HMFG-I is an antibody that binds to most ovarian cancer cells. The theory is that the antibody will become attached to cancer cells which may still be present in the abdomen, and the radioactive Yttrium will destroy those remaining cancer cells. This study will be carried out in 300 women who have received both surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer in hospitals across Europe and the United States. The study doctor will evaluate your past medical history and current medical condition to determine whether or not you are eligible to participate in this study. This takes place in the operating room.
General anesthesia is given for sedation.
This allows the surgeon to inspect the abdominal cavity for any signs of residual cancer. The injection will be given in your hospital room through a thin plastic tube which is put in place during the laparoscopy. After the tube is placed, a small amount of radioactive material will be injected through the tube into your abdomen. A picture will be taken with a special camera in the Nuclear Medicine department to determine how the radioactive antibody will be distributed in your abdomen. If you receive the radioactive antibody treatment, you may be kept in hospital for two or three more days to ensure that you are well before you return home.