Radioimmunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using 131I-anti HCC isoferritin IgG: preliminary results of experimental and clinical studies.

Based on radioimmunoimaging for HCC using 131I-anti HCC isoferritin IgG, the experimental and clinical studies on radioimmunotherapy for HCC were reported. Thirty-six nude mice bearing human HCC were used for the study of labeled IgG, pure 131NaI and pure IgG. In the labeled IgG group, the tumor inhibition rate was significantly higher than that in other groups (81%, 60%, and 18%, respectively, p less than 0.05). The tumor cell DNA analysis showed the tumor cell was inhibited in the S stage of the cell cycle. Twenty pathologically proven unresectable HCC patient were treated by 131I-antihuman HCC isoferritin IgG 20-55mCi monthly for 1-3 times (via hepatic arterial catheter or intravenously). The short-term response was promising, a decline in AFP level and shrinkage of tumor were observed in 80% (12/15) and 65% (13/20) of patients respectively. Sequence resection was successful in five patients (5/20) after radioimmunotherapy. No marked toxic effects were noted in our limited experience, but some problems remain to be discussed.