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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

In Vivo Immunofluorescence Localization for Assessment of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibody Biodistribution in Cancer Research
Published on: September 16, 2019
Antibody-based cancer therapy
Rebecca S Goydel1, Christoph Rader2
1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Over the past 25 years, antibody therapeutics have emerged as clinically and commercially successful pharmaceuticals, rapidly approaching 100 Food and Drug Administration approvals with combined annual global sales exceeding $100 billion. Nearly half of the marketed antibody therapeutics are used in oncology. These antibody-based cancer therapies can be broken down into three categories based on their different mechanisms of action, i.e., (i) natural properties, (ii) engagement of cytotoxic T cells, and (iii) delivery of cytotoxic payloads. Both natural and engineered properties of the antibody molecule are founded on its highly stable and modular architecture. In this review we provide an overview and outlook of the rapidly evolving landscape of antibody-based cancer therapy.
Insights
Antibody therapeutics, with nearly 100 Food and Drug Administration approvals, are vital in oncology. This review explores antibody-based cancer therapies, categorized by their mechanisms, and their evolving landscape.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Antibody therapeutics have become major pharmaceuticals over 25 years.
- Nearly 100 Food and Drug Administration approvals and $100 billion in global sales highlight their success.
- Approximately 50% of antibody therapeutics are utilized in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of antibody-based cancer therapies.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action for antibody-based cancer therapies.
- To offer an outlook on the future of antibody-based cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antibody therapeutics in oncology.
- Categorization of antibody-based cancer therapies based on mechanisms of action.
- Analysis of the structural properties of antibody molecules.
Main Results:
- Antibody-based cancer therapies are categorized into three main types: natural properties, T-cell engagement, and payload delivery.
- The efficacy of these therapies is based on the stable and modular architecture of antibodies.
- The field of antibody-based cancer therapy is rapidly evolving.
Conclusions:
- Antibody therapeutics represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
- The diverse mechanisms of action offer various therapeutic strategies.
- The modular nature of antibodies supports ongoing innovation and future development in oncology.
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