Antibodies, vaccines and adjuvants - Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Concepts and Aapplications - page 390

Figure 13.8 The etoposide-alkaline phosphatase ADEPT system. Refer to text for specifi c details

13.3.3.3 First-generation anti-tumour antibodies: clinical disappointment

Despite the scientifi c elegance of the antibody-mediated approach to tumour detection/destruc-
tion, initial clinical trials proved disappointing. A number of factors contributed to their poor
therapeutic performance, particularly against solid tumours. Most such factors relate directly/
indirectly to the fact that the fi rst generation of such drugs utilized whole monoclonal antibody
preparations of murine origin. These factors include:

• insuffi cient information exists regarding tumour antigens;

• murine monoclonals prompt an immune response when administered to humans;