The value of gamma camera and computed tomography data set coregistration to assess Lewis Y antigen targeting in small cell lung cancer by (111)Indium-labeled humanized monoclonal antibody 3S193

Radionuclide-based theranostics - a promising strategy for lung cancer

PURPOSE

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest literature on personalized lung cancer management using different ligands and radionuclide-based tumor-targeting agents.

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Due to the heterogeneity of lung cancer, advances in precision medicine may enhance the disease management landscape. More recently, theranostics using the same molecule labeled with two different radionuclides for imaging and treatment has emerged as a promising strategy for systemic cancer management. In radionuclide-based theranostics, the target, ligand, and radionuclide should all be carefully considered to achieve an accurate diagnosis and optimal therapeutic effects for lung cancer.

METHODS

We summarize the latest radiotracers and radioligand therapeutic agents used in diagnosing and treating lung cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential clinical applications and limitations associated with target-dependent radiotracers as well as therapeutic radionuclides. Finally, we provide our views on the perspectives for future development in this field.

CONCLUSIONS

Radionuclide-based theranostics show great potential in tailored medical care. We expect that this review can provide an understanding of the latest advances in radionuclide therapy for lung cancer and promote the application of radioligand theranostics in personalized medicine.

Targeting Glycans and Heavily Glycosylated Proteins for Tumor Imaging

Simple Summary

Distinguishing malignancy from healthy tissue is essential for oncologic surgery. Targeted imaging during an operation aids the surgeon to operate better. The present tracers for detecting cancer are directed against proteins that are overexpressed on the membrane of tumor cells. This review evaluates the use of tumor-associated sugar molecules as an alternative for proteins to image cancer tissue. These sugar molecules are present as glycans on glycosylated membrane proteins and glycolipids. Due to their location and large numbers per cell, these sugar molecules might be better targets for tumor imaging than proteins.

Abstract

Real-time tumor imaging techniques are increasingly used in oncological surgery, but still need to be supplemented with novel targeted tracers, providing specific tumor tissue detection based on intra-tumoral processes or protein expression. To maximize tumor/non-tumor contrast, targets should be highly and homogenously expressed on tumor tissue only, preferably from the earliest developmental stage onward. Unfortunately, most evaluated tumor-associated proteins appear not to meet all of these criteria. Thus, the quest for ideal targets continues. Aberrant glycosylation of proteins and lipids is a fundamental hallmark of almost all cancer types and contributes to tumor progression. Additionally, overexpression of glycoproteins that carry aberrant glycans, such as mucins and proteoglycans, is observed. Selected tumor-associated glyco-antigens are abundantly expressed and could, thus, be ideal candidates for targeted tumor imaging. Nevertheless, glycan-based tumor imaging is still in its infancy. In this review, we highlight the potential of glycans, and heavily glycosylated proteoglycans and mucins as targets for multimodal tumor imaging by discussing the preclinical and clinical accomplishments within this field. Additionally, we describe the major advantages and limitations of targeting glycans compared to cancer-associated proteins. Lastly, by providing a brief overview of the most attractive tumor-associated glycans and glycosylated proteins in association with their respective tumor types, we set out the way for implementing glycan-based imaging in a clinical practice.

Blood group-related antigen Ley on human platelets and its involvement in platelet aggregation via a possible interaction with CD61

BACKGROUND

The Le^y antigen is a carbohydrate chain belonging to the ABH-Lewis blood group family. Le^y has been reported to be present on red blood cells (RBCs) and granulocytes, but its distribution and function in platelets remain unknown. There are a variety of glycoproteins on platelets, which may carry the Le^y antigen. This study aims to investigate the expression pattern and the function of Le^y in human platelets.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to determine Le^y expression on human platelets. ADP (1.25-10 μM) and thrombin (0.05-1 IU/mL) were used to activate platelets in the presence or absence of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and the Le^y expression was evaluated again by flow cytometry. Blockade was performed with an anti-Le^y monoclonal antibody to verify the role of this epitope in platelet function. Finally, coimmunoprecipitation was performed to identify glycoproteins associated with Le^y .

RESULTS

Le^y was expressed on human platelets independent of ABO blood type. Le^y expression was decreased in a dose-dependent manner after activation with either ADP or thrombin, and this effect could be partially reversed by PGE1. Anti- Le^y mAb treatment increased alpha-granule release and neutralized the inhibitory effect of the anti-CD61 antibody on platelet aggregation. In addition, Le^y was proven to interact and colocalize with CD61.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate nondifferential expression of Le^y in platelets of different ABO blood types and suggest the involvement of Le^y in platelet function, possibly via interaction with CD61.

Rational chemical design of the next generation of molecular imaging probes based on physics and biology: mixing modalities, colors and signals

In recent years, numerous in vivo molecular imaging probes have been developed. As a consequence, much has been published on the design and synthesis of molecular imaging probes focusing on each modality, each type of material, or each target disease. More recently, second generation molecular imaging probes with unique, multi-functional, or multiplexed characteristics have been designed. This critical review focuses on (i) molecular imaging using combinations of modalities and signals that employ the full range of the electromagnetic spectra, (ii) optimized chemical design of molecular imaging probes for in vivo kinetics based on biology and physiology across a range of physical sizes, (iii) practical examples of second generation molecular imaging probes designed to extract complementary data from targets using multiple modalities, color, and comprehensive signals (277 references).