Treatment Monitoring Research Articles

Chemical-Driven Amyloid Clearance for Therapeutics and Diagnostics of Alzheimer's Disease.

ConspectusA century ago, German neurologist Alois Alzheimer documented the first case of Alzheimer's disease (AD), illuminating cognitive impairments associated with the presence of abnormal protein clusters, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles, within the brain. In a typical physiological state, the equilibrium of amyloid-β (Aβ) levels is maintained, but aging can precipitate disruptions in the homeostasis of Aβ due to its overproduction, impaired clearance, and other factors, ultimately leading to its accumulation. Although the link between Aβ aggregates and neurodegeneration has long made Aβ a promising target for AD, decades without successful drug development targeting Aβ have generated skepticism regarding the efficacy of this strategy for AD therapy. However, recent approvals of anti-Aβ antibody drugs by the FDA, including aducanumab (Aduhelm), lecanemab (Leqembi), and donanemab (Kisunla), have prompted a re-evaluation of this perspective. These therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing brain Aβ levels, thereby decelerating disease progression and reaffirming Aβ as a key target. Despite advancements, immunotherapies are accompanied by considerable disadvantages, including adverse effects, high costs, and cumbersome administration. To address these limitations, our research has focused on developing small molecules that can mitigate the challenges of antibody treatments while offering practical and accessible options. We identified 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine propanesulfonic acid (EPPS) as a promising compound that significantly reduces aggregated Aβ in the brain and enhances behavior in AD rodent models. Following administration, EPPS penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and binds to toxic Aβ aggregates, subsequently breaking them down into nontoxic monomers. This leads to two significant outcomes: a reduction of Aβ aggregates in the brain and a subsequent increase in Aβ monomers in blood. The monomeric Aβ, unlike its aggregated form, can now traverse the BBB and enter the bloodstream. This mechanism provides an innovative approach to AD treatment and diagnosis. By detaching cerebral Aβ aggregates, EPPS facilitates Aβ clearance and addresses a key pathological feature of AD. Concurrently, the increase in blood Aβ levels offers a potential biomarker for monitoring treatment efficacy and disease progression, thereby revolutionizing both AD treatment and diagnosis. Investigating the detailed mode of action of drug candidates requires structural information about a target protein. Unfortunately, the unstable and heterogeneous nature of Aβ aggregates, which form larger clusters, complicates the identification of these structures. Therefore, we developed new tools for screening small molecules by immobilizing monomeric Aβ and its fragments on plates. This allows us not only to identify novel compounds that target Aβ but also to elucidate their mechanisms of action, enabling the development of Aβ-targeting therapeutic avenues in AD. We believe that our work on chemical-driven amyloid clearance through small molecules represents an advance in AD research, offering chemical diversity and straightforward, economical development processes. In clinical practice, we anticipate that these findings will contribute to the development of patient-friendly therapeutic and diagnostic interventions, including self-administered and orally available options, thereby enhancing disease management and overall quality of life for individuals with AD. Furthermore, this research extends beyond AD, potentially offering insights into other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by protein aggregation.

Microwell-assembled aluminum substrates for enhanced single-cell analysis: A novel approach for cancer cell profiling by Raman spectroscopy

Single-cell analysis is critical for advancing personalized medicine, as it reveals cell population heterogeneity that influences disease outcomes. We present a microwell-assembled aluminum substrate platform that enhances single-cell Raman spectroscopy in liquid suspension by isolating individual cells and preventing stacking and movement, which significantly improves signal stability and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).We applied this novel platform to analyze PC-9 lung cancer cells and BEAS-2B normal bronchial epithelial cells, identifying distinct biochemical differences. Notably, cancer cells showed higher levels of adenine, cytochromes, DNA/RNA, and unsaturated lipids, along with an increased unsaturation ratio and protein content. These findings were further validated using machine learning models. An eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model achieved perfect classification accuracy of 100 %, underscoring the robustness of the spectral features identified by our platform.Our platform not only enhances single-cell Raman signal detection but also holds promise for biomedical applications, including early cancer detection, treatment monitoring, and drug development. The high-throughput capacity of this platform featuring over 120,000 wells, along with its compatibility with techniques such as Raman-activated cell sorting (RACS) further extends its potential for clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine.

Impacto asistencial de la electroencefalografía realizada durante la guardia de Neurofisiología Clínica en un hospital de tercer nivel

IntroductionThe electroencephalogram (EEG) is a useful tool in the diagnosis of pathologies such as non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) or brain death (BD), cardiac arrest (CA), and status epilepticus (SE) treatment monitoring. In addition, it provides irreplaceable information depending on the time it is performed, as is the case with the diagnosis of epilepsy after a first epileptic seizure (ES) or to differentiate these from non-epileptic paroxysmal events (NEPE). Its usefulness is maintained outside the usual working day, but it is not available in many centers. Subjects and methodsRetrospective observational study based on the clinical history of 86 patients who underwent an on-call EEG (ocEEG) at our hospital during 2020. ResultsOne hundred two records requested by Intensive Care (41.1%), Neurology (37.3%), Pediatrics (17.6%) or other services (4%) were made. Suspected NCSE represented 56.7%, followed by treatment monitoring in EE (21.6%). The ME accounted for only 6.9% of the total. The ocEEG avoided potential iatrogenesis in a 56.3% of cases with therapeutic implications, allowed to treat 27.58% of patients who would have remained without treatment until the conventional EEG. An increase in the level of care was required in only 22.2% of all cases. The ocEEG was anticipated a mean of 31.6h to the next conventional EEG that would have been available. ConclusionsThe availability of ocEEG is beneficial in terms of diagnosis, therapy, and hospital management, advancing decision-making and avoiding iatrogenesis. Its availability should become widespread.

Patients Facing Large Language Models in Oncology: A Narrative Review.

The integration of large language models (LLMs) into oncology is transforming patients' journeys through education, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and follow-up. This review examines the current landscape, potential benefits, and associated ethical and regulatory considerations of the application of LLMs for patients in the oncologic domain.

Analysis of Candidate miRNAs' Expression in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Despite advances in molecular diagnostics, PC diagnosis relies on imaging technologies and morphological assessment of fine needle aspirates (FNAs). MicroRNA (miRNA) involvement in PC pathogenesis and potential diagnostics application have been suggested, albeit current supporting evidence is lacking. Here, we investigated the association of selected miRNAs with PC incidence and clinical characteristics. Fold expression of miR-216a-3p, -217-5p, -221-3p, -222-3p, and miR-196a-5p was assessed in 73 PC FNA cell-block sections and 6 healthy pancreas tissues using Taqman advanced miRNA assays. Potential miRNA targets were ascertained using immunocytochemistry. miR-196a-5p was upregulated in PC compared to healthy pancreatic tissue (β = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.065 - (-0.035); p < 0.001). miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p fold expression were strongly correlated (r = 0.897, p < 0.001), whereas miR-196a-5p fold expression correlated with that of miR-221-3p (r = 0.688, p < 0.001) and miR-222-3p (r = 0.489, p < 0.001). Moreover, miR-196a-5p fold expression positively correlated with tumor stage (r = 0.32, p = 0.034). miR-217-5p fold expression inversely correlated with KRAS expression (r = -0.69, p = 0.0027). Our study shows miR-196a-5p has reasonable specificity to PC and thus may have diagnostic and prognostic potential in PC as proposed in the literature. Moreover, KRAS and NFKBIA may be potential targets for miR-217-5p and miR-196a-5p, respectively. Thus, these miRNAs may be involved in tumor progression and may have valuable applications in novel therapeutics or treatment monitoring.

Weighted ultrasound entropy imaging for HIFU ablation monitoring with improved sensitivity and contrast.

Although B-mode imaging has been widely used in ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment, challenges remain in improving its quality and sensitivity for monitoring the thermal dose. Recently, quantitative ultrasound (QUS) imaging has been recognized with the potential to better sense the changes in the microstructure of ablated tissues. This study proposed to use a QUS method called weighted ultrasound entropy (WUE) imaging to monitor the HIFU ablation. Based on ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments, WUE images reflecting tissue changes during HIFU treatment under different acoustic power levels (174-308W) were reconstructed with a newly established imaging framework. The performance of the proposed WUE imaging in the monitoring of HIFU treatment was compared with the corresponding B-mode images in terms of their contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between the focal region and the background. It was found that HIFU irradiation with higher power generated larger WUE values in the focal region, and the bright spots grew in size as the acoustic sonication proceeded. Compared with the in-situ B-mode images, the WUE images had higher image quality in indicating lesion formation, with a 39.2%-53.4% improvement in the CNR at different stages. Meanwhile, a correlation (R=0.84) between the damage area estimated in WUE images and that measured from the dissected ex-vivo tissue samples was found. WUE imaging is more sensitive and accurate than B-mode imaging in monitoring HIFU therapy. These findings suggest that WUE imaging could be a promising technique for assisting ultrasound-guided HIFU ablation.

Safety and Efficacy of 177Lu-PSMA Therapy Following 223Radium Treatment: A Retrospective Multinational Real-World Analysis

Background177Lu PSMA therapy is increasingly used for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treatment. However, data on its efficacy and safety in patients previously treated with 223Ra remain limited. MethodsThis retrospective, multicenter study evaluated 233 mCRPC patients treated with 177Lu PSMA at five European centers. The cohort included 27 patients previously treated with 223Ra and 206 Radium-naive patients. Statistical analyses, including Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariate logistic regression, were used to assess response and mortality. Predictors of response and mortality were identified using multivariate models. ResultsPatients who experienced a longer interval between castration resistance and the initiation of 177Lu PSMA therapy demonstrated better responses (median 17 months in responders vs. 8.5 months in progressors, p=0.001). Platelet counts were significantly lower in the progressive group compared to the responsive group (p=0.01). Multivariate regression confirmed lower platelet levels as a predictor of poor response (p=0.029). The overall response rate to 177Lu PSMA was 54%, similar between the 223Ra-pretreated and Radium-naive groups. However, mortality was significantly higher in the 223Ra-pretreated group (86%) compared to the Radium-naive group (51%, p=0.003). ECOG performance status (p=0.004) and ALP levels (p=0.030) were significant predictors of mortality, while CRP showed a trend towards significance (p=0.064). Tolerability of 177Lu PSMA was comparable to the safety profile reported in the literature, with 44% of 223Ra-pretreated patients experiencing AEs and 22% experiencing severe AEs (Grade ≥3). Conclusions177Lu PSMA therapy is effective and well-tolerated in mCRPC patients pretreated with 223Ra. However, higher mortality was observed in the 223Ra-pretreated group. ECOG PS, ALP, and platelet counts were significant predictors of response and mortality, and a longer interval between therapies was associated with better outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of treatment sequencing and monitoring prognostic markers. Micro-abstractEven in a real-world setting, 177Lu PSMA remains an effective treatment for mCRPC, achieving response rates up to 54% even in patients previously treated with 223Ra. Our findings indicate that 177Lu PSMA is well-tolerated after 223Ra, with no significant increase in adverse events. However, higher mortality rates were observed in the 223Ra cohort, suggesting a potentially poorer prognosis for patients who received 223Ra as an initial treatment.

Severe Uncontrolled Asthma: A Longitudinal Retrospective Study Illustrating the Experience of the Pulmonology Clinic of Târgu-Mureș, Romania.

Introduction: Severe uncontrolled asthma (SUA) affects approximately 5% of asthma patients, leading to frequent exacerbations, reduced lung function, and lower quality of life. Recent biologic therapies target specific inflammatory pathways, offering new options for SUA. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and biomarkers in patients with SUA treated with biologics (Omalizumab, Benralizumab, and Dupilumab) at our clinic. Material and Methods: A six-month retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on 28 patients aged 36-83 years with SUA. Patients were divided into three groups: Omalizumab (n = 4), Benralizumab (n = 18), and Dupilumab (n = 6). Lung function tests and biomarkers such as eosinophil and IgE levels were measured over 3-month periods (T0, T1, and T2). Asthma control was assessed using asthma control tests (ACT), and non-parametric statistical methods were applied. Results: The median patient age was 64 years, with 75% showing elevated eosinophil counts (>300 cells/µL). Benralizumab significantly improved lung function (p < 0.05) and ACT scores (p < 0.001), reducing eosinophil counts to zero (p < 0.001). Patients on Dupilumab and Omalizumab showed improved asthma control (p < 0.05) and reduced exacerbations, albeit to a lesser extent (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Biologics, particularly Benralizumab and Dupilumab, improved asthma control, lung function, and quality of life in SUA patients, with improved ACT scores and spirometry values. Some patients remained poorly controlled, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment and regular biomarker monitoring. Multidisciplinary management and lifestyle changes are critical for better outcomes in SUA.

Automatic 3-dimensional quantification of orthodontically induced root resorption in cone-beam computed tomography images based on deep learning

Orthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR) is a common and undesirable consequence of orthodontic treatment. Traditionally, studies employ manual methods to conduct 3-dimensional quantitative analysis of OIRR via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which is often subjective and time-consuming. With advancements in computer technology, deep learning-based approaches have gained traction in medical image processing. This study presents a deep learning-based model for the fully automatic extraction of root volume information and the localization of root resorption from CBCT images. In this cross-sectional, retrospective study, 4534 teeth from 105 patients were used to train and validate an automatic model for OIRR quantification. The protocol encompassed several steps: preprocessing of CBCT images involving automatic tooth segmentation and conversion into point clouds, followed by segmentation of tooth crowns and roots via the Dynamic Graph Convolutional Neural Network. The root volume was subsequently calculated, and OIRR localization was performed. The intraclass correlation coefficient was employed to validate the consistency between the automatic model and manual measurements. The proposed method strongly correlated with manual measurements in terms of root volume and OIRR severity assessment. The intraclass correlation coefficient values for average volume measurements at each tooth position exceeded 0.95 (P<0.001), with the accuracy of different OIRR severity classifications surpassing 0.8. The proposed methodology provides automatic and reliable tools for OIRR assessment, offering potential improvements in orthodontic treatment planning and monitoring.

Primary pulmonary alveolar soft part sarcoma with ASPSCR1-TFE3 gene fusion: Case report and literature review.

Primary pulmonary alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an extremely rare disease characterized by a specific genetic abnormality - the ASPSCR1-TFE3 gene fusion. This study presented a 27-year-old male patient who experienced persistent chest tightness for over 6 months. The computed tomography (CT) scan and enhanced CT scan revealed a mass in the medial segment of the right middle lobe of his lung. The patients then underwent further diagnosis. Pathological examination showed the tumor to be consisting of polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic or transparent cytoplasm arranged in nests. Next-generation sequencing reported ASPSCR1-TFE3 gene fusion, confirming the final diagnosis of primary pulmonary ASPS. Regular follow-ups of 12 months showed no signs of tumor recurrence. The patients underwent the medial segment resection of the right middle lobe for treatment. A CT examination 3 months after the operation showed that the patient had improved. The last review showed no recurrence or metastasis. This case report highlights the importance of detailed diagnosis, prompt treatment, and close monitoring of patients with ASPS.

Vitiligo is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: a large-scale, propensity-matched, US-based retrospective study

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, characterized by specific destruction of melanocytes. While associations with numerous comorbid conditions, which potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases have been described, data on the risk for cardiovascular disease is inconclusive. To address this relevant knowledge gap, this study aims to identify the risk of cardiovascular disease in vitiligo. The US Collaborative Network was accessed using the TriNetX platform, allowing retrospective data retrieval from electronic health records (EHRs) from 57 US based health care organizations (HCOs). Patients with vitiligo and controls were identified by their respective ICD10 codes. Risk of onset of several cardiovascular diseases was determined in patients within 15 years after diagnoses. A total of 94 diagnoses with a prevalence of ≥1% in both cohorts, which consisted of 96,581 individuals per group after propensity-score-matching, were identified. Of those, 54 displayed an increased risk in vitiligo. None of the cardiovascular diseases investigated were associated with a decreased risk in patients with vitiligo. Specifically, cerebral infarction occurred in 1.3% of patients with vitiligo, and 1.0% in controls. This difference translated into a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.32, padj<0.001). Venous thromboembolism was recorded in 1.34% of cases and 1.02% of controls without vitiligo, resulting in an increased HR of 1.27 (95% CI 1.171-1.38, padj<0.001). Further, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as a composite endpoint was evaluated. The risk for MACE was increased following a vitiligo diagnosis (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.22-1.35, padj<0.001), which persisted in both sensitivity analyses. Patients with vitiligo display an increased risk of onset of cardiovascular diseases as compared to healthy individuals. Thus, vitiligo might require more precise monitoring and systemic treatment. This research was supported by the Schleswig-Holstein Excellence-Chair Program from the State of Schleswig Holstein, by the Excellence Cluster Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation (DFG, EXC 2167), and by DFG Individual Grant LU 877/25-1.

Treatment monitoring utilizing ctDNA-based molecular residual disease detection in early-stage endometrial cancer

Treatment monitoring utilizing ctDNA-based molecular residual disease detection in early-stage endometrial cancer

Detection of HBV pgRNA by catalytic hairpin assembly combined with two Kinds of immunochromatographic strips

Serum HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), as an important marker of HBV replication activity, has significant potential in virological monitoring and efficacy evaluation. In this study, two highly sensitive HBV pgRNA detection platforms were developed based on catalytic hairpin assembly technology, combined with flow lateral immunochromatography and colloidal gold immunochromatography. The signal amplification achieved by CHA technology avoids the dependence of RT-qPCR on thermal cycling equipment. The experimental results showed that the minimum detection limit of CHA-LFIA was 1 pM, and the minimum detection limit of CHA-GICA was 10 pM. Both CHA-LFIA and CHA-GICA had good specificity and could effectively distinguish between target RNA and non-target sequences. The results of CHA-LFIA and CHA-GICA were highly consistent with those of RT-qPCR, and had the potential for clinical application. This study provides a simple, rapid and innovative solution for the detection of HBV pgRNA, which does not rely on expensive equipment, and can be used for the early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of HBV infection.

Bi-modal confirmation of liposome delivery to the brain after focused ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening

Focused ultrasound-mediated opening of the blood-brain barrier offers a great opportunity to deliver therapeutics into hard-to-treat brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme or diffuse midline glioma. However, the potential of the technique to offer a time window for efficient nanomedicine delivery has not been thoroughly studied. Non-invasive and targeted delivery of large drug-loaded nanocarriers, such as liposomes, could offer a safe and scalable method of personalized therapy for the treatment of brain pathologies. Additionally, it is essential to monitor the safety and efficacy of such treatments, tracking drug delivery in real-time through quantitative medical imaging.In this study, liposomes were modified to have an MRI contrast agent (i.e., Gd) in both lipid membrane and core, while an infrared dye (i.e., CW800) was coupled to lipids introduced in the lipid bilayer for bimodal detection and treatment verification. Targeted delivery of 110nm-in-diameter liposomes to the brain was quantified using 9.4-T MRI and near infrared fluorescence imaging. The spatiotemporal distribution of liposomes in vivo was assessed up to 4 hours post treatment using T1 weighted MRI. In vivo MRI signal co-localized with NIRF signal from excised brains ex vivo. Passive acoustic detection during treatments revealed a correlation between acoustic signal and MRI contrast, providing a scalable metric for assessing clinical treatment efficacy in real-time. In conclusion, therapeutic ultrasound exposure can enhance delivery of large trackable nanoparticles into the brain, while enabling real-time treatment monitoring and verification.

Treatment monitoring utilizing ctDNA-based molecular residual disease detection in early-stage endometrial cancer

Treatment monitoring utilizing ctDNA-based molecular residual disease detection in early-stage endometrial cancer

Treatment monitoring utilizing ctDNA-based molecular residual disease detection in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer and recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

Treatment monitoring utilizing ctDNA-based molecular residual disease detection in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer and recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

Lessons learned from setting up a hospital-based national registry for venous thromboembolic disorders in India

ABSTRACT Introduction: Health registries are instrumental in tracking trends in the number of people with diseases, monitoring treatment options, and assessing health outcomes. This research examines the challenges of establishing and maintaining a venous thromboembolism (VTE) registry in the Indian context. Methods: A mixed-method approach with purposive sampling was conducted to capture the challenges faced by individuals playing key roles in the establishment and operation of the national registry on VTE. This study focused on 10 questions related to technological infrastructure, resource optimization, data collection and management, coordination and collaboration, regulatory compliance, and political influences and were documented using a semi-structured questionnaire and telephonic interviews. Results: Technological, recruitment, and follow-up challenges were prominently highlighted with issues related to data entry, system glitches, changes to the data entry forms, and potential participant reluctance. Conclusion: Findings from this study highlight the multifaceted challenges experienced during the establishment of a national registry on VTE. By integrating insights from our findings into suggestions, this discussion reflects the specific challenges faced by the research project and offers evidence-based strategies for mitigating these challenges.

Changes in Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA Before and After Rejection and De Novo DSA Detection in Primary and Repeat Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Serial monitoring of dd-cfDNA and change from baseline can provide meaningful information beyond absolute thresholds. We describe dd-cfDNA trajectories from the baseline before and after acute rejection (AR) and de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) detection in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We included KTR from 02/2019 to 03/2022 with serial dd-cfDNA. The primary analysis compared the time-varying change in dd-cfDNA from baseline in KTR first AR on biopsy [AR] to patients with no-AR on biopsy [no-AR]. 151 KTR were analyzed (AR=56 KTR, no-AR=95 KTRs). In the AR group, dd-cfDNA rose ahead of diagnosis: median rise from baseline was 75% at -3 months, 32% at -2 months, and 325% at -1 month before biopsy. At the time of biopsy, the median rise in dd-cfDNA from baseline was 291% (IQR [interquartile range] 88%-1081%) in AR and 17% (IQR 0%- 194%) in no-AR (p<0.0001). Following treatment, dd-cfDNA values fell in the AR group with a median change from baseline of 94.7% at +1 month, 10.5% at +2 months, and 0% at +3 months. These trajectories were not observed in the no-AR group. Similarly, there were no significant differences in eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) trajectories between the two groups. The median change from baseline to dnDSA detection was 141% (IQR 112%-574%). In KTRs with persistent rejection, median dd-cfDNA was 0.95% (IQR 0.44-1.8) compared to 0.19% (IQR 0.12-0.31) in subjects with no rejection on follow-up (p<0.001). The significant changes from baseline observed before and after AR show how serial monitoring enhances dd-cfDNA utility and allows for earlier identification of evolving injury and monitoring treatment response.

Preliminary Study of Radionuclide-Labeled MerTK-Targeting PET Imaging Agents for the Diagnosis of Melanoma.

MerTK PET imaging holds potential as a promising approach for assessing tumor aggressiveness and monitoring treatment response. In this study, we synthesized a series of 18F- and 68Ga-labeled tracers derived from MerTK inhibitors for detection of MerTK expression. Among the synthesized agents, the dimeric compounds [68Ga]10 and [68Ga]12 demonstrated good in vivo and in vitro stability, high affinities to the MerTK receptor, and good MerTK-targeting specificity. Notably, [68Ga]10 exhibited a tumor uptake of 2.6 ± 0.2%ID/g at 1 h p. i. in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice, nearly tripling the uptake of its monomeric counterpart [68Ga]3. A similar enhancement was observed with [68Ga]12 compared to its monomeric analog [68Ga]6. Additionally, [18F]14 achieved a tumor uptake of 7.6 ± 0.5%ID/g at 2 h p. i., outperforming the previously reported [18F]15. Biodistribution analysis further validated the results, highlighting their potential for clinical investigation.

Electrochemical sensor for vascular endothelial growth factor based on self-assembling DNA aptamer structure

Developing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein is essential for early cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment monitoring. This study presents the design and characterisation of an electrochemical sensor utilising a self-assembling DNA aptamer structure for the sensitive and selective detection of VEGF. The aptamer structure comprises three different parts of single-stranded DNA that are assembled prior to integration into the sensor. Polypyrrole (Ppy)-based layers were deposited onto screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) using an electrochemical deposition technique, followed by the entrapment of a self-assembled DNA aptamer structure within electrochemically formed Ppy matrix ((DNA aptamer)/Ppy). The response to the sensor toward VEGF was measured by the pulsed amperometric detection (PAD), highlighting the enhanced performance of DNA aptamer/Ppy configuration compared to bare Ppy. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.21 nM for VEGF. The interaction behaviour between VEGF in the solution and the immobilise DNA aptamer/Ppy-based structure was analysed using Langmuir isotherm model. The developed electrochemical biosensor is promising for in vitro applications in early cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring, enabling rapid screening of patient samples.