Bivatuzumab
Encyclopedia
Bivatuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD44
v6.
It is officially described as "immunoglobulin G1 (human-mouse monoclonal BIWA4 γ1-chain anti-human antigen CD44v6), disulfide with human-mouse monoclonal BIWA4 κ-chain, dimer". Prior to 2002 it was described as targeting CD44 v8.
It has been chemically linked to various radioisotopes for use in radiotherapy for, e.g. inoperable recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer
.
It has also been linked to a cytotoxic drug mertansine
to form bivatuzumab mertansine
.
CD44
The CD44 antigen is a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cell–cell interactions, cell adhesion and migration. In humans, the CD44 antigen is encoded by the CD44 gene.- Tissue distribution and isoforms :...
v6.
It is officially described as "immunoglobulin G1 (human-mouse monoclonal BIWA4 γ1-chain anti-human antigen CD44v6), disulfide with human-mouse monoclonal BIWA4 κ-chain, dimer". Prior to 2002 it was described as targeting CD44 v8.
It has been chemically linked to various radioisotopes for use in radiotherapy for, e.g. inoperable recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers that start in the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, oral cavity , nasal cavity , paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas , originating from the mucosal lining...
.
It has also been linked to a cytotoxic drug mertansine
Mertansine
Mertansine is a cytotoxic agent also known as DM1. It is a maytansinoid .Its patent rights are owned by ImmunoGen Inc.- Uses :...
to form bivatuzumab mertansine
Bivatuzumab mertansine
Bivatuzumab mertansine is a combination of bivatuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, and mertansine, a cytotoxic agent. It is designed for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma....
.