Tumor localization studies in athymic rats bearing human colon tumors were performed using the radioiodinated monoclonal antibody SP-21 and its F(ab')2. Antibody preparations isolated from ascitic fluid and antibody from bioreactor effluent were used in these studies with similar radioimmunolocalization results. The intact antibody had an optimal localization time of 4-8 days after injection, while the F(ab')2 fragments had an optimal localization time of 3-4 days. Whole-body autoradiography, whole-body immunohistochemistry, and scintigraphy confirmed that the intact antibody and the antibody fragments localized preferentially in the tumor. The antibody distribution within the tumor was uniform, and not confined to the periphery, nor to focal areas within the tumor. Dose-response studies were performed with the intact antibody over a range of 10-100 micrograms/kg of total body weight with no clear-cut relationships observed. Comparisons of different radio-iodination methods indicated that the chloramine-T-based methods resulted in preparations with higher tumor uptake.