Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Kidney Cancer

This is a dose-escalation study. Initially patients receive a scout dose of iodine-131 radiolabeled chimeric monoclonal antibody G250 (131I-cG250) administered intravenously (IV) over 10 minutes to determine whole body clearance. One week later, patients receive incremental doses of 131I-cG250 IV over 10 minutes at 2-3 day intervals for 2-6 weeks,. Dose escalation begins at least 8 weeks after the last infusion of 131I-cG250. In the absence of dose-limiting toxicity in the first 3 patients treated, subsequent cohorts of 3 patients each receive escalating doses of 131I-cG250 on the same schedule. If dose-limiting toxicity occurs in 2 of 6 patients treated at a given dose level, then dose escalation ceases and the next lower dose is declared the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Treatment continues once recovery from all toxic effects occurs, beginning 8 to 12 weeks following the last dose of 131I-cG250. Patients achieving complete remission, partial remission, or stable disease were eligible to receive up to 3 courses of treatment.

Inclusion criteria

Histologically proven renal cell carcinoma. Clinical presentation consistent with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Bidimensionally measurable disease by conventional imaging. Patients must have been off chemotherapy or immunotherapy for at least 6 weeks prior to study entry.

Women of child-bearing age must have had a negative pregnancy test carried out the day of and prior to receiving therapy, and were asked to use effective contraception during the study.

Patients were required to be ambulatory with a Karnofsky Performance Status at least 70, Serum creatinine ≤ 2mg/dl, Serum bilirubin ≤ 1mg/d, White Blood Cells (WBC) ≥ 3,500/mm^3, Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3, Prothrombin time < 1.3 x control.

Exclusion criteria

Significant prior radiation therapy to the entire pelvis and/or lumbosacral spine.

Clinically significant cardiac disease. Serious infection requiring treatment with antibiotics, or other serious illness.

Women who are pregnant or lactating. Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor involvement. Life expectancy less than 6 weeks. Hypercalcemia greater than 12.5 mg/dL or symptomatic.