Effect of a conjugate of daunomycin and antibodies to rat alpha-fetoprotein on the growth of alpha-fetoprotein-producing tumor cells.

Abstract

Daunomycin was covalently attached via a dextran bridge to specific antibodies against rat .alpha.-fetoprotein produced in a horse. The effect of this conjugate on an .alpha.-fetoprotein-producing [rat] tumor was investigated in terms of cytotoxicity and inhibition or retardation of tumor development. The covalent conjugate was by both criteria more efficient than daunomycin alone or a mixture of daunomycin and specific antibodies or a conjugate of daunomycin with horse Ig. The conjugate may be useful as a specific cytotoxic agent against .alpha.-fetoprotein-producing tumors.