TUMOR-THERAPY WITH RADIOLABELED MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES

Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against human tumor-associated antigens offer a unique potential for the targeting of radiotherapy to tumor cells. This review summarizes current efforts to use radiolabeled MoAbs for the treatment of cancer, with emphasis on human lymphoma and colorectal cancer. Although both animal and patient studies have produced promising initial results, including complete and partial response in lymphomas, treatment is not yet optimized. Factors that can be manipulated to increase the degree of tumor localization and therapeutic efficacy of radiolabeled antibody are discussed, including quantity of administered antibody, frequency of administration, selection of radionuclide, regional administration of antibody, irradiation of the tumor site, use of second generation MoAbs, fragments of antibodies, chimeric antibodies, bifunctional antibodies, human MoAbs, cocktails of antibodies, use of a second antibody, use ot interferon and radiosensitizers. It is anticipated that a better understanding of these variables derived from animal studies will ultimately improve the treatment of colorectal cancer.