Monoclonal antibody therapy for solid tumors

Monoclonal antibody therapy for solid tumors has many theoretical attractions and a long history. Until recently, with the approval and widespread use of rituximab (Rituxan) and trastuzumab (Herceptin), monoclonal antibody therapy for tumors had not had significant success. This article reviews basic theories behind antibody development and their clinical implementation as treatment for solid tumors. Medline was searched for articles over the past 15 years dealing with laboratory and clinical applications of antibody therapy for solid tumors. In addition, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) abstracts from the past 3 years were reviewed to complement the Medline search. This article focuses on treatment for common solid tumors, including breast, colon and lung cancers.