TC-99M-LABELED ANTI-CEA-ANTIBODIES IN INT RAOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL-CANCER

Stage-adjusted treatment of colorectal tumors requires precise knowled ge of the extent of the underlying disease. Reliable staging is mandat ory for intraoperative treatment planning. In this prospective trial m onoclonal antibodies to CEA were labeled with Tc-99m as tracer. Twenty patients were studied intraoperatively with a hand-held gamma detecto r. The results were compared to those obtained by all other diagnostic modalities and they were then confirmed by histopathology. Intraopera tive scanning can reliably identify all tumor deposits and can confirm the radicality of the procedure. Thus, the use of immunoscintimetry i s helpful in early decision making on adjuvant treatment modalities.