Monoclonal antibody therapy in acute myeloid leukemia.

Monoclonal antibody therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia is currently based on targeting cell surface receptors selectively expressed on myeloid cells. These include primarily CD33 and CD45. Antibodies are unlabeled or have been conjugated to various radioisotopes or DNA-damaging cytotoxic agents. The safety of this approach has been determined, and antibody-related infusional events are common. Other toxicity is primarily dependent on the conjugate to which the antibody has been linked. Efficacy of this approach is still to be determined. Phase II studies have demonstrated antileukemic responses with all agents, although less so with unlabeled antibodies. Whether the use of these antibodies in combination with, or as a substitute for, currently available therapy will lead to improved outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia has not been demonstrated to date.