Antibody-toxin hybrids: a clinical review of their use.

Immunotoxins are protein molecules composed of monoclonal antibodies linked covalently to either peptide toxins or polypeptides related to toxins. These molecules can be used in the therapy of a number of malignant diseases including lymphoma, leukemia, and solid tumors. They can be used to prevent graft-versus-host disease or rejection in transplanted organs, such as bone marrow and pancreas. The design and development of these molecules, as well as a clinical development plan, will be discussed.