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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
In Vivo Immunofluorescence Localization for Assessment of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibody Biodistribution in Cancer Research
Published on: September 16, 2019
Use of antibodies and immunoconjugates for the therapy of more accessible cancers
Robert M Sharkey1, David M Goldenberg
1Garden State Cancer Center, Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, Belleville, NJ 07109, USA. rmsharkey@gscancer.org
Abstract:
There are currently 6 unconjugated antibodies and 3 immunoconjugates approved for use in the United States in a variety of cancers, with a considerable number of new agents in clinical testing and preclinical development. Unconjugated antibodies alone can be effective, but more often, antibodies need to be combined with chemotherapy, which enhances the efficacy of the standard treatment. Immunoconjugates tend to be more effective than their unconjugated counterparts, but their increased toxicity often restricts when and how they are used. In order to improve efficacy, a number of immunoconjugates are being examined in settings where the disease is more easily accessible, such as leukemias, or within compartments that allow easier and more direct access to the tumor, such as in the peritoneal cavity or brain, or both locally and systemically, in adjuvant situations, where the disease burden has been reduced by some other means, and with the main goal of these treatments being to kill residual disease.
Insights
Antibody-based cancer therapies, including unconjugated antibodies and immunoconjugates, are advancing. Researchers are exploring new strategies to enhance their efficacy and manage toxicity in treating various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Several unconjugated antibodies and immunoconjugates are approved for cancer treatment in the US.
- New antibody agents are in clinical and preclinical development.
- Antibodies can be used alone or combined with chemotherapy to improve treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of antibody-based cancer therapies.
- To discuss strategies for improving the efficacy of immunoconjugates.
- To explore novel applications and delivery methods for antibody therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of approved antibody therapies and agents in development.
- Analysis of efficacy and toxicity profiles of unconjugated antibodies versus immunoconjugates.
- Examination of emerging research on targeted delivery and combination strategies.
Main Results:
- Immunoconjugates show higher efficacy but often have increased toxicity.
- Strategies to improve efficacy include targeting more accessible diseases (e.g., leukemias) or tumor compartments (e.g., peritoneal cavity, brain).
- Adjuvant settings are being investigated for killing residual disease after initial treatment.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing immunoconjugate use involves careful consideration of disease accessibility and toxicity.
- Targeting residual disease in adjuvant settings is a key area for future research.
- Continued development of antibody-based therapies holds promise for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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