Antibody immunotherapy for leukemia.

Monoclonal antibodies have become an important modality for cancer therapy. Genetically engineered chimeric and humanized antibodies have demonstrated activity against both overt leukemia and minimal residual disease. High-dose radioimmunotherapy can potentially allow intensification of antileukemic therapy before bone marrow transplantation yet minimize radiation exposure to normal organs. Targeted alpha particle therapy offers the possibility of selective tumor cell kill while sparing surrounding normal cells. Antibody-drug conjugates and immunotoxins have produced complete remissions in leukemia.