Methods of delaying development of CEA-associated tumors using anti-idiotype antibody 3H1

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of delaying development of CEA-associated tumors using the anti-idiotype antibody 3H1, particularly in high-risk individuals.

1 . A method of delaying development of a CEA-associated tumor in an individual having a low tumor burden, comprising administering an effective amount of anti-idiotype antibody 3H1 to the individual.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the individual is high risk.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the individual is in the adjuvant setting.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein 3H1 is administered with an adjuvant.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the adjuvant is aluminum hydroxide.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CEA-associated tumor is of gastrointestinal origin.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the CEA-associated tumor is colorectal.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CEA-associated tumor is lung.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein 3H1 is administered in an amount of about 1 mg to about 4 mg.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein 3H1 is administered in an amount of about 2 mg.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein 3H1 is administered at weekly intervals.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein 3H1 is administered at bi-weekly intervals.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein 3H1 is heat-treated prior to administration.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the individual has a circulating CEA level of less than about 50 ng/ml.  
     
     
         15 . A method of treatment of a CEA-associated tumor in an individual with a low tumor burden comprising administering an effective amount of anti-idiotype antibody 3H1 to the individual.  
     
     
         16 . A method of treatment of a CEA-associated tumor in an individual having a low tumor burden, said individual having a level of circulating CEA less than about 50 ng/ml comprising administering an effective amount of anti-idiotype antibody 3H1 to the individual.  
     
     
         17 . A method of treatment of a CEA-associated tumor of colon or colorectal origin in an individual comprising the steps of (a) administering 5-fluorouracil, (b) administering levamisole hydrochloride or leucovorin calcium; and (c) administering an effective amount of 3H1 to the individual.