Localization of I-131-labeled tumor-specific monoclonal antibody in the tumor-bearing BALB/c mouse.

One of the most frequent indications for patient imaging is the need to establish the presence or absence of malignant disease. Considerable effort has been invested in attempting to develop tumor-specific radiopharmaceuticals. We report the localization of an iodine-131-labeled, hybridoma-derived monoclonal antibody in the MH-15 teratocarcinoma-bearing BALB/c mouse. Tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-blood ratios of 150:1 and 15:1, respectively, were observed at 5 days after administration of 15 microCi of labeled antibody. The relationship between the optimal imaging time and localization kinetics is discussed.