title: In vitro and preclinical studies of targeted alpha therapy (TAT) for colorectal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Effective targeted cancer therapy requires high selectivity and cytotoxicity of the labelled product. We report the preparation and testing of anticolorectal cancer monoclonal antibody c30.6 radioimmunoconjugates (RIC) labelled with alpha-emitting Bismuth-213 and positron emitting Terbium-152 using two chelators, viz. Cyclic dianhydride of diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid (DTPA) and CHX-A" (a DTPA derivative).
  
  
  METHODS
  Selectivity and stability of the RIC were tested in vitro (flow cytometry) and in vivo (biodistribution, organ/tumour uptake and retention). Cytotoxicity assays were carried out using tritiated thymidine uptake (inhibition of DNA synthesis) and MTS assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High labelling efficiency (ranging between 89 and 91%) and stability over 2-5 half-lives of the isotopes were seen. Kidney retention was not seen in contrast to high uptake and retention of both conjugates in tumours. Flow cytometry studies showed high specificity of the antibody before and after labelling and this unchanged targeting behaviour was reflected in cytotoxicity assays. These assays showed that only alpha-labelled antibody could selectively kill the cancer cells for activities as low as 2-3 microCi. The study also revealed that free isotopes or isotopes bound to nonspecific antibodies did not kill cancer cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The stability of the RICs and outstanding cytotoxicity of the alpha emitter, together with no kidney retention and high tumour uptake and retention of the radiolabel, offers a new approach for the potential control of colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Experimental Radiation Oncology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rizvi
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Goozee
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sarkar