Radioimmunotherapy for Malignant Mesothelioma Targeting C-ERC/Mesothelin

Background/Objectives: Malignant mesothelioma has a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. C-ERC/mesothelin is highly expressed in mesotheliomas and is a potential target for radioimmunotherapy (RIT). This study evaluated the radiolabeled anti-C-ERC/mesothelin antibody mAb 22A31 as a therapeutic agent. Methods: C-ERC/mesothelin expression in mesothelioma cell lines was assessed by Western blotting, and the specific binding of ¹²⁵I-labeled mAb 22A31 was examined. Biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-labeled mAb 22A31 was evaluated in a mesothelioma cell line, MSTO-211H tumor-bearing mice. The therapeutic efficacy of ⁹⁰Y-labeled mAb 22A31 was evaluated in subcutaneous and pleural dissemination models. Results: mAb 22A31 showed specific binding considering the level of C-ERC/mesothelin expression in each mesothelioma cell line. ¹¹¹In-mAb 22A31 accumulated in tumors with minimal uptake in normal tissues. ⁹⁰Y-mAb 22A31 significantly delayed the growth of subcutaneous tumors and improved survival in a pleural dissemination model. Conclusions: Radiolabeled mAb 22A31 specifically targeted C-ERC/mesothelin and demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a mesothelioma xerograph model. Therefore, ⁹⁰Y-mAb 22A31 is a promising RIT agent and supports the further development of C-ERC/mesothelin-targeted therapy for mesothelioma.