Scintigraphic detection of colon carcinomas with iodinated monoclonal antibodies

Summary Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical reliability of the immunoscintigraphy with iodinated monoclonal antibodies for the detection of metastases and recurrences of colon carcinomas. Methods: A total of 45 patients with colon carcinoma was investigated with gamma camera, after intravenous application of iodinated monoclonal antibodies. Results: The sensitivity of the method was 90%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 93%, negative predictive value 80% and accuracy 87%. There was statistically signifi cant relationship between immunoscintigraphic and ultrasonographic (US) findings (p=0.005). Also, there was significant relationship between immunoscintigraphy and Dukes stage (p=0.019). Tumor marker levels were not significantly correlated with immunoscintigraphic findings (p>0.05). Significant difference was noted in patients with positive findings for malignancy on US and immunoscintigraphic findings (p=0.006), i.e. patients with positive findings for malignancy had more frequently immunoscintigraphic findings of malignancy. Correlation with other diagnostic procedures (rectoscopy, colonoscopy, CT) did not show significant correlations. Conclusion: We conclude that immunoscintigraphy can be helpful in the detection of metastases and recurrences of colon carcinomas.