PET imaging using radiolabelled antibodies: future direction in tumor diagnosis and correlate applications

Abstract:

Immuno-positron emission tomography (PET) is a new imaging tool that finds application in diagnostic as well as in prognostic and therapeutic oncology. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) present the unique ability to selectively bind specific antigens produced by tumors, establishing the presence, location, and number of neoplastic foci. They are produced in unlimited quantities with absolute specificity using the hybridoma method. Treatment with mAbs can have different forms: they can be administered alone or can be combined with a radioactive molecule, which then delivers the radiation directly to the tumor cells. In immuno-PET, mAbs are labeled with various radionuclides and used in cancer patients who produce tumor-associated antigens. In this review we will discuss immuno-PET applications in tumor diseases, focusing on the technique, mAbs, positron emitter selection, and on its future applications.

Keywords::

• Immuno-PET
• monoclonal antibodies
• radionuclides
• radiolabeling