licartin

An immunoradioconjugate containing metuximab, an antibody fragment targeting the hepatocellular cancer (HCC)-associated antigen HAb18G/CD147, that is conjugated to the radioisotope iodine I 131, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration, the metuximab moiety of licartin targets and binds to HAb18G/CD147 on HCC cells; upon internalization, the radioisotope I 131 delivers a cytotoxic dose of gamma radiation, thereby causing selective destruction of HAb18G/CD147-expressing cells. HAb18G/CD147, a member of CD147 family, is overexpressed in HCC and fibroblasts and its expression is associated with cancer cell progression and increased adhesion, invasion and metastasis.