Radionuclide imaging of epithelial ovarian tumours with 123I-labelled monoclonal antibody (H317) specific for placental-type alkaline phosphatase.

A murine monoclonal antibody, H317, specific for placental-type alkaline phosphatase was labelled with 123I and assessed as an imaging agent using a gamma camera computer system in 18 patients suspected of possible recurrent or metastatic ovarian cancer 1-4 years after removal of the primary tumour. Four patterns of distribution were visible: (1) normal uptake; (2) focal accumulation; (3) diffuse uptake; and (4) 'cold' areas. Six patients, five of whom were clinically negative for ovarian cancer, had normal scans; 11 patients, eight of whom were clinically positive, had increased uptake. One patient had visibly 'cold' areas. Findings were confirmed, where possible, at surgery.