Radiolabeled monoclonal anti-tumor antibodies in diagnosis and therapy.

Clinical work with radiolabeled anti-tumor antibodies has made remarkable progress in the past few years. Still, there is much to be done before these new reagents can have a substantial impact on the practical management of patients. In this discussion, the properties of an "ideal" radiolabeled antibody and important factors for in vivo localization in tumors are reviewed. Potential approaches to improving the localization of currently available "tumor specific" monoclonal antibodies are discussed and examples of patients examined and treated with this method are presented. Experience to date suggests that within the foreseeable future, radiolabeled antibody techniques will become a "genuinely decisive technology".