Radiolabeling and biodistribution of monoclonal antibody (MAb) anti-CD20 with iodine-131

Abstract

Radioactive isotopes of iodine, mainly iodine-131 have been broadly used in many monoclonal antibody radioiodination settings, employing different methods. In this study, using a Chloramine-T procedure, the influence of incubation time, CT mass, and Ab/activity ratio on the radiochemical yield of the anti-CD20 antibody labeled with iodine-131 was observed. Radiochemical yield was > 97 %, employing different Chloramine-T masses, independently of incubation time. Radiochemical purity was above 99 % after purification of the labeled compound. The relationship between Ab mass and radioactivity was tested and no difference was observed when 90.6 MBq (2.45mCi) of activity was incorporated in the Ab-mass range studied. Biodistribution study in normal Swiss mice showed higher uptake by the liver and intestines. Low thyroid uptake indicated a suitable in vivo stability. Slight blood uptake was considered a result of circulating radioactivity in normal organs and tissues. A favorable biological distribution of 131I-anti-CD20 suggests this radiopharmaceutical may be effectively used in the therapy of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma.