# Radioimmunotherapy for Malignant Mesothelioma Targeting C-ERC/Mesothelin

**Authors:** Hirofumi Hanaoka, Aiko Yamaguchi, Masahiro Maeda, Tatsuya Segawa, Noboru Oriuchi

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/ph19030501 · Pharmaceuticals · 2026-03-18

## TL;DR

This study explores a new radioimmunotherapy targeting C-ERC/mesothelin for treating malignant mesothelioma, showing promising results in delaying tumor growth and improving survival in animal models.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel radiolabeled antibody, 90Y-mAb 22A31, as an effective radioimmunotherapy agent for mesothelioma.

## Key findings

- mAb 22A31 specifically binds to C-ERC/mesothelin in mesothelioma cell lines.
- 90Y-mAb 22A31 significantly delayed subcutaneous tumor growth and improved survival in a pleural model.
- The radiolabeled antibody showed minimal uptake in normal tissues and high tumor accumulation.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Malignant mesothelioma has a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. C-ERC/mesothelin is highly expressed in mesotheliomas and is a potential target for radioimmunotherapy (RIT). This study evaluated the radiolabeled anti-C-ERC/mesothelin antibody mAb 22A31 as a therapeutic agent. Methods: C-ERC/mesothelin expression in mesothelioma cell lines was assessed by Western blotting, and the specific binding of 125I-labeled mAb 22A31 was examined. Biodistribution of 111In-labeled mAb 22A31 was evaluated in a mesothelioma cell line, MSTO-211H tumor-bearing mice. The therapeutic efficacy of 90Y-labeled mAb 22A31 was evaluated in subcutaneous and pleural dissemination models. Results: mAb 22A31 showed specific binding considering the level of C-ERC/mesothelin expression in each mesothelioma cell line. 111In-mAb 22A31 accumulated in tumors with minimal uptake in normal tissues. 90Y-mAb 22A31 significantly delayed the growth of subcutaneous tumors and improved survival in a pleural dissemination model. Conclusions: Radiolabeled mAb 22A31 specifically targeted C-ERC/mesothelin and demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a mesothelioma xerograph model. Therefore, 90Y-mAb 22A31 is a promising RIT agent and supports the further development of C-ERC/mesothelin-targeted therapy for mesothelioma.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** malignant mesothelioma (MONDO:0006292)
- **Species:** Mus musculus (taxon 10090)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** Msln (mesothelin) [NCBI Gene 56047] {aka C-ERC, MPF}
- **Diseases:** tumor (MESH:D009369), Malignant Mesothelioma (MESH:D000086002), mesothelioma (MESH:D008654)
- **Chemicals:** 111In (MESH:C000615551), 90Y (MESH:C000615496), 22A31 (-), 125I (MESH:C000614960)
- **Species:** Mus musculus (house mouse, species) [taxon 10090]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13029053/full.md

## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13029053/full.md

## References

26 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13029053/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13029053