A pilot study of 131I monoclonal antibodies in the therapy of leptomeningeal tumors

A pilot study was performed to investigate the toxicity and therapeutic effect of radiolabeled antibody administered intrathecally in patients with leptomeningeal tumors. Five patients who failed conventional therapy received between 11 mCi and 40 mCi of radiolabeled antibody. The choice of antibody varied depending on the immunophenotype of the tumor. Therapy was well tolerated generally, with minimal acute toxicity. Four of five patients achieved an objective response to treatment that has been sustained for a period varying from 7 months to 2 years. No clinical signs of chronic toxicity have been observed in patients 1 and 2 years after therapy.