Cancer cells have specific antigens. Antibodies raised against such antigen may have antitumor activity. Several monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are presently in clinical trials. To date, MAb by itself is not found to produce significant anticancer effects. However, it could be used to deliver conjugated cytotoxic agents such as drugs, toxins, and radionuclides to the tumors. A highly cytotoxic antibiotic geldanamycin (GA) is conjugated to a MAb against HER2 protein that is overexpressed in certain cancer patients. This conjugate tends to inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cell lines better than the unconjugated MAb.
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