Human monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy: a review of recent developments.

In the last decade, phage-display technology for the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has improved significantly. Several novel human mAbs directed to a wide range of targets have been generated for the treatment of common malignancies. These targets include antigens associated with apoptosis, angiogenesis and solid tumors, as well as tumor growth-related antigens, insulin-like growth factor I receptor and hepatocyte growth factor. The safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of several human mAbs have been evaluated in patients with advanced solid tumors. In conclusion, significant advances in the generation and application of human mAbs in cancer therapy have been made in the last decade.