Localization of GW-39 human tumors in hamsters by affinity-purified antibody to carcinoembryonic antigen.

With the paired-labeled antibody technique, the in vivo localization of radioiodinate, affinity-purified antibody to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was studied in GW-39, a xenografted, CEA-producing tumor model. When compared to the whole immunoglobulin G fraction, a 4-fold greater tumor accumulation of radioantibody was obtained with affinity-purified specific CEA antibody. The degree of increased tumor localization of affinity-purified antibody was similar to its improved immunoreactivity as observed in radioimmunoassay and binding to CEA immunoadsorbent. Affinity-purified antibody cross-reactive with CEA and colon carcinoma antigen III was as equally effective in tumor localization as was specific CEA antibody prepared similarly. It thus appears that affinity-purified CEA radioantibody will provide a superior tumor-imaging agent for clinical use.