EFFECT OF TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR ON THE ANTITUMOR EFFICACY AND TOXICITY OF AMINOPTERIN-MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY CONJUGATES - PARAMETERS FOR OPTIMIZATION OF THERAPY

  • 15 September 1990
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (18) , 6028-6033
Abstract
Immunoconjugates of monoclonal antibodies with drugs, isotopes, or toxins are currently being investigated for thier therapeutic effect on tumors. However, all have problems of access of the immunoconjugate to the tumor, particularly with solid tumors. To address this problem, we have used aminopterin-monoclonal antibody (AMN-mAb) conjugates combined with murine tumor necrosis factor (mTNF-.alpha.), which is known to have specific effects on tumor vasculature. In a murine model, well-established tumors (measuring 1.0-1.4 cm in diameter) were either totally eradicated or considerably reduced in size with combined therapy.sbd.a greater effect than with either mTNF.sbd..alpha. or AMN-mAb used alone. The mechanisms involved in the improved antitumor effect were investigated using in vitro assays, autoradiography, and biodistribution experiments. mTNF-.alpha. was found both to increase the cytotoxic activity of the conjugate in vivo and to increase in vivo tumor localization of mAB up to 5-fold. The timing of mTNF-.alpha. administration was crucial to effects on tumor localization; mTNF-.alpha. given with mAb caused the greatest increase in localization and mTNF-.alpha. given well before mAb decreased localization. mTNF-.alpha. also reduced the toxicity to mice of AMN-mAb depending on the timing of injection. These results indicate that mTNF-.alpha. has a useful role in potentiation of immunoconjugate therapy but shows the need for careful planning of the dose regimen.