More potent and selective for killing cancer cells than chemotherapy, immunotoxins
constitute a new class of human therapeutics that have widespread applications and
a potential that has not yet been fully recognized. In Immunotoxin Methods and Protocols,
leading experts from laboratories around the world describe in step-by-step detail
their cutting-edge methods for developing and applying these powerful proteins. The
conjugates created by these researchers contain entire monoclonal antibodies, single
chain antibody fragments, and cytokines as their carrier ligands. Their toxic portion
can include such conventional chemotherapeutics as doxirubicin, such ribosome-inactivating
proteins as the ricin A chain or saporin, or such bacterial toxins as diptheria toxin.
Also described are a variety of applications that demonstrate the versatility of these
agents, including the treatment of primary malignant brain tumors, the generation
of selective brain lesions to localize critical functions, and the targeting of the
AIDS virus. Each readily reproducible method is optimized for experimental success
with hands-on instructions, invaluable notes on pitfalls to avoid, and informative
explanations of why certain steps are necessary.
Authoritative and highly practical, Immunotoxin Methods and Protocols provides today's
cancer researchers, neuroscientists, and oncologists with state-of-the-art tools for
exploring these powerful biological agents and their rapidly increasing applications.
