Tumour targeting

Another fusion of chemistry and biology - macrocyclic ligands with monoclonal antibodies - is yet another step towards better tumour imaging and therapy. Macrocycles designed to bind radioactive copper, indium, gallium and yttrium have been made and linked to a monoclonal antibody that localises in colorectal cancer tissues. This technique could give us specific information and accurate weapons for attacking cancer. This paper discusses the choice of radioisotopes, bifunctional complexing agents, functionalized macrocycles, linking and labelling and the future prospects of this technique.