Indium-111 satumomab pendetide: the first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for tumor imaging

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer mortality. Ovarian cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy cause of death in women. A labeled monoclonal antibody attaches to a tumor-associated antigen and allows these tumor masses to be imaged or treated, depending on the radionuclide used. Indium-111 satumomab pendetide was the first labeled monoclonal antibody to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tumor imaging. It is reactive with most colorectal and ovarian cancers, as well as other cancers. After reading this article, the technologist will understand the FDA approval process, phase trial results, safety and adverse reactions, human antimurine antibody response, indications, imaging protocol, and strengths and weaknesses of imaging with satumomab pendetide. Representative cases are presented.