The biological therapy of acute and chronic leukemia

With the increasing knowledge of the mechanisms of immune-mediated cytotoxicity, immunotherapeutic strategies are rapidly being incorporated into chemotherapy treatment schemes for acute and chronic leukemias. This includes the use of mAbs, immunotoxins, tumor-specific T cells, and, most recently, vaccines. Much of the new information is derived from bone marrow transplant data, where immune enhancement from IL-2 and donor T-cell infusions are being studied. Trials using humanized mAbs that permit prolonged and repeated dosing will allow better evaluation of the effectiveness of mAb therapy. More sophisticated molecular tests have been developed, allowing the detection of minimal residual disease to a greater degree. It is likely that biological and immunological therapy of leukemia will have its greatest impact here.