The use of monoclonal antibodies in the evaluation of the aggressiveness of tumors of the bladder]

Monoclonal antibodies produced using hybridoma technology have enabled identification of new tumor markers. Targets include tumor-associated antigens, growth factors and their receptors, blood group antigens, cell proliferation antigens, oncogene or tumor suppressor gene products, and markers for drug resistance. Immunohistochemical or flow cytometry studies performed with monoclonal antibodies can be used to determine the immunophenotype of normal and tumoral urothelium; specificity may be primarily for superficial or deep tumors, or for different tumor grades. A number of monoclonal antibodies have been found of prognostic value independently from conventional prognostic criteria. Others have shown diagnostic value. The most promising monoclonal antibodies are reviewed herein.