Radiolabeled Monoclonal Antibodies

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Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) are biologically engineered proteins designed to bind to antigens emanating from tumor cells. Selected radioactive isotopes are fused with MoAbs to allow radioimmunodetection of external imaging of metastatic deposits in patients with colon cancer. For the past 10 years, radiolabeled MoAbs have improved tumor localization techniques and influenced the clinical management of surgical patients. Intraoperatively, surgeons use appropriately shielded, handheld, gamma detection probes to locate radiolabeled MoAbs and corresponding colon cancers (ie, residual, recurrent tumors). Using gamma detection probes intraoperatively, surgeons can localize nonpalpable occult tumors and disease not suspected from external antibody scans or other traditional diagnostic methods. This success confirms the need for complete tumor resections, thorough scanning of entire tumor beds, and ex vivo scanning of surgical specimens to assess for potential nodal metastases.

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