Monoclonal antibodies: innovations in diagnosis and therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a review of the use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for diagnosis and therapy, the obstacles affecting their usefulness, and nursing considerations unique to MAb-based treatments.

DATA SOURCES

Research studies, review articles, and book chapters pertaining to MAbs in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent clinical trials have shown the potential of MAbs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in cancer. MAbs may be used alone or conjugated with drugs, radionuclides, and toxins; however numerous obstacles limit their effectiveness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses caring for patients receiving MAb-based therapies play an important role in the implementation of the patient's regimen. Hypersensitivity reactions, constitutional symptoms, and serum sickness are toxic effects that require monitoring and patient education.