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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
A Semi-automated Approach to Preparing Antibody Cocktails for Immunophenotypic Analysis of Human Peripheral Blood
Published on: February 8, 2016
Cancer Immunotherapy: The Dawn of Antibody Cocktails
Ilaria Marrocco1, Donatella Romaniello1, Yosef Yarden2
1Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Abstract:
Since the approval of the first monoclonal antibody (mAb), rituximab, for hematological malignancies, almost 30 additional mAbs have been approved in oncology. Despite remarkable advances, relatively weak responses and resistance to antibody monotherapy remain major open issue. Overcoming resistance might require combinations of drugs blocking both the major target and the emerging secondary target. We review clinically approved combinations of antibodies and either cytotoxic regimens (chemotherapy and irradiation) or kinase inhibitors. Thereafter, we focus on the most promising and currently very active arena that combines mAbs inhibiting immune checkpoints or growth factor receptors. Clinically approved and experimental oligoclonal mixtures of mAbs targeting different antigens (hetero-combinations) or different epitopes of the same antigen (homo-combinations) are described. Effective oligoclonal mixtures of antibodies that mimic the polyclonal immune response will likely become a mainstay of cancer therapy.
Insights
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) cancer therapy shows promise, but resistance is an issue. Combining mAbs or using mixtures targeting multiple antigens may overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have significantly advanced cancer treatment since rituximab's approval.
- Despite successes, challenges like weak responses and resistance to antibody monotherapy persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinically approved combinations involving mAbs.
- To explore emerging strategies like oligoclonal antibody mixtures for enhanced cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinically approved combinations of mAbs with cytotoxic regimens or kinase inhibitors.
- Analysis of antibody combinations targeting immune checkpoints or growth factor receptors.
- Description of hetero- and homo-combinations of mAbs.
Main Results:
- Combinations of mAbs with chemotherapy, irradiation, or kinase inhibitors are clinically utilized.
- Combinations involving immune checkpoint inhibitors and growth factor receptor inhibitors are a key focus.
- Oligoclonal antibody mixtures, targeting multiple antigens or epitopes, show significant promise.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming resistance in mAb therapy may require targeting multiple pathways or antigens.
- Oligoclonal antibody mixtures mimicking polyclonal immune responses are likely future cancer treatments.
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