Cytodiagnosis with monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies against cellular antigens are of extreme specificity, reproducibility and in principle can be made available in unlimited amounts. In cellular diagnosis the application of monoclonal antibodies became already established. Different methods to target the reaction of these antibodies, with the corresponding antigens, are available and adaptable if necessary. Monoclonal antibodies at the first time allow application of a reagent in diagnostic pathology by different laboratories and of objective comparison of their results. Normal and malignant cells of the human hematopoietic system and of almost all other tissues of the human are well characterized to day by monoclonal antibodies, this was absolutely impossible with conventionally made antisera. The unique features of these reagents can be utilized to better diagnosis, prognosis and even systemic treatment of tumors, where the latter remains to be seen.