Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of a Monoclonal Antibody to a Human Melanoma-Associated Antigen

A murine monoclonal antibody to a human melanoma-associated antigen has been evaluated at the molecular, cellular, preclinical, and clinical levels. Our systematic assessment of antibody 9.2.27 and its conjugates ricin A, abrin A, and gelonin has indicated that the antibody forms highly potent and specific immunotoxins which can inhibit growth of established human melanoma in nude mice. Clinical evaluation has indicated that unconjugated 9.2.27 can be given in cumulative doses up to one gram, with dose-dependent localization in cutaneous lesions eliciting only weak, antiglobulin responses. Both preclinical and clinical evaluation of 9.2.27 is directed to optimizing immunoconjugate trials in the near future.