Development of antibody therapeutics for small cell lung cancer

Introduction: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of most aggressive cancers and only modest improvements have been achieved in overall survival over last 30 years. In recent years, antibody therapeutics has been actively studied and shown promise in treatment of SCLC. Areas covered: A comprehensive literature search through Medline and the registry database of clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov) was performed to collect all relevant preclinical and clinical data. The diverse antibody therapeutics which target against different antigens including VEGE-A, CEA, IGF-1R, CD56, EpCAM, CTLA-4, gangliosides GD2 and GD3, Lewis Y and tenascin-C are now under clinical investigation for therapeutic effects in SCLC. Expert opinion: During the last few decades, progresses have been made in antibody therapy for SCLC, however great challenges still remain. The major reasons are the complexity of SCLC and a lack of understanding of cancer immunology. The profound studies of signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis in SCLC are crucial for the identification of new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Moreover, a better understanding of the interplay between cancer and the immune system is a new direction for the design of more effective antibody therapeutics.