Combination Radioimmunotherapy Strategies for Solid Tumors

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Nov 8;20(22):5579. doi: 10.3390/ijms20225579.

Abstract

Combination radioimmunotherapy is an emerging approach for the treatment of solid tumors where radio immunotherapy alone has proven to be reasonably ineffective. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) labeled with radionuclides is an attractive approach for cancer treatment because tumor-associated mAbs with cytotoxic radionuclides can selectively bind to tumor antigens. However, due to various limitations, mAbs cannot reach solid tumors, consequently reducing RIT efficacy. Combination RIT is a pragmatic approach through which the addition of drugs or other agents not only help mAbs to reach the targeted site but also improves its efficacy. Thus, the combination of drugs or moieties with RIT can be applied to overcome the barriers that RIT faces for solid tumors. This review covers the RIT approach, along with the mechanism of action of mAb used in RIT, limitations of solid tumors, and strategies that can be used in combination RIT to enhance the treatment regimen for solid tumors.

Keywords: cell-to-cell junctions; extracellular matrix; immune suppressive environment; interstitial pressure; monoclonal antibody; radioimmunotherapy; solid tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacokinetics
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Isotopes
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Radioimmunotherapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Isotopes