Radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies in oncology. I. Technical aspects.

The principles and technique of radioimmunoscintigraphy are described with particular reference to the choice of antibody and the radiolabel, the radiolabelling procedure and the patient protocols. The arguments in favour of using a short-lived high count rate radionuclide for radioimmunoscintigraphy are set out. Methods for labelling monoclonal antibodies with 111In, 123I or 99Tcm are described. The early image at 10 min after injection is essential as it acts as a template with which later images may be compared. In conclusion, many of the technical aspects of radioimmunoscintigraphy have been overcome and it is ready for wider application in oncology patients.