Detection of tumours using radiolabelled antibodies

The use of radiolabelled antibody scanning for detecting tumours in cancer patients is described. Results are presented following the use of 1) radiolabelled anti carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) which detects tumours in the colon, stomach, pancreas, lung and breast; 2) radiolabelled anti alpha fetoprotein which detects tumours in the testes, ovary and certain hepatic tumours; and 3) radiolabelled anti thyroglobulin which may have potential in detecting thyroid tumours. It was concluded that radiolabelled antibody scanning provides results at least as good as a combination of conventional techniques and is probably more sensitive. (U.K.)