Autoradiolysis of iodinated monoclonal antibody preparations.

We investigated the effects of ionizing radiation on the immunointegrity of antibody fragments (Fab) because large amounts of high specific activity 131I may damage the proteins. We found that 1000 Gy of external 137Cs gamma radiation was sufficient to destroy 80-90% of the immunointegrity of the initial preparation. This effect was also produced by internally added [131I]NaI in a quantity sufficient to provide the same radiation absorbed dose. Since radioiodinated monoclonal antibodies labeled to high specific activity are being evaluated for radioimmunotherapy, the above observation is significant since high levels of internal radiation occur with therapeutic doses of 131I-labeled antibody. Human serum albumin in low concentration (2%) added to the iodinated antibody solutions was successful in preventing loss of immunoreactivity and can be used to protect and stabilize therapeutic quantities of radiolabeled monoclonal antibody preparations.