Preliminary report on the clinical application of 131I-chTNT monoclonal antibody radio-immunotherapy in patients with re-operated glioma

Objective: To study the safety and therapeutic efficacy of 131I-chTNT monoclonal antibody radio-immunotherapy (RIT) via intratumoral Ommaya reservoir placed during re-operation in patients with glioma. Methods: Twelve patients with recurrent glioma (WHO stage III-IV) underwent second operation(tumor de-bulking) and Ommaya reservoir was placed in the residual cavity. 131I-chimeric tumor necrosis treatment (131I-chTNT) monoclonal antibody 1.5 ml (1110 MBq) was injected into the reservoir as radio-immunotherapy two weeks after the operation and the injection was repeated another two weeks later. Blood chemistry (with hepatic, renal and thyroid functions), brain CT and MR imaging were studied before operation, 3 months and 6 months later. The karnofsky scores were noticed. Results: As shown with the imaging studies, the total treatment response rate was 66.67% (CR 50% and PR 16.67%). General condition was satisfactory and laboratory studies were within normal ranges. There were no serious untoward reactions. Conclusion: Administration of 131I-chTNT monoclonal antibody via Ommaya reservoir as radio-immunotherapy post-operatively was safe and effective in patients with recurrent glioma. The process warranted further study. (authors)