Monoclonal antibodies (mabs) are potentially powerful tools for the detection and treatment of cancer. To date, only a limited number of mabs are available to head and neck cancer. We produced 5 different groups of mabs to head and neck cancer. These mabs were characterized for their reactivity tumour and non-tumour tissues. Furthermore, biochemical elucidation of recognized antigens was provided. In animal studies the effectiveness of mabs for diagnoses and therapy of cancer is clearly demonstrated. The first results of a clinical study for the detection of head and neck cancer with mabs are shown. Finally, the future of mabs in clinical oncology is discussed.