Radioactive Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Shows Promise in Glioblastoma Multiforme and Astrocytoma

Researchers from Duke University have reported promising results for the administration of 131 I-labeled murine antitenascin monoclonal antibody 81C6 (131I-81C6) into the surgical resection cavity of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) or anaplastic astrocytoma when given with external beam radiotherapy and temozoloide (Temodar®). The details of this pilot study appeared in an early online publication on February 20, 2008 in Neuro-Oncology.

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most common and fatal types of primary brain cancer. Patients with GBM typically have a poor prognosis, and treatment is usually palliative. The standard initial treatment for patients with GBM is surgery followed by radiation therapy.

source: CancerConsultants.com