Use of radiolabeled antibodies for localization of neoplasms. The state of the art.

The previous use of tumor-associated markers were to detect neoplasms early, before they had metastasized, and to monitor their treatment. Recently, antibodies to these tumor-associated markers have been radiolabeled, and the radiolabeled antibodies have been used to localize the neoplasms by external scintillation imaging. Potential now exists for treatment of the neoplasm by combining radiotherapeutic agents with the monoclonal antibodies to the neoplasm and infusing the patient with this combination. Three tumor-associated markers that are most often used are alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit. In addition, recently developed tumor-associated marker enzyme include galactosyl transferase isoenzyme II, creatine kinase BB, and radioimmunoassay of prostatic acid phosphatase isoenzyme.