Monoclonal antibody therapy of malignant melanoma: in vivo localization in cutaneous metastasis after intravenous administration.

The murine antimelanoma monoclonal antibody, 9.2.27, was administered intravenously to eight patients with metastatic malignant melanoma. Biopsies of metastatic nodules clearly demonstrate the selective localization of this antibody on the melanoma cell surface with a dose-response relationship to the quantity of administered antibody. The antibody infusions were clinically well tolerated and the pharmacokinetics of the antibody and the antiglobulin responses are described. This study indicates that murine monoclonal antibodies have potential as selective targeting agents in the design of future therapeutic trials using monoclonal antibodies or conjugates thereof in the treatment of cancer.