[Radioimmunoscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy--approaches towards future aspects]

Radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) and radioimmunotherapy (RIT) have been exclusively studied for a dozen or so years, but few clinical RIS and RIT have been successful due to some limitations. In this review, two approaches are introduced to exceed the limitations; One is the modification of physiological and biochemical properties of tumors and the other is the modification of radiolabeled antibodies such as the development of labeling procedures and the production of new antibodies and fragments. The effect of interferon and vasoactive agents on the uptake of antibodies in tumors, and comparative biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of different radiolabeled antibodies and fragments which are produced in the new generation are reviewed. We believe that RIS and RIT could be evaluated precisely when these approaches are well applied to clinical patients.