Antibody therapy of acute myelogenous leukemia

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become an important modality for cancer t herapy. A genetically engineered humanized anti-CD33 antibody HuM195 has de monstrated activity against overt relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and against minimal residual disease in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) . Radioimmunotherapy with beta (beta) particle-emitting isotopes hers produ ced significant responses while minimizing radiation exposure to normal tis sues in both nonmyeloablative and myeloablative regimens. Targeted alpha (a lpha) particle therapy with Bi-213-labeled HuM195 offers the possibility of more selective tumor cell kill. Additionally, directed chemotherapy using an anti-CD33-calicheamicin conjugate (CMA-676) has produced remissions in p atients with relapsed AML.