EPO may not only be a new tumor marker, of which there are many others, but more importantly it may serve as a target for radiolabeled EPO antibodies that could deliver localized radiotherapy to the tumor. This is a very promising approach to greater selectivity for tumor therapy. These Californian researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of the approach in animals, as well as the specific localization of the antibody in patients with lymphomas. What is not yet known is how general this localization of EPO is for a range of tumor types, and whether there might be repercussions if any eosinophil destruction occurred. Repeated injections or IV infusions are therefore necessary.
Further studies are underway.