Antibody Guided Lymphangiography in Cervical Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): A.A. Epenetos, R. Gibson, K.E. Halnan, B. Henderson, J. Lambert, J.P. Lavender, C.J. McKenzie, W.G. MacGregor, A. Munro, J.S. Orr, D. Snook, J. Burchell, H. Durbin, J. Kempshead, J. Taylor-Papadimitriou
Primary Institution: Hammersmith Oncology Group and Imperial Cancer Research Fund
Hypothesis
Can antibody guided lymphangiography improve the staging of cervical cancer?
Conclusion
The study suggests that while antibody guided lymphangiography can identify abnormalities in lymph nodes, significant non-specific uptake by normal lymphatics limits its effectiveness.
Supporting Evidence
- Five out of the 6 standard lymphangiograms were reported as normal.
- One lymphangiogram showed definite evidence of metastasis.
- Marked non-specific uptake of antibody was seen on all lymphangiograms.
- Pelvic examination confirmed the findings of antibody guided lymphangiography.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special antibody to help see if cancer had spread in women with cervical cancer, but it sometimes got confused with normal tissues.
Methodology
Iodine-123-labelled monoclonal antibody HMFG2 was injected into lymphatic vessels of patients, followed by gamma camera imaging.
Limitations
Marked non-specific uptake of antibody by normal lymphatics was observed, which could affect the accuracy of the results.
Participant Demographics
Six women aged 25-75 with cervical carcinoma.
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