Palladium-109 labeled anti-melanoma monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

Palladium-109, a beta-emitting radionuclide, when chelated to anti-melanoma monoclonal antibody demonstrates high uptake in melanoma and thus is useful for tumor therapy.

We claim: 
     
       1. A radiopharmaceutical composition consisting of the monoclonal antibodies to human high molecular weight melanoma associated antigens, or fragments of said antibodies which are chelate-conjugated and labeled with palladium-109. 
     
     
       2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the monoclonal antibody is MoAb 225.28S. 
     
     
       3. The composition of claim 6 wherein the chelate component is diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). 
     
     
       4. A radiotherapeutic method of treating melanoma by the intravenous infusion of a radiopharmaceutical composition consisting of an antibody to human high molecular weight melanoma associated antigens, or a fragment of said antibody, which is chelate-conjugated and labeled with palladium-109.