International Clinical Trials in Radiation Oncology. Isotopic immunotherapy: radiolabelled antibody

The radiolabeled antibody studies of RTOG have introduced a new class of agents in cancer therapy and demonstrated the transport ability of a new technology using agents that cause no acute symptoms, that can be administered in some instances on an out patient basis and that remit active disease in a variety of sites. The potential for new results has been amplified by the recent accomplishment of the chelation of 111-Indium and 90-Yttrium as both dosimetric and therapeutic isotopes linked to antibodies for systemic therapy. These developments by a commercial corporation to produce large quantities of radiolabeled antibody agents allow a greater freedom of investigation with these new agents. Once appropriate identification of antibody and dosimetric evaluations are carried out, their additive or singular effects can be studied in a number of malignancies. The need for development of centers to carry out such studies and group-wide dissemination are potential limiting factors. A variety of new combinations of antibody and isotope, increasing specific activity in a number of ways, needs to be investigated in laboratories and in clinics by integrated teams. Radiolabeled antibody therapy has at present the potential to contribute to conventional therapies with both radiation and chemotherapy in a variety of malignancies while not increasing the need for hospitalization and yet minimizing patient discomfort