PROLOGUE This paper discusses the scientific rationale, synthesis, therapeutic utility and clinical limitations of cancer chemotherapy with antineoplastic drugs or toxins covalently linked to monoclonal antibodies directed against tumor cell antigens. Chemical issues that must be considered when designing an effective antineoplastic immunoconjugate or immunotoxin (including purity, functional g...

The HDAC inhibitors are a new family of antineoplastic agents. Since the entry of these agents into our therapeutic armamentarium, there has been increasing interest in their use. Although this family comprises chemical compounds from unrelated chemical classes that have different HDAC isoform specificities, they surprisingly have very similar toxicity profiles. In contrast, the observed toxici...

Oncology nurses and ancillary support personnel who work in oncology settings are at risk for exposure to antineoplastic drugs in their workplaces. A review of the literature reveals issues of environmental contamination and personal exposure. Although the United States has no formal regulations regarding hazardous drugs, including cytotoxic agents, guidelines have been published and are readil...