Monoclonal antibodies that target the immunogenic proteins expressed in colorectal cancer.

In an attempt to improve upon the end results obtained in treating colorectal cancer it was apparent that the earlier the diagnosis that could be obtained, the better the chance for obtaining desired results. In the case of more advanced tumors typified by later stage colorectal cancer, surgical debulking is an important part of the treatment strategy. Here the use of additional therapeutic modalities including chemotherapy and present day immunotherapy has failed to accomplish the desired improvements that have been sought after.

Optimizing the immune system to achieve control of the metastatic malignant lesion.

In a recent issue of Nature, an article appeared discussing the issue of "Sizing up a slow assault on Cancer" (Nature 2013;496:14-15). This article attempted to clarify various approaches that the clinician might employ in bringing cancer under control. It also discussed the role of the immune system with regard to its capability for controlling tumor growth.

Nanocytology vs. Immunohistochemistry of Intestinal Colonocytes to Assess the Risk of Colon Cancer based on Field Cancerization - A Preliminary Report.

The ability to define malignancy in its earliest stages of development is an essential part of any program aimed at attempting to cure the malignant condition. In terms of colon cancer various approaches have been employed to define the transformation of colonocytes as they progress to the fully malignant phenotype. Approaches ranging from nanocytology to mass spectroscopy have been utilized with limited success.

The use of specific monoclonal antibodies to target immunogenic tumor membrane proteins in patients with recurrent pancreatic and colon cancer.

Tumor associated antigens from pooled allogeneic membrane proteins were isolated, partially purified and tested as a possible vaccine in patients with stage II and III colon cancer. The vaccine, when given in combination with an adjuvant following surgical resection, resulted in marked improvement in survival compared to control patients having only undergone surgical resection of their tumor. While it was possible to demonstrate that patients receiving vaccine turned on both humoral and cell mediated responses, it appears that survivors remaining free of disease at 5-7 yrs post op were able to mount a strong IgG1 response as the primary mechanism for tumor destruction.

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast associated with primary breast lymphoma.

We report on the development of an uncommon association of pathologic processes, where an invasive adenocarcinoma of the breast developed concomitantly with a primary lymphoma arising in the same breast. The patient, a 78 year old female, presented with two palpable breast lesions in her left breast and an additional lesion in the right breast. Core needle biopsies of the lesions revealed both ductal carcinoma and lymphoma existing adjacent to each other in the left breast and a second primary lymphoma in her right breast.

The therapeutic value of monoclonal antibodies directed against immunogenic tumor glycoproteins.

Monoclonal antibodies developed against immunogenic proteins (Tumor Specific Antigens/TSA's) that are expressed in human cancers, display a unique behavioral pattern. They appear to serve in a dual role. This includes the early recognition of these immunogenic membrane proteins that can serve as diagnostic markers, and the targeting of such markers for the destruction of the tumor, primarily thru ADCC.