Abstract: A method of treating a patient suffering from a pathological condition characterized by expression of FAP&agr;, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which specifically binds to FAP&agr;. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody which specifically binds to FAP&agr;, wherein the antibody is radiolabeled with 131I, 90Y, 186Re, or 188Re, and wherein the antibody has specific activity of from about 0.5 to about 15 mCi/mg, is also provided.

Abstract: A process for determining the presence of polyvalent antigens by incubation with three receptors is presented. In addition, a kit for carrying out this process is provided as well. One of said receptors is bound to a solid support and the other two, in solution, derive from the same animal species.

Abstract: Hydrophilic latex particles consisting of a homo- or co-polymer of monomers which are sparingly soluble in water, which hydrophilic latex particles can be prepared by emulsion polymerization in the presence of a water-soluble, radical-forming initiator but without an addition of an emulsifier, stabilizer or wetting agent. A process for the preparation of these hydrophilic latex particles, wherein a monomer which is sparingly soluble in water or several monomers which are sparingly soluble in water are dispersed in water and, with the exclusion of oxygen, for example in an inert atmosphere, are homo- or co-polymerized by emulsion polymerization in the presence of a water-soluble, radical-forming initiator but without any addition of an emulsifier, stabilizer or wetting agent.A diagnostic agent containing these hydrophilic latex particles as carrier and biologically and/or immunologically active substances covalently bound to this carrier either directly or via a coupling agent as a bridge.