Monoclonal antibodies in imaging and therapy of colorectal cancer

Intraoperative detection of colorectal carcinoma with the Neoprobe gamma detector has been useful in surgical decisionmaking regarding resectability by localizing additional tumor not readily identified by palpation or inspection, and in determining surgical resection margins. Tumor labeling has been achieved in 84% of the patients. Occult tumor has been identified in 18% of evaluable patients and changed operative decisions in 43% of patients. New monoclonal antibodies with radiolabels offer hope for more effective agents for imaging, Radioimmunoguided Surgery and potential therapeutic modalities.