Initial evaluation of 99m Tc-labeled anti-carcinoembryonic antigen single-chain fragment variable for micro-single-photon emission computed tomography imaging in mice with colorectal cancer.

Abstract

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has emerged as an important molecular target for several neoplastic diseases, including colorectal cancer with CEA over-expression. In this study, we report the production and radiolabeling of a novel anti-CEA single-chain fragment variable (scFv-96NRT, concentration for 50% of maximal effect 46 ng/ml), and evaluation of [99m Tc]Tc-scFv-96NRT in non-invasive detection of CEA expression. [99m Tc]Tc-scFv-96NRT was synthesized by one step reduction in labeling yield of >95% with radiochemical purity of >98% and molar activity of 10-11 GBq/μmol. [99m Tc]Tc-scFv-96NRT showed high stability in 0.01 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 5% human serum albumin (HSA). It exhibited elevated uptake in CEA over-expressing cells. Biodistribution studies in BALB/c mice revealed that the probe was cleared from blood rapidly, and the highest retention was observed in the kidneys. The micro-single-photon emission computed tomography (micro-SPECT) imaging of [99m Tc]Tc-scFv-96NRT showed a specific accumulation pattern, as blocking experiment with excess scFv-96NRT suppressed the tumor uptake. These preliminary results suggest that [99m Tc]Tc-scFv-96NRT is a potential non-invasive molecular probe for imaging tumors with CEA over-expression.