Radioimmunodetection of implanted tumors with gamma probe

Tumor uptake of 125I- and 131I-radiolabeled anti-CEA antibodies was compared in female Swiss nude mice, each bearing a CEA-producing human colon adenocarcinoma xenografted in one flank. Counts from the tumor and contralateral flank were recorded with a manipulatable, cadmium-telluride crystal gamma detector at 24, 48, and 72 hours following injection. The animals were killed, and the tumors and other organs were removed, weighed, and then assessed in an automatic gamma counter. The cadmium-telluride counter was more efficient at counting 125I-labeled antibodies than 131I antibodies. The tumor to contralateral flank ratios improved with the use of a monoclonal anti-CEA and polyclonal anti-CEA in combination compared with the single antibodies. The investigation of the external counting characteristics of the portable gamma detector demonstrated the potential of the adjunctive use of intraoperative detection with external radioimmunoscintigraphy for detection and localization of gastrointestinal tumors.