ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the most commonly described antigens in colorectal cancer (CRC) along with antibodies to which they are directed, to review the status of clinical Radioimmunotherapy (RAIT) trials using these antibodies. For purposes of discussion, CRC antigens can be subdivided into several broad categories which include: oncofetal antigens, mucins, and miscellaneous glycoproteins. Several other monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) reactive with distinct antigens have been used for RAIT of CRC. Several reviews in the literature have consistently demonstrated the importance of radiolabeled MoAbs in the diagnosis of CRC several other RAIT trials in CRC using other murine MoAbs and isotopes deserve comment. The prognosis for metastatic CRC, despite treatment with 5-fluorouracil alone, or combinations of 5-FU and other agents, has not changed significantly. RAIT using radiolabeled MoAbs, however, is a more difficult prospect since the actual quantity of radiolabeled MoAb in tumors relative to normal tissues is crucial for maximal therapeutic effect with minimal toxicity.
