Lymphocytes as vectors of the beta emitting isotope indium-114m

A method for producing total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) using lymphocytes to selectively deposit indium-114m into the spleen and lymph nodes is described. The injection of Indium-114m loaded TDL, tested for the ability to delay the onset of a transferable rat leukaemia (Roser Leukaemia), was shown to delay the cell proliferation and the development of the leukaemia in a dose dependent fashion. Repeated weekly injections of Indium-114m loaded TDL into Roser Leukaemia animals delayed the fatal proliferation (> 90 days). The 'treatment' had been stopped on day 80. These experiments indicated that although a cure was not possible the disease could be controlled by repeated injection of Indium-114m loaded TDL. Application of these methods to selected lymphoma patients is now under investigation. (author)