Wade L. Thorstad MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1) Identify the current role of radiolabeled antibodies in the management of lymphoma. 2) Describe the potential role of unlabeled monoclonal antibodies in the management of hematologic and solid malignancies. 3) Describe challenges and new strategies being studied for the treatment of solid tumors with radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies.

Soon after the development of technology to produce unlimited quantities of monoclonal antibodies, the possibility of attaching a radioactive tag to seek out cancer cells was proposed. These agents were envisioned as "magic bullets" with the hope of killing cancer cells while leaving normal tissue relatively undisturbed. In the intervening 30 years, two such agents have recently been FDA approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Interestingly, unlabeled monoclonal antibodies also appear to have activity in treating malignant disease. Progress in the treatment of solid tumors with this technology has proceeded more slowly, but some mechanisms of resistance of solid tumors to labeled and unlabeled antibodies have been elucidated. Strategies are in development to address tumor resistance. The most promising monoclonal antibodies targeting malignant disease will be discussed in this refresher course. These include antibodies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, the epidermal growth factor receptor, as well as antibodies against various cell surface molecules. Mechanisms of tumor resistance and emerging technologies of antibody engineering will be presented. The history of phase I, II, and III trials for the approved radiolabeled antibodies will be addressed in detail.

Thorstad, W, Radioimmunotherapy.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4404751.html