Using Monoclonal Antibodies to Treat Brain Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): V. Papanastassiou, B.L. Pizer, H.B. Coakham, J. Bullimore, T. Zananiri, J.T. Kemshead
Primary Institution: The Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Paediatric and Neuro-Oncology Group, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol
Hypothesis
Can injecting radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies directly into tumor cavities or cysts improve treatment outcomes for malignant gliomas?
Conclusion
The study shows that injecting '131I-MoAbs into tumor cavities is feasible and can deliver high radiation doses to tumor cells with low toxicity.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with cystic lesions showed a marked reduction in the need for fluid aspiration after treatment.
- One patient remained asymptomatic for 5 months after treatment.
- Minimal toxicity was observed even at high doses of the treatment.
Takeaway
Doctors tried giving special medicine directly into brain tumors to see if it helps fight the cancer better, and it seemed to work without making the patients very sick.
Methodology
Patients received a single injection of '131I conjugated to a monoclonal antibody after surgery for recurrent malignant gliomas, and their responses and toxicity were monitored.
Limitations
The small sample size limits the ability to determine accurate response rates.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 7 individuals with recurrent malignant gliomas, 2 with cystic lesions and 5 with resection cavities.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website