Targeted therapies in hematological malignancies using therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against eph family receptors

Abstract

The use of monoclonal antibodies and molecules derived from them has achieved considerable attention and success in recent years establishing this mode of therapy as important therapeutic strategy in many cancers and in particular in hematological tumors. Monoclonal antibodies recognize cell surface antigens expressed on target cells and mediate their function through various mechanisms, such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity or by modulating the immune system. The efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy can be improved when conjugates to a highly potent payloads including cytotoxic drugs and radiolabelled isotopes. The Eph family of protein has received considerable attention in recent years as therapeutic targets for treatment of both solid and hematological cancers. High expression of Eph receptors on cancer cells in comparison to low expression levels in normal adult tissues makes them an attractive candidate for cancer immunotherapeutic. In this review we will detail the modes of action of antibody based therapies and will focus on the Eph family of proteins as potential targets for therapy in hematological malignancies.