Radioimmunotherapy with alpha-particle emitting radioimmunoconjugates

Acta Oncol. 1996;35(3):373-9. doi: 10.3109/02841869609101654.

Abstract

Radionuclides which decay by the emission of alpha-particles are attractive for certain radioimmunotherapeutic applications. These include the treatment of lymphomas, compartmentally spread malignancies such as ovarian cancer and neoplastic meningitis, and micrometastatic disease. Two alpha-emitting radionuclides of interest for this purpose are 212Bi (60.6 min half life) and 211At (7.2 hr half life). Compared with the beta-emitters commonly used for radiotherapy, the alpha-particles of 212Bi and 211At are of higher energy, much shorter range (less than 100 microm), and considerably higher linear energy transfer. Preliminary results obtained in a variety of in vitro systems and in vivo models have documented the exquisite toxicity of alpha-particles and have established a basis for initiating radiotherapy trials in humans with monoclonal antibodies labeled with alpha-emitting radionuclides.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Particles / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Astatine / therapeutic use
  • Bismuth / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates / therapeutic use*
  • Linear Energy Transfer
  • Lymphoma / radiotherapy
  • Meningitis / etiology
  • Meningitis / radiotherapy
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Radioimmunotherapy* / methods
  • Radioisotopes / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunoconjugates
  • Radioisotopes
  • Bismuth
  • Astatine