High Liver Uptake Research Articles

Preliminary Evaluation of a <SUP>99m</SUP>Tc Labeled Hybrid Nanoparticle Bearing a Cobalt Ferrite Core: <I>In Vivo</I> Biodistribution

Magnetic nanoparticles have become important tools for imaging a wide range of diseases, improving drug delivery and applying hyperthermic treatment. Iron oxide based nanoparticles have been widely examined, unlike cobalt ferrite based ones. Herein, monodisperse and stable CoFe2O4 nanoparticles have been produced, coated and further stabilized using ethyl 12-(hydroxyamino)-12-oxododecanoate, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and bovine serum albumin. The final product, NBRh1, was fully characterized and has been directly radiolabeled with 99mTc using SnCl1 as the reducing agent in high yields. In vitro stability and hyperthermic properties of 99mTC-NBRh1 were encouraging for further application in low frequencies hyperthermia and biomagnetic applications. In vivo evaluation followed after injection in healthy mice. The planar and SPECT imaging data as well as the biodistribution results were in accordance, showing high liver and spleen uptake as expected starting almost immediately after administration. In conclusion the preliminary results for nanoparticles bearing a cobalt ferrite core justify further investigations towards potential hyperthermic applications, drug transportation and liver or spleen imaging.

Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo characterization of novel 99mTc-‘4+1’-labeled 5-nitroimidazole derivatives as potential agents for imaging hypoxia

The evaluation of oxygenation status of solid tumors is an important field of radiopharmaceutical research. With the aim to develop new potential 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals for imaging hypoxia, we have synthesized two novel isocyanide derivatives of metronidazole, which has demonstrated high affinity for hypoxic tumors in vitro and in vivo. Metronidazole derivatives 4-isocyano-N-[2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl]butanamide (M1) and 1-(4-isocyanobutanoyl)-4-[2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl]piperazine (M2) were synthesized, and labeling was performed through preparation of their corresponding 99mTc-(4+1) complexes, 99mTc-NS3M1 and 99mTc-NS3M2. The structure of the technetium complexes was corroborated by preparation and characterization of the corresponding rhenium complexes. We have studied the main physicochemical properties (stability, lipophilicity and plasma protein binding). Biological behavior in HCT-15 cells both in oxia and in hypoxia was assessed. Biodistribution in normal mice and in animals bearing induced 3LL Lewis murine lung carcinoma was also studied. Metronidazole derivatives were successfully synthesized. Labeling with high radiochemical purity was achieved for both ligands. 99mTc complexes were stable in labeling milieu and human plasma. However, presence of the piperazine linker in M2 resulted in higher lipophilicity and protein binding. Although cell uptake in hypoxic conditions was observed for both radiotracers, 99mTc-NS3M2 biodistribution was considered unsuitable for a potential radiopharmaceutical due to high liver uptake and poor blood clearance. However, 99mTc-NS3M1 demonstrated a very favorable in vivo profile both in normal mice and in mice bearing induced tumors. Selective uptake and retention in tumor together with favorable tumor/muscle ratio make 99mTc-NS3M1 a promising candidate for further evaluation as potential hypoxia imaging agent in tumors.

Synthesis of 99m Tc-biphenyl-2-ylcarbamoylmethyliminodiacetic acid for hepatobiliary imaging

Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamoylmethyliminodiacetic acid (BPIDA) was synthesized, characterized, and labeled with 99m Tc using stannous chloride as reducing agent. The parameters affecting the labeling yield of 99m Tc-BPIDA were studied in detail. The optimum conditions ensuring the 99m Tc-BPIDA labeling yield as high as 85.4 ± 3% are as follows: 2 mg of BPIDA, 20 μg of SnCl2·2H2O, pH 6, 15 min. Biodistribution of 99m Tc-BPIDA revealed high liver uptake (18.63% at 10 min) which is higher than that of commercially available 99m Tc-Mebrofenin. The liver activity decreased with time, reaching 5.2% at 180 min. Most of the administrated radioactivity is accumulated in the liver, and the activity becomes visible in the gallbladder within 15 min. 99m Tc-BPIDA can be applied as a hepatobiliary imaging agent for the evaluation of the functional status of the hepatocytes and the patency of the biliary duct.

Synthesis and evaluation of 18F labeled alanine derivatives as potential tumor imaging agents

This paper reports the synthesis and labeling of (18)F alanine derivatives. We also investigate their biological characteristics as potential tumor imaging agents mediated by alanine-serine-cysteine preferring (ASC) transporter system. Three new (18)F alanine derivatives were prepared from corresponding tosylate-precursors through a two-step labeling reaction. In vitro uptake studies to evaluate and to compare these three analogs were carried out in 9L glioma and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. Potential transport mechanisms, protein incorporation and stability of 3-(1-[(18)F]fluoromethyl)-L-alanine (L-[(18)F]FMA) were investigated in 9L glioma cells. Its biodistribution was determined in a rat-bearing 9L tumor model. PET imaging studies were performed on rat bearing 9L glioma tumors and transgenic mouse carrying spontaneous generated M/tomND tumor (mammary gland adenocarcinoma). New (18)F alanine derivatives were prepared with 7%-34% uncorrected radiochemical yields, excellent enantiomeric purity (>99%) and good radiochemical purity (>99%). In vitro uptake of the L-[(18)F]FMA in 9L glioma and PC-3 prostate cancer cells was higher than that observed for the other two alanine derivatives and [(18)F]FDG in the first 1h. Inhibition of cell uptake studies suggested that L-[(18)F]FMA uptake in 9L glioma was predominantly via transport system ASC. After entering into cells, L-[(18)F]FMA remained stable and was not incorporated into protein within 2h. In vivo biodistribution studies demonstrated that L-[(18)F]FMA had relatively high uptake in liver and kidney. Tumor uptake was fast, reaching a maximum within 30 min. The tumor-to-muscle, tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-brain ratios at 60 min post injection were 2.2, 1.9 and 3.0, respectively. In PET imaging studies, tumors were visualized with L-[(18)F]FMA in both 9L rat and transgenic mouse. L-[(18)F]FMA showed promising properties as a PET imaging agent for up-regulated ASC transporter associated with tumor proliferation.

PLGA Nanoparticles for Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy of Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Novel Approach towards Reduction of Renal Radiation Dose

BackgroundPeptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), employed for treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is based on over-expression of Somatostatin Receptors (SSTRs) on NETs. It is, however, limited by high uptake and retention of radiolabeled peptide in kidneys resulting in unnecessary radiation exposure thus causing nephrotoxicity. Employing a nanocarrier to deliver PRRT drugs specifically to the tumor can reduce the associated nephrotoxicity. Based on this, 177Lu-DOTATATE loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) were formulated in the present study, as a potential therapeutic model for NETs.Methodology and FindingsDOTATATE was labeled with Lutetium-177 (177Lu) (labeling efficiency 98%; Rf∼0.8). Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) coated 177Lu-DOTATATE-PLGA NPs (50∶50 and 75∶25) formulated, were spherical with mean size of 304.5±80.8 and 733.4±101.3 nm (uncoated) and 303.8±67.2 and 494.3±71.8 nm (coated) for PLGA(50∶50) and PLGA(75∶25) respectively. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and In-vitro release kinetics for uncoated and coated NPs of PLGA (50∶50 & 75∶25) were assessed and compared. Mean EE was 77.375±4.98% & 67.885±5.12% (uncoated) and 65.385±5.67% & 58.495±5.35% (coated). NPs showed initial burst release between 16.64–21.65% with total 42.83–44.79% over 21days. The release increased with coating to 20.4–23.95% initially and 60.97–69.12% over 21days. In-vivo studies were done in rats injected with 177Lu-DOTATATE and 177Lu-DOTATATE-NP (uncoated and PEG-coated) by imaging and organ counting after sacrificing rats at different time points over 24 hr post-injection. With 177Lu-DOTATATE, renal uptake of 37.89±10.2%ID/g was observed, which reduced to 4.6±1.97% and 5.27±1.66%ID/g with uncoated and coated 177Lu-DOTATATE-NP. The high liver uptake with uncoated 177Lu-DOTATATE-NP (13.68±3.08% ID/g), reduced to 7.20±2.04%ID/g (p = 0.02) with PEG coating.ConclusionPLGA NPs were easily formulated and modified for desired release properties. PLGA 50∶50 NPs were a more suitable delivery vehicle for 177Lu-DOTATATE than PLGA 75∶25 because of higher EE and slower release rate. Reduced renal retention of 177Lu-DOTATATE and reduced opsonisation strongly advocate the potential of 177Lu-DOTATATE-PLGA-PEG NPs to reduce radiation dose in PRRT.

177Lu–DO3A–HSA–ZEGFR:1907: characterization as a potential radiopharmaceutical for radionuclide therapy of EGFR-expressing head and neck carcinomas

Epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR) is an attractive target for radionuclide therapy of head and neck carcinomas. Affibody molecules against EGFR (Z(EGFR)) show excellent tumor localizations in imaging studies. However, one major drawback is that radiometal-labeled Affibody molecules display extremely high uptakes in the radiosensitive kidneys which may impact their use as radiotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this study is to further explore whether radiometal-labeled human serum albumin (HSA)-Z(EFGR) bioconjugates display desirable profiles for the use in radionuclide therapy of EGFR-positive head and neck carcinomas. The Z(EFGR) analog, Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907), was site-specifically conjugated with HSA. The resulting bioconjugate 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (DO3A)-HSA-Z(EGFR:1907) was then radiolabeled with either (64)Cu or (177)Lu and subjected to in vitro cell uptake and internalization studies using the human oral squamous carcinoma cell line SAS. Positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and biodistribution studies were conducted using SAS-tumor-bearing mice. Cell studies revealed a high (8.43 ± 0.55 % at 4 h) and specific (0.95 ± 0.09 % at 4 h) uptake of (177)Lu-DO3A-HSA-Z(EGFR:1907) as determined by blocking with nonradioactive Z(EGFR:1907). The internalization of (177)Lu-DO3A-HSA-Z(EGFR:1907) was verified in vitro and found to be significantly higher than that of (177)Lu-labeled Z(EFGR) at 2-24 h of incubation. PET and SPECT studies showed good tumor imaging contrasts. The biodistribution of (177)Lu-DO3A-HSA-Z(EGFR:1907) in SAS-tumor-bearing mice displayed high tumor uptake (5.1 ± 0.44 % ID/g) and liver uptake (31.5 ± 7.66 % ID/g) and moderate kidney uptake (8.5 ± 1.08 % ID/g) at 72 h after injection. (177)Lu-DO3A-HSA-Z(EGFR:1907) shows promising in vivo profiles and may be a potential radiopharmaceutical for radionuclide therapy of EGFR-expressing head and neck carcinomas.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of novel neutral fac-M(CO)3(SNO) complexes (M=Re, 99mTc) bearing the o-methoxyphenylpiperazine moiety

The synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of two new neutral tricarbonyl fac-M(CO)3(SNO) (M=Re, 99mTc) bearing o-methoxyphenylpiperazine as pharmacophore and S-functionalized cysteine or penicillamine as chelators are reported. Competition binding tests showed good affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor (8 and 54nM for 4a and 4b, respectively). Biodistribution studies in healthy animals showed high initial blood and liver uptake, fast blood and tissue depuration and negligible brain uptake.

Dosimetry results suggest feasibility of radioimmunotherapy using anti-CD138 (B-B4) antibody in multiple myeloma patients

Syndecan-1 (CD138), a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is constantly expressed on tumor cells in multiple myeloma (MM). This surface antigen is an attractive candidate for targeted therapy, especially radioimmunotherapy (RAIT). We report preliminary biodistribution and dosimetry results obtained in refractory MM patients in a phase I/II RAIT study using iodine-131-labeled anti-CD138 (B-B4) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Four patients with progressive disease were enrolled after three lines of therapy. They received 370 MBq (20 mg/m(2)) of (131)I-B-B4 for the dosimetry study. Each patient underwent a whole body (WB) CT and four WB emission scans at days D0, D1, and D3-4. Images were corrected for attenuation and scatter to assess doses absorbed by organs and bone marrow (BM). Blood and urine samples were additionally collected. Dosimetry was conducted using the MIRD method. Images obtained 1 h after (131)I-B-B4 injection showed high BM and liver uptake without kidney uptake. The BM uptake confirmed BM involvement as detected by pre-inclusion FDG PET/CT. Absorbed doses were calculated at 2.03 ± 0.3 mGy/MBq for the liver, 1.10 ± 0.9 mGy/MBq for the kidneys, and 0.52 ± 0.20 mGy/MBq for the BM. Grade III thrombocytopenia was documented in two cases (highest BM-absorbed doses), and no grade IV hematological toxicity was observed. Therefore, autologous stem cells were not infused. One patient out of four experienced partial response, with 60% reduction of M-spike on serum electrophoresis, and total relief of pain, lasting for 1 year. This patient was able to go back to work. In this proof of concept study based on dosimetry, we show that MM RAIT is feasible using the anti-CD138 antibody. It would be of great interest to perform a RAIT phase I/II trial with a humanized anti-CD138 mAb with increased doses and systematic autologous stem cell infusions to overcome hematological toxicity and achieve efficacy.

Tracer Level Electrophilic Synthesis and Pharmacokinetics of the Hypoxia Tracer [18F]EF5

2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)-acetamide labeled with [(18)F]-fluorine ([(18)F]EF5), a promising tracer for tumor hypoxia, has previously been synthesized in low yields and low specific radioactivity. In pharmacokinetic evaluations, in the presence of non-radioactive EF5, a uniform and low background uptake and high in vivo stability of [(18)F]EF5 have been demonstrated. Our purpose was to increase the specific radioactivity of [(18)F]EF5 to enable to study the pharmacokinetics at trace level. [(18)F]EF5 was synthesized using high specific radioactivity electrophilic [(18)F]F(2) as labelling reagent. Biodistribution of [(18)F]EF5 was determined in a prostate tumor mouse model, and formation of radiolabelled metabolites was studied in mouse, rat and human plasma. On average, 595 ± 153 MBq of [(18)F]EF5 was produced. Specific radioactivity was 6.6 ± 1.9 GBq/μmol and the radiochemical purity exceeded 99.0%. [(18)F]EF5 was distributed uniformly in tissues, with highest uptake in liver, kidney, and intestine. Several radiolabelled metabolites were detected in mouse plasma and tissues, whereas low amounts of metabolites were detected in human and rat plasma. [(18)F]EF5 was synthesized by electrophilic labelling with high quality and high yields. Pharmacokinetics of [(18)F]EF5 was determined at trace level in several species. Our results suggest that the trace-level approach does not affect the biodistribution of [(18)F]EF5. Extensive metabolism was seen in mouse.

Evaluation of 64Cu-Labeled Acridinium Cation: A PET Radiotracer Targeting Tumor Mitochondria

This report presents the synthesis and evaluation of (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) (DO3A-xy-ACR = 2,6-bis(dimethylamino)-10-(4-((4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl)methyl)benzyl)acridin-10-ium) as a radiotracer for imaging tumors in athymic nude mice bearing U87MG glioma xenografts by PET (positron emission tomography). The biodistribution data suggested that (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) was excreted mainly through the renal system with >65% of injected radioactivity being recovered from urine samples at 1 h postinjection (p.i.). The tumor uptake of (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) was 1.07 ± 0.23, 1.58 ± 0.55, 2.71 ± 0.66, 3.47 ± 1.19, and 3.52 ± 1.72%ID/g at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 h p.i., respectively. (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) had very high liver uptake (31.90 ± 3.98, 24.95 ± 5.64, 15.20 ± 4.29, 14.09 ± 6.82, and 8.18 ± 1.27%ID/g at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 h p.i., respectively) with low tumor/liver ratios. MicroPET studies showed that the tumors were clearly visualized as early as 30 min p.i. in the glioma-bearing mouse administered with (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR). The high liver radioactivity accumulation was also seen. (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) had a relatively high metabolic stability during excretion via both renal and hepatobiliary routes, but it was completely decomposed in the liver homogenate. We explored the localization mechanism of Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) using both U87MG human glioma and the cultured primary U87MG glioma cells. The results from the cellular staining assays showed that (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) is able to localize in the mitochondria of living U87MG glioma cells due to the enhanced negative mitochondrial potential as compared to normal cells. Although (64)Cu(DO3A-xy-ACR) is not an ideal PET radiotracer for tumor imaging due to its high liver uptake, the results from this study strongly suggest that (64)Cu-labeled acridinium cations are indeed able to localize in the energized mitochondria of tumor cells.

New99mTc(CO)3(NNO) complexes in the development of 5HT1Areceptor imaging agents

AbstractIn this work we report the synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of two new neutral tricarbonylfac-M(CO)3(NNO) (M=Re,99mTc) derivatives of WAY-100635 as potential99mTc agents for thein vivoimaging of 5HT1Areceptors. The new pharmacophore NNO ligands are based on the picolylamineN,N-diacetic acid (PADA) ligand and their synthesis was achieved through the PADA anhydride, showing thus the applicability of this synthetic approach, developed in our laboratory, for the incorporation of bioactive amines in the PADA molecule and the development of target specific radiopharmaceuticals. The rhenium complexes were synthesized using [NEt4]2[Re(CO)3Br3] as a precursor and fully characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The analogous technetium-99m complexes were also prepared quantitatively using the [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+precursor and their structure corroborated by means of the rhenium complexes. The lipophilicity of the Tc complexes is in the range normally accepted for substances to be able to cross the BBB. Competition binding tests showed moderate affinity for the 5HT1Areceptors, with IC50values at the nanomolar range (30 and 116 nM). Biodistribution in healthy animals was characterized by high initial blood and liver uptake and fast blood and tissue depuration with excretion taking place mainly through the hepatobiliary system. None of the new complexes showed any significant brain uptake, suggesting that the ability of a compound to cross the BBB is determined by more factors than charge, lipophilicity and size.

Radiolabeled Affibody−Albumin Bioconjugates for HER2-Positive Cancer Targeting

Affibody molecules have received significant attention in the fields of molecular imaging and drug development. However, Affibody scaffolds display an extremely high renal uptake, especially when modified with chelators and then labeled with radiometals. This unfavorable property may impact their use as radiotherapeutic agents in general and as imaging probes for the detection of tumors adjacent to kidneys in particular. Herein, we present a simple and generalizable strategy for reducing the renal uptake of Affibody molecules while maintaining their tumor uptake. Human serum albumin (HSA) was consecutively modified by 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid mono-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (DOTA-NHS ester) and the bifunctional cross-linker sulfosuccinimidyl 4-[N-maleimidomethyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC). The HER2 Affibody analogue, Ac-Cys-Z(HER2:342), was covalently conjugated with HSA, and the resulting bioconjugate DOTA-HSA-Z(HER2:342) was further radiolabeled with ⁶⁴Cu and ¹¹¹In and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Radiolabeled DOTA-HSA-Z(HER2:342) conjugates displayed a significant and specific cell uptake into SKOV3 cell cultures. Positron emission tomography (PET) investigations using ⁶⁴Cu-DOTA-HSA-Z(HER2:342) were performed in SKOV3 tumor-bearing nude mice. High tumor uptake values (>14% ID/g at 24 and 48 h) and high liver accumulations but low kidney accumulations were observed. Biodistribution studies and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) investigations using ¹¹¹In-DOTA-HSA-Z(HER2:342) validated these results. At 24 h post injection, the biodistribution data revealed high tumor (16.26% ID/g) and liver (14.11% ID/g) uptake but relatively low kidney uptake (6.06% ID/g). Blocking studies with coinjected, nonlabeled Ac-Cys-Z(HER2:342) confirmed the in vivo specificity of HER2. Radiolabeled DOTA-HSA-Z(HER2:342) Affibody conjugates are promising SPECT and PET-type probes for the imaging of HER2 positive cancer. More importantly, DOTA-HSA-Z(HER2:342) is suitable for labeling with therapeutic radionuclides (e.g., ⁹⁰Y or ¹⁷⁷Lu) for treatment studies. The approach of using HSA to optimize the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution profile of Affibodies may be extended to the design of many other targeting molecules.

Biological Stability Evaluation of the α2β1 Receptor Imaging Agents: Diamsar and DOTA Conjugated DGEA Peptide

Robust chelating stability under biological condi-tions is critical for the design of copper-based radiopharmaceuticals. In this study, the stabilities of (64)Cu-DOTA and diamsar (two bifunctional Cu-64 chelators (BFCs)) conjugated DGEA peptides were evaluated. The in vitro stabilities of (64)Cu-DOTA-DGEA, (64)Cu-DOTA-Ahx-DGEA, and (64)Cu-Z-E(diamsar)-Ahx-DGEA were evaluated in PBS. A carboxyl-protected DOTA-DGEA was also synthesized to study the potential inter- and intramolecular interactions between DOTA and the carboxylate groups of DGEA peptide. microPET imaging of (64)Cu-DOTA-DGEA and (64)Cu-Z-E(diamsar)-Ahx-DGEA were performed in PC-3 prostate tumor model to further investigate the in vivo behavior of the tracers. DOTA-DGEA, DOTA-Ahx-DGEA, Z-E(diamsar)-Ahx-DGEA, and protected DOTA-DGEA peptides were readily obtained, and their identities were confirmed by MS. (64)Cu(2+) labeling was performed with high radiochemical yields (>98%) for all tracers after 1 h incubation. Stability experiments revealed that (64)Cu-DOTA-DGEA had unexpectedly high (64)Cu(2+) dissociation when incubated in PBS (>55% free (64)Cu(2+) was observed at 48 h time point). The (64)Cu(2+) dissociation was significantly reduced in the carboxyl-protected (64)Cu-DOTA-DGEA complex but not in the (64)Cu-DOTA-Ahx-DGEA complex, which suggests the presence of competitive binding for (64)Cu(2+) between DOTA and the carboxyl groups of the DGEA peptide. In contrast, no significant (64)Cu(2+) dissociation was observed for (64)Cu-Z-E(diamsar)-Ahx-DGEA in PBS. For microPET imaging, the PC-3 tumors were clearly visualized with both (64)Cu-DOTA-DGEA and (64)Cu-Z-E(diamsar)-Ahx-DGEA tracers. However, (64)Cu-DOTA-DGEA demonstrated 5× higher liver uptake than (64)Cu-Z-E(diamsar)-Ahx-DGEA. This biodistribution variance could be attributed to the chelating stability difference between these two tracers, which correlated well with the PBS stability experiments. In summary, the in vitro and in vivo evaluations of (64)Cu-Z-E(diamsar)-Ahx-DGEA and (64)Cu-DOTA-DGEA have demonstrated the significantly superior Cu-chelation stability for the diamsar derivative compared with the established DOTA chelator. The results also suggest that diamsar may be preferred for Cu chelation especially when multiple carboxylic acid groups are present. Free carboxyl groups may naturally compete with DOTA for (64)Cu(2+) binding and therefore reduce the complex stability.

Biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of 188Re-liposomes and their comparative therapeutic efficacy with 5-fluorouracil in C26 colonic peritoneal carcinomatosis mice

BackgroundNanoliposomes are designed as carriers capable of packaging drugs through passive targeting tumor sites by enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. In the present study the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, micro single-photon emission computed tomography (micro-SPECT/CT) image, dosimetry, and therapeutic efficacy of 188Re-labeled nanoliposomes (188Re-liposomes) in a C26 colonic peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse model were evaluated.MethodsColon carcinoma peritoneal metastatic BALB/c mice were intravenously administered 188Re-liposomes. Biodistribution and micro-SPECT/CT imaging were performed to determine the drug profile and targeting efficiency of 188Re-liposomes. Pharmacokinetics study was described by a noncompartmental model. The OLINDA|EXM® computer program was used for the dosimetry evaluation. For therapeutic efficacy, the survival, tumor, and ascites inhibition of mice after treatment with 188Re-liposomes and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), respectively, were evaluated and compared.ResultsIn biodistribution, the highest uptake of 188Re-liposomes in tumor tissues (7.91% ± 2.02% of the injected dose per gram of tissue [%ID/g]) and a high tumor to muscle ratio (25.8 ± 6.1) were observed at 24 hours after intravenous administration. The pharmacokinetics of 188Re-liposomes showed high circulation time and high bioavailability (mean residence time [MRT] = 19.2 hours, area under the curve [AUC] = 820.4%ID/g*h). Micro-SPECT/CT imaging of 188Re-liposomes showed a high uptake and targeting in ascites, liver, spleen, and tumor. The results were correlated with images from autoradiography and biodistribution data. Dosimetry study revealed that the 188Re-liposomes did not cause high absorbed doses in normal tissue but did in small tumors. Radiotherapeutics with 188Re-liposomes provided better survival time (increased by 34.6% of life span; P < 0.05), tumor and ascites inhibition (decreased by 63.4% and 83.3% at 7 days after treatment; P < 0.05) in mice compared with chemotherapeutics of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).ConclusionThe use of 188Re-liposomes for passively targeted tumor therapy had greater therapeutic effect than the currently clinically applied chemotherapeutics drug 5-FU in a colonic peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse model. This result suggests that 188Re-liposomes have potential benefit and are safe in treating peritoneal carcinomatasis of colon cancer.

Rapid hepatic clearance of 99mTc‐TMEOP: a new candidate for myocardial perfusion imaging

(99m)Tc labeled radiotracers used in clinical practice lack the perfect characteristics for myocardial perfusion imaging. In particular, the high liver uptake can interfere in the interpretation of the inferior myocardial wall. Within the tricarbonyl approach, we used tris(pyrazolyl)methane (99m)Tc organometallic complexes as a lead structure. Herein we present the production, in vivo and in vitro metabolic studies in rats and the first in vivo biodistribution in rats for tri-methoxy-tris-pyrazolyl-(99m)Tc-(CO)(3) ((99m)Tc-TMEOP), compared with (99m)Tc-sestamibi and (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin. The chemical identity of (99m)Tc-TMEOP was characterized by RP-HPLC. The octanol-water partition coefficient was determined under physiological conditions. In vitro stability and protein binding were determined using RP-HPLC. In vivo stability was determined in blood, heart, liver and kidney homogenates, intestine and urine using RP-HPLC. In vivo biodistribution was determined using dynamic planar acquisitions. Pinhole gated SPECT images were performed in other animals. Cardiac, liver and lung uptake were expressed as differential uptake ratios by drawing regions of interest in the organs of interest and around the total body. Heart-liver and heart-lung ratios were derived. Cardiac uptake was also expressed as percentage of injected activity. SPECT images were processed to determine the heart-liver ratio on SPECT images, to compare functional parameters between different tracers and to visualize homogeneous intracardiac tracer distribution. (99m)Tc-TMEOP is a moderately lipophilic cation, is stable and does not undergo any transformation in vitro. (99m)Tc-TMEOP also shows a high in vivo stability. In vivo imaging shows liver kinetics faster than those of (99m)Tc-sestamibi and (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin. Cardiac uptake and functional analysis of pinhole gated SPECT data are comparable to those of (99m)Tc-sestamibi and (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin. Although (99m)Tc-TMEOP shows a cardiac uptake between those of (99m)Tc-sestamibi and (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin, a better heart-liver ratio is obtained due to the faster liver washout. These results suggest possible faster cardiac perfusion imaging using (99m)Tc-TMEOP without liver activity interference.

Development of 68Ga-labeled mannosylated human serum albumin (MSA) as a lymph node imaging agent for positron emission tomography

Although many sentinel lymph node (SLN) imaging agents labeled with (99m)Tc have been developed, no positron-emitting agent has been specifically designed for SLN imaging. Furthermore, the development of the beta probe and the requirement for better image resolution have increased the need for a positron-emitting SLN imaging agent. Here, we describe the development of a novel positron-emitting SLN imaging agent labeled with (68)Ga. A mannosylated human serum albumin (MSA) was synthesized by conjugating α-d-mannopyranosylphenyl isothiocyanate to human serum albumin in sodium carbonate buffer (pH 9.5), and then 2-(p-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid was conjugated to synthesize NOTA-MSA. Numbers of mannose and NOTA units conjugated in NOTA-MSA were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. NOTA-MSA was labeled with (68)Ga at room temperature. The stability of (68)Ga-NOTA-MSA was checked in labeling medium at room temperature and in human serum at 37°C. Biodistribution in normal ICR mice was investigated after tail vein injection, and micro-positron emission tomography (PET) images were obtained after injecting (68)Ga-NOTA-MSA into a tail vein or a footpad. The numbers of conjugated α-d-mannopyranosylphenyl isothiocyanate and 2-(p-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid units in NOTA-MSA were 10.6 and 6.6, respectively. The labeling efficiency of (68)Ga-NOTA-MSA was greater than 99% at room temperature, and its stability was greater than 99% at 4 h. Biodistribution and micro-PET studies of (68)Ga-NOTA-MSA showed high liver and spleen uptakes after intravenous injection. (68)Ga-NOTA-MSA injected into a footpad rapidly migrated to the lymph node. (68)Ga-NOTA-MSA was successfully developed as a novel SLN imaging agent for PET. NOTA-MSA is easily labeled at high efficiency, and subcutaneously administered (68)Ga-NOTA-MSA was found to migrate rapidly to the lymph node.

PET imaging of [11C]docetaxel uptake and tumor perfusion in lung cancer.

2543 Background: Although docetaxel is an effective treatment of lung cancer, a number of patients do not benefit from this therapy due to tumor resistance. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive imaging technique that allows for quantification of radiolabeled docetaxel ([11C]docetaxel) kinetics and might be useful for predicting response to treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility and reproducibility of [11C]docetaxel PET scans in lung cancer and to investigate whether [11C]docetaxel uptake was related to tumor perfusion. Methods: Fourteen patients with advanced lung cancer underwent a dynamic PET-CT scan with [11C]docetaxel (60 min) and H215O (10 min). In addition, patients underwent a second [11C]docetaxel PET scan to assess test-retest reproducibility. Lesions were delineated on the CT scan and projected onto the dynamic PET frames. [11C]docetaxel uptake in tumors was quantified using the net influx rate (Ki). Tumor perfusion was quantified by applying the standard single tissue compartment model to the H215O data. Results: In total, 24 lesions were defined, including both primary tumors and metastases. Clearance of [11C]docetaxel from plasma was rapid and later PET frames suffered from high liver uptake. Therefore, only the first 10 min of data were used for further analysis. The median net influx rate of [11C]docetaxel was 0.009 min-1 (range, 0.000-0.022). [11C]docetaxel PET scans showed good reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.89). The inter- and intra-individual variability of [11C]docetaxel uptake in lesions was high. [11C]docetaxel uptake was correlated with tumor perfusion (r=0.853, p<0.001). Conclusions: Measurement of [11C]docetaxel uptake in lung cancer is feasible with good reproducibility. [11C]docetaxel uptake depends on tumor perfusion. The variability of [11C]docetaxel uptake in lung cancer lesions may reflect differential sensitivity to docetaxel treatment, suggesting that PET scans with [11C]docetaxel may be useful for personalized treatment planning. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Philips Healthcare

Small-Animal PET Imaging of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Positive Tumor with a 64Cu Labeled Affibody Protein

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has become an attractive target for cancer molecular imaging and therapy. Affibody proteins against EGFR have been reported, and thus, we were interested in evaluating their potential for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of EGFR positive cancer. An Affibody analogue (Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907)) binding to EGFR was made through conventional solid phase peptide synthesis. The purified protein was site-specifically coupled with the 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-tris-aceticacid-10-maleimidethylacetamide (maleimido-mono-amide-DOTA) to produce the bioconjugate, DOTA-Z(EGFR:1907). (64)Cu labeled probe (64)Cu-DOTA-Z(EGFR:1907) displayed a moderate specific activity (5-8 MBq/nmol, 22-35 microCi/microg). Cell uptake assays by pre-incubating without or with 300 times excess unlabeled Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907) showed high EGFR-specific uptake (20% applied activity at 0.5 h) in A431 epidermoid carcinoma cancer cells. The affinity (K(D)) of (64)Cu-DOTA-Z(EGFR:1907) as tested by cell saturation analysis was 20 nM. The serum stability test showed excellent stability of the probe with >95% intact after 4 h of incubation in mouse serum. In vivo small-animal PET imaging showed fast tumor targeting, high tumor accumulation (approximately 10% ID/g at 1 h p.i.), and good tumor-to-normal tissue contrast of (64)Cu-DOTA-Z(EGFR:1907) spiked with a wide dose range of Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907). Bio-distribution studies further demonstrated that the probe had high tumor, blood, liver, and kidney uptakes, while blood radioactivity concentration dropped dramatically at increased spiking doses. Co-injection of the probe with 500 microg of Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907) for blocking significantly reduced the tumor uptake. Thus, (64)Cu-DOTA-Z(EGFR:1907) showed potential as a high tumor contrast EGFR PET imaging reagent. The probe spiked with 50 microg of Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907) improved tumor imaging contrast which may have important clinical applications.

Minimizing liver uptake of cationic 99mTc radiotracers with ether and crown ether functional groups

Ischemia-related diseases, particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), account for the majority of deaths worldwide. Myocardial ischemia is a serious condition and the delay in reperfusion of ischemic tissues can be life-threatening. This is particular true in the aged population. Rapid and accurate early detection of myocardial ischemia is highly desirable so that various therapeutic regiments can be given before irreversible myocardial damage occurs. Myocardial perfusion imaging with radiotracers is an integral component in evaluations of patients with known or suspected CAD. (99m)Tc-Sestamibi and (99m)Tc-Tetrofosmin are commercial radiopharmaceuticals currently available for myocardial perfusion imaging. Despite their widespread clinical applications, both (99m)Tc-Sestamibi and (99m)Tc-Tetrofosmin do not meet the requirements of an ideal perfusion imaging agent, largely due to their high liver uptake. The intense liver uptake makes it difficult to interpret the heart activity in the inferior and left ventricular wall. Photon scattering from the high liver radioactivity accumulation remains a significant challenge for diagnosis of heart diseases. This review will summarize the most recent research efforts to minimize the liver uptake of cationic (99m)Tc radiotracers by using ether and crown ether-containing chelators. Fast liver clearance will shorten the duration of imaging protocols (< 30 min post-injection), and allow for early acquisition of heart images with high quality. Improvement of heart/liver ratio may permit better detection of the presence and extent of coronary artery disease. Identification of such a new radiotracer that allows for the improved noninvasive assessment of myocardial perfusion would be of considerable benefit in treatment of patients with suspected CAD.

Cy5.5-labeled Affibody molecule for near-infrared fluorescent optical imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor positive tumors

Affibody protein is an engineered protein scaffold with a three-helical bundle structure. Affibody molecules of small size (7 kD) have great potential for targeting overexpressed cancer biomarkers in vivo. To develop an Affibody-based molecular probe for in vivo optical imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive tumors, an anti-EGFR Affibody molecule, Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907) (7 kD), is site-specifically conjugated with a near-IR fluorescence dye, Cy5.5-mono-maleimide. Using fluorescent microscopy, the binding specificity of the probe Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) is checked by a high-EGFR-expressing A431 cell and low-EGFR-expressing MCF7 cells. The binding affinity of Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) (K(D)) to EGFR is 43.6+/-8.4 nM, as determined by flow cytometry. For an in vivo imaging study, the probe shows fast tumor targeting and good tumor contrast as early as 0.5 h postinjection (p.i.) for A431 tumors, while MCF7 tumors are barely visible. An ex vivo imaging study also demonstrates that Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) has high tumor, liver, and kidney uptakes at 24 h p.i.. In conclusion, Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) shows good affinity and high specificity to the EGFR. There is rapid achievement of good tumor-to-normal-tissue contrasts of Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907), thus demonstrating its potential for EGFR-targeted molecular imaging of cancers.