[Monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of neoplastic hematologic diseases]

Progress in molecular biology have allowed the development of humanized monoclonal antibodies, well tolerated by the patient and able to activate the immune mechanisms against cancer cells. The use of these monoclonal antibodies in hematologic cancers is just beginning but the applications seem very large. More specific use will come from an optimal selection of antigens, a better engineering with molecules composed of the antibody, activators of immune mechanisms, and/or cytolytic agents. A better understanding of mechanisms of action will allow to choose diseases according to the foreseen effects, sensibility or refractoriness to these antibodies. However, the determination of the patient benefit will only be shown in randomised trials.