ABSTRACT

Background Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. There are over 875 000 sufferers per year, and it accounts for 8.5% of all cancers and 7.2% of all cancer deaths.1 The incidence rises with age, with slightly more women suffering than men, but this may just reflect that in many societies women live 10 years more than men and therefore are more likely to suffer this age-related disease. The disease is curable if found early, and may yet be treatable or controllable in more advanced cases. Because of the presence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on most colorectal cancer cells, the main strategy has been based on the development of radiolabeled antiCEA antibodies.