RADIOIMMUNODETECTION OF BREAST-CANCER

Clinical trials of radioimmunodetection in breast cancer have used rad iolabeled monoclonal antibodies directed against several antigens, inc luding carcinoembryonic antigen, breast epithelial mucin, and TAG-72. Initially, subcutaneously administered radioimmunoconjugates to evalua te axillary lymph nodes in patients with primary breast cancer yielded false-positive results, but recent modifications in technique have gi ven more promising results. Intravenously administered antibodies have effectively localized primary carcinomas and metastases. At present, the role of radioimmunodiagnosis in recurrent and metastatic disease i s restricted due to the limited impact of the detection of metastatic breast carcinoma on the management of such patients. As more effective therapy, including newer therapeutic modalities like those using radi oimmunoconjugates, become available, the utility of radioimmunodetecti on of breast cancer will expand.