Current status of recombinant antibodies in cancer therapy

Antibodies have come a long way from those first isolated by hybridoma over 30 years ago to modern engineered fragments, constructed by rational design. The use of antibodies in cancer therapy is increasing rapidly, with 11 antibodies approved over the past decade and more than 500 ongoing clinical trials involving monoclonal antibodies. The combination of the antibody's inherent characteristics with the growing pool of tumour-specific antigens has generated a wide array of antibody-derived tools that are specifically designed to suppress and eliminate cancer cells. This review will examine some of the many novel antibodies and antibody-based approaches that are currently being developed for clinical application as the new generation of anti-cancer agent therapies.