Only a handful of radiolabeled antibodies (Abs) have gained FDA approval for use in clinical oncology, including four immunodiagnostic agents and two targeted radioimmunotherapeutic agents. Despite the advent of non-immunogenic Abs and availability of a diverse library of radionuclides, progress beyond early Phase II RIT studies in solid tumors has been marginal. Furthermore, 18 F-FDG continues to dominate the molecular imaging domain, underscored by a decade-long absence of any newly approved antibody-based imaging agents (none since 1996!). Why has the development of clinically successful Abs for RIT been limited to lymphoma? What obstacles must be overcome to allow the FDA-approval of immunoPET imaging agents? How can we address the unique challenges that have thus far prevented the introduction of Ab-based imaging agents and therapeutics for solid tumors? Many poor decisions have been made regarding radiolabeled Abs, but useful insight can be gained from these mistakes. The following review addresses physical, chemical, biological, clinical, regulatory, and financial limitations that impede the progress of this increasingly important class of drugs.
OverviewThe following review illustrates key components of a successful radiolabeled diagnostic or therapeutic antibody (Ab) from the inside out -that is, starting from the unstable nucleus itself and moving outwards. For each sequential topic, relevant theory will be examined and related to the practical use of various radiolabeled Abs that have succeeded to varying degrees in the clinic. This approach will present each important aspect of a rather complex multidisplinary phenomenon in a logical, stepwise manner:
I. The radionuclide itselfPhysical properties of the unstable nucleus
II. The radionuclide's chemical surroundingsChemical attachment of the radiometal or radiohalogen
III. The antibodyBiological issues of the radioimmunoconjugate † Portions of this article were highlighted during a presentation at the Workshop on Molecular Imaging: After Bench to Bedside: Impact on Clinical Outcome Feb. [23][24][25] 2007. *Correspondence to: Martin W. Brechbiel, Ph.D., Radioimmune & Inorganic Chemistry Section, Radiation Oncology Branch, NCI, NIH, Building 10, Room 1B40, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1088, Fax: (301) 402-1923, e-mail: martinwb@mail.nih.gov. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
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Author ManuscriptNucl Med Biol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2008 October 1.
Published in final edited form as:Nucl Med Biol. 2007 October ; 34(7): 757-778.
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