Intratumour factors influencing the access of antibody to tumour cells

Abstract

The histological structure and biochemical composition of human tumours is very varied, as is the structure of the microvascular network. It can be expected, therefore, that the extravasation, diffusion and convection of macromolecules will vary between tumours — and also between areas in the same tumour. The major factors influencing the intratumour distribution of injected antibody are reviewed and an attempt made to identify the tumour types in which therapeutic antibody, with or without a cytotoxin, will distribute most effectively.