Radiochemical Studies on the Preparation and Evaluation of Radioimmunoassay System For the Assessment of the Tumor Marker Alphafetoprotein

Abstract

Tumor markers defined as biochemical substances that are produced by tumors or produced by the host in response to a tumor. They can be detected in the serum or other body secretions. Early detection of cancer offers the best chance for cure. The goal is to early diagnose cancer when a tumor is still small enough to be completely removed surgically. Alphafetoprotein (AFP), one of the widely used oncofetal antigens. It is an impmtant diagnostic marker for primary liver cancer and teratocarcinomass. Due to increased consumption of AFP kits in Egypt, it has been found necessary to stmt the local preparation and evaluation of primary reagents for radioimmunoassay of AFP. The preparation of the primary reagents of AFP assay is important to fotmulate RIA kit. The primary reagents include the radioiodinated tracer, anti­ AFP antibody, standards and quality control (QCs). This work concentrated on prepm•ation of the radioiodinated tracer with different techniques. In these techniques, different oxidizing agents like chloramine-T, Iodogen, N­ bromosuccinimide and lactoperoxidase were used. The different conditions for radioiodination were tested in order to optimize the best radioiodination conditions.