[The potential of monoclonal antibodies in cancer : established trastuzumab and cetuximab and promising targets IGF-1R and c-MET]

Abstract

Recent biotechnological advances allowed the development of a novel class of anti-cancer drugs called monoclonal antibodies (mAb). To illustrate the potential of these new agents, two mAbs used in daily practice (i.e., trastuzumab and cetuximab) and two promising targets (i.e., IGF-1R and c-Met) for which mAbs should be available in a near future are discussed here. Trastuzumab and cetuximab deeply changed treatment strategies for breast, colon, and head and neck cancers. However their efficacy is observed in a fraction of patients only and is often time limited. Thus, current challenges are to better understand the mechanisms of action of mAbs, to identify mechanisms of resistance, to exploit the synergy between mAbs and chemotherapy drugs, and to better select patients with a potential benefit. Resolving these issues should pave the way for tailored treatment according to tumor and patient characteristics.