Immunoconjugate

Immunoconjugates are antibodies conjugated (joined) to a second molecule, usually a toxin, radioisotope or label.[1]

These conjugates are used in immunotherapy^[citation needed] and to develop monoclonal antibody therapy as a targeted form of chemotherapy[2] when they are often known as antibody-drug conjugates.

When the conjugates include a radioisotope see radioimmunotherapy. When the conjugates include a toxin see immunotoxin.

References

1. Goldenberg DM, Sharkey RM (2007). "Novel radiolabeled antibody conjugates". Oncogene. 26 (25): 3734–44. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210373. PMID 17530026.
2. Khandare JJ, Minko T (2006). "Antibodies and peptides in cancer therapy". Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems. 23 (5): 401–35. doi:10.1615/CritRevTherDrugCarrierSyst.v23.i5.20. PMID 17425513.

Further reading

• Technology Insight: cytotoxic drug immunoconjugates for cancer therapy. 2007 looks useful from the abstract.
• Targeted Therapy of Cancer: New Prospects for Antibodies and Immunoconjugates. 2006 full article, 18 pages.
• Arming antibodies: prospects and challenges for immunoconjugates. 2005 10 pages.