Tumour therapy with Vinca alkaloids targeted by a hybrid-hybrid monoclonal antibody recognising both CEA and Vinca alkaloids.

The functional properties of a hybrid-hybrid monoclonal antibody (MAb) recognising both CEA and Vinca alkaloids have been explored in vivo in nude mice xenografted with MAWI, a human colorectal tumour. The hybrid-hybrid MAb localises specifically onto CEA-expressing tumour tissue and, furthermore, is able to target Vinca alkaloids to tumour. Under the influence of the hybrid-hybrid MAb a profound change in the bio-distribution patterns of the Vinca alkaloids is observed. Therapeutic data produced in this in vivo model indicates that treatment with Vinca alkaloids in conjunction with hybrid-hybrid MAb is significantly more effective in suppressing tumour growth of established tumour xenografts than the Vincas when given as free drug.