Defining the optimal spacing between repeat radioantibody doses in experimental models: is there an accurate measurement for hematopoietic recovery?

BACKGROUND: Single doses of radioantibody are effective at treating single cells or small clusters of cancer cells. However, large tumor masses require either multiple doses of radioantibody or a multimodal approach to therapy using two or more therapeutic agents. Timing of the second dose in a multiple cycle scheme or the second treatment in a multimodal protocol will depend on recovery from toxicity associated with the first treatment.

METHODS: BALB/c mice were dosed with a maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of I-131-MN-14 anti-carcinoembryonic antigen immunoglobulin G (IgG) (250 microCi) or F(ab')2 (1.2 mCi). Mice were redosed with the MTD at one of four time points, either Day 28, 35, 42, or 49 after IgG or Day 14, 21, 28, or 35 after F(ab')2. Survival was monitored to determine the earliest time to redose without lethality. Several studies were then performed to identify an accurate measure of true myelorecovery. Mice were bled retroorbitally on the day of the first dose and at weekly intervals thereafter. Total peripheral white blood cell counts, granulocyte counts, and lymphocyte counts were determined for each animal. GR-1hi expression (percentage of positive cells) and mean channel florescence were determined by FACScan analysis of a blood sample incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-anti-mouse Ly-6G (GR-1). In other studies, two mice were killed weekly from a group treated with a single MTD of radioantibody. The weights of their spleens and thymus glands were determined. At that time, femoral marrow was collected from these animals and plated in Methocult M3430 methylcellulose medium (Stemcell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada), and total colony-forming cells in culture were determined. Another population of mice was used to assess normal tissue metabolic activity following radioantibody therapy by quantitating the 4-hour utilization of I-125-dUrd.

RESULTS: The ability to redose mice with a second MTD of 1-131-IgG or F(ab')2 required 49 days and 35 days, respectively. Granulocyte and lymphocyte counts did not accurately predict myelorecovery from the first dose. Hematopoietic tissue weight, tissue metabolic activity, and marrow colony forming cells all suggested that redosing was possible 1-2 weeks before it could actually be done without lethality. Percent of cells expressing GR-1hi (>60%) and absolute numbers of GR-1hi cells (>1400 cells/mm3) suggested myelorecovery in most animals. A greater degree of accuracy was achieved when trends in GR-1hi expression were noted over 2 or more weeks (i.e., the absolute amount of GR-1hi had to exceed levels in untreated mice, as evidence that the hyperproliferative phase of recovery was complete).

CONCLUSIONS: The only approach that accurately predicted the ability to retreat with myelosuppressive therapy without risk of lethality was an increase in GR-1hi-positive cells above untreated levels. Other approaches are currently being investigated, including the expression of proliferation antigens (e.g., proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67) in both murine and human samples and differentiation antigens (CD33 and CD34) in humans.