Recombinant immunotoxins have been shown to be highly cytotoxic to leukemic blasts in vitro, in xenograft model systems, and in early-phase clinical trials in humans. These agents will likely play an increasing role in the treatment of leukemia.
authors.affiliation: Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, The Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; and.
authors.forename: Alan S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Wayne
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kreitman
authors.forename: Ira
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pastan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018941:Antigens, CD19 / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D000922:Immunotoxins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007938:Leukemia / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D018941:Antigens, CD19; D000922:Immunotoxins; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2