Monoclonal antibodies. Their promise for tumor diagnosis, staging, and therapy

Monoclonal antibodies will have utility as tools for diagnosis, staging, and therapy of malignant disease. Investigators have produced monoclonal antibodies that are directed against tumor-associated antigens and have varying degrees of cross-reactivity against normal tissues. These reagents have homogeneous molecular structure, recognize specific antigenic sites, can be produced in mass quantities, and are easily purified. Clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies are in progress and suggest modest toxicity and potential therapeutic efficacy.