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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Jun 15, 2014; 6(6): 170-176
Published online Jun 15, 2014. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v6.i6.170
Monoclonal antibodies that target the immunogenic proteins expressed in colorectal cancer
Myron Arlen, Philip Arlen, Gene Coppa, Jim Crawford, XuePing Wang, Olga Saric, Alex Dubeykovskiy, Ernesto Molmenti
Myron Arlen, Gene Coppa, Jim Crawford, Ernesto Molmenti, Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and the Dept. of Pathology, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030, United States
Philip Arlen, XuePing Wang, Olga Saric, Alex Dubeykovskiy, Manhasset NY and Precision Biologics, Great Neck, NY 11021, United States
Author contributions: All the authors contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Myron Arlen, MD, Manhasset NY and Precision Biologics, 445 Northern Blvd, Great Neck, NY 11021, United States. marlenmd@msn.com
Telephone: +1-516-4879454 Fax: +1-516-4872745
Received: November 9, 2013
Revised: May 1, 2014
Accepted: May 14, 2014
Published online: June 15, 2014
Processing time: 223 Days and 3.7 Hours
Abstract

In an attempt to improve upon the end results obtained in treating colorectal cancer it was apparent that the earlier the diagnosis that could be obtained, the better the chance for obtaining desired results. In the case of more advanced tumors typified by later stage colorectal cancer, surgical debulking is an important part of the treatment strategy. Here the use of additional therapeutic modalities including chemotherapy and present day immunotherapy has failed to accomplish the desired improvements that have been sought after. Adjuvant therapy, has offered little to the overall survival. The concept of early detection is now recognized as the initial step in reaching proper end results and can readily be demonstrated from colorectal cancer studies. Here survival has been found to be a reflection of the stage at which the tumor is first identified and treated. When specific monoclonals targeting colorectal cancer are employed diagnostically, we have been able to demonstrate detection of colorectal cancer at its inception as a premalignant lesion, such that genotypic features can be identified before the phenotypic appearance of cancer can be noted.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Monoclonal antibodies; Immunohistochemistry; Antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity; Tumor associated antigens

Core tip: The ideal monoclonal antibody to be employed in cancer management is one targeting an immunogenic protein expressed in a specific cancer system. Those presently employed in cancer management, target a growth factor or carbohydrate antigen seen in both cancer and normal tissue. Their value as such is limited. The monoclonals described herein are directed against colon cancer tumor associated antigen and have value in both diagnostic and therapeutic uses for controlling this disease.