Detection of human cancer in an animal model using radio-labelled tumour-associated monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

Summary.-Monoclonal antibodies to epithelial -cell antigenic determinants, labelled with 1231 and 1251, were administered parenterally to immunodeficient mice bearing human tumours derived from a human cancer cell line. Anterior, posterior and lateral radioscans of the body were taken with a gamma scintillation camera at various times from immediately to 65 days after injection. Visual displays of the images were processed by standard computer techniques. The model used a human colon-cancer cell line, HT29, and the monoclonal antibody, AUA1, which is specific to an epithelial proliferating antigen. Tumour detection was achieved in all the mice. The smallest tumour detectable appeared to be about 1 mm in diameter. The degree of antibody uptake in a tumour depended on its size and the blood supply of its surrounding tissues We believe that the technology and skills are now available for accurate radioimmunodetection of cancer in man.

Radioimmunotherapy of human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts with 131I-labelled antiferritin antibody

“…An inverse relationship between tumour size and antibody uptake has been reported (Moshakis et al, 1981). Nonspecific antibody uptake varied directly with the tumour size but was reduced by necrosis (Epenetos et al, 1982). There may be some unidentified factors presumably related to biological differences in tumour vascularity and or necrosis.…”

Intraperitoneal Radionuclide Therapy – Clinical and Pre-Clinical Considerations

“…AUA1 is a murine IgG1 mAb that binds to an antigen expressed by a wide range of adenocarcinoma, including the majority (>90%) of carcinomas of the ovary. The antigen is a 40 kDa glycoprotein (Epenetos et al, 1982). AUA1 has been used in one clinical study (Epenetos et al, 1987).…”

Antibody-guided irradiation of malignant pleural and pericardial effusions

“…A UAI: This mouse IgGi is directed against an epithelial surface antigen found on some normal epithelia, for example in the colon as well as a wide range of carcinomas including those of colon, breast, bronchus and ovary (Epenetos et al, 1982b).…”