Bombesin analogues for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor imaging

A novel bombesin-related peptide modulates glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in non-obese and hypothalamic-obese rats

This study investigated the effects of a novel bombesin-related peptide (BR-b), derived from the skin of the Chaco tree frog (Boana raniceps), on glucose homeostasis in non-obese and hypothalamic-obese male rats. Hypothalamic obesity was induced in neonatal rats through high-dose administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG; 4 g/kg), while control animals (CTL) received an equimolar saline solution. At 70 days of age, both MSG and CTL groups underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; 2 g/kg) with or without prior intraperitoneal administration of BR-b at doses of 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, delivered 5 min before the glucose challenge. At 75 days of age, pancreatic islets were isolated and exposed to glucose in the presence or absence of BR-b (1.0 or 5.0 μM). MSG-treated rats developed obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. BR-b administration exacerbated glucose intolerance during the OGTT, particularly at the 1.0 mg/kg dose, with more pronounced effects observed in the CTL group. Insulin secretion from pancreatic islets was influenced by both obesity status and glucose concentration. In islets from CTL rats, BR-b (5 μM) reduced insulin release under non-stimulatory glucose conditions but enhanced insulin secretion at stimulatory glucose levels. Conversely, in islets from MSG-obese rats, BR-b exhibited an inhibitory effect on insulin release at basal glucose concentrations, while the insulinotropic response to high glucose was abolished. In summary, BR-b administration shortly before the OGTT impaired glucose tolerance and modulated insulin secretion from pancreatic islets in a glucose-dependent manner in non-obese rats. These effects were attenuated or absent in MSG-obese rats, indicating that hypothalamic obesity alters the metabolic responses to bombesin-related peptides.

GRPr Theranostics: Current Status of Imaging and Therapy using GRPr Targeting Radiopharmaceuticals

Addressing molecular targets, that are overexpressed by various tumor entities, using radiolabeled molecules for a combined diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) approach is of increasing interest in oncology. The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr), which is part of the bombesin family, has shown to be overexpressed in a variety of tumors, therefore, serving as a promising target for those theranostic applications. A large amount of differently radiolabeled bombesin derivatives addressing the GRPr have been evaluated in the preclinical as well as clinical setting showing fast blood clearance and urinary excretion with selective GRPr-binding. Most of the available studies on GRPr-targeted imaging and therapy have evaluated the theranostic approach in prostate and breast cancer applying bombesin derivatives tagged with the predominantly used theranostic pair of ⁶⁸Ga/¹⁷⁷Lu which is the focus of this review.

In Vitro Evaluation and Biodistribution Studies of HPMA Copolymers Targeting the Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor in Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

The development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents utilizing small peptides (e.g., bombesin (BBN)) to target the overexpression of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in cancers has been widely investigated. Herein, we examine the capabilities of BBN-modified HPMA copolymers to target the GRPR.

METHODS

Four positive, four negative, and two zwitterionic BBN HPMA copolymer conjugates of varying peptide content and charge were synthesized. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted in a GRPR-overexpressing prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) and a normal CF-1 mouse model, respectively.

RESULTS

Cellular uptake of the conjugates were found to be charge and BBN density dependent. The positively-charged conjugates illustrated a direct relationship between the extent of cellular internalization, ranging from 0.7 to 20%, and BBN-incorporation density. The negative and zwitterionic conjugates showed low PC-3 uptake values. Blocking studies confirmed the GRPR-targeting effect of the positively-charged constructs. In vivo studies of the positively-charged copolymers resulted in rapid blood clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS)-associated tissues (e.g., liver and spleen).

CONCLUSION

Positively-charged BBN-HPMA copolymer conjugates demonstrated good GRPR-targeting and internalization in vitro. However, the impact of peptide density and charge on in vivo MPS recognition are parameters that must be optimized in future agent development.

Synthesis and evaluation of Re/99mTc(I) complexes bearing a somatostatin receptor-targeting antagonist and labeled via a novel [N,S,O] clickable bifunctional chelating agent

The somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) is often highly expressed on neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), making it a popular in vivo target for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches aimed toward management of NETs. In this work, an antagonist peptide (sst₂-ANT) with high affinity for SSTR2 was modified at the N-terminus with a novel [N,S,O] bifunctional chelator (2) designed for tridentate chelation of rhenium(I) and technetium(I) tricarbonyl cores, [Re(CO)₃]⁺ and [^99mTc][Tc(CO)₃]⁺. The chelator-peptide conjugation was performed via a Cu(I)-assisted click reaction of the alkyne-bearing chelator (2) with an azide-functionalized sst₂-ANT peptide (3), to yield NSO-sst₂-ANT (4). Two synthetic methods were used to prepare Re-4 at the macroscopic scale, which differed based on the relative timing of the click conjugation to the [Re(CO)₃]⁺ complexation by 2. The resulting products demonstrated the expected molecular mass and nanomolar in vitro SSTR2 affinity (IC₅₀ values under 30 nM, AR42J cells, [¹²⁵I]iodo-Tyr¹¹-somatostatin-14 radioligand standard). However, a difference in their HPLC retention times suggested a difference in metal coordination modes, which was attributed to a competing N-triazole donor ligand formed during click conjugation. Surprisingly, the radiotracer scale reaction of [^99mTc][Tc(OH₂)₃(CO)₃]⁺ (^99mTc; t_½ = 6 h, 141 keV γ) with 4 formed a third product, distinct from the Re analogues, making this one of the unusual cases in which Re and Tc chemistries are not well matched. Nevertheless, the [^99mTc]Tc-4 product demonstrated excellent in vitro stability to challenges by cysteine and histidine (≥98% intact through 24 h), along with 75% stability in mouse serum through 4 h. In vivo biodistribution and microSPECT/CT imaging studies performed in AR42J tumor-bearing mice revealed improved clearance of this radiotracer in comparison to a similar [^99mTc][Tc(CO)₃]-labeled sst₂-ANT derivative previously studied. Yet despite having adequate tumor uptake at 1 h (4.9% ID/g), tumor uptake was not blocked by co-administration of a receptor-saturating dose of SS-14. Aimed toward realignment of the Re and Tc product structures, future efforts should include distancing the alkyne group from the intended donor atoms of the chelator, to reduce the coordination options available to the [M(CO)₃]⁺ core (M = Re, ^99mTc) by disfavoring involvement of the N-triazole.

Bombesin functionalized 64Cu-copper sulfide nanoparticles for targeted imaging of orthotopic prostate cancer

Aim: To synthesize and evaluate the imaging potential of Bom-PEG-[64Cu]CuS nanoparticles (NPs) in orothotopic prostate tumor. Materials & methods: [64Cu]CuS NPs were synthesized in aqueous solution by 64CuCl2 and Na2S reaction. Then PEG linker with or without bombesin peptide were conjugated to the surface of [64Cu]CuS NPs to produce Bom-PEG-[64Cu]CuS and PEG-[64Cu]CuS NPs. These two kinds of NPs were used for testing specific uptake in prostate cancer cells in vitro and imaging of orthotopic prostate tumor in vivo. Results: Bom-PEG-[64Cu]CuS and PEG-[64Cu]CuS NPs were successfully synthesized with core diameter of approximately 5 nm. Radioactive cellular uptake revealed that Bom-PEG-[64Cu]CuS was able to specifically bind to prostate cancer cells, and the microPET-CT imaging indicated clear visualization of orthotopic prostate tumors. Conclusion: Radiolabeled Bom-PEG-[64Cu]CuS NPs have potential as an ideal agent for orthotopic prostate tumor imaging by microPET-CT.

Comparison of [(11)C]Choline ([(11)C]CHO) and [(18)F]Bombesin (BAY 86-4367) as Imaging Probes for Prostate Cancer in a PC-3 Prostate Cancer Xenograft Model

PURPOSE

Carbon-11- and fluorine-18-labeled choline derivatives are commonly used in prostate cancer imaging in the clinical setting for staging and re-staging of prostate cancer. Due to a limited detection rate of established positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, there is a clinical need for innovative tumor-specific PET compounds addressing new imaging targets. The aim of this study was to compare the properties of [(18)F]Bombesin (BAY 86-4367) as an innovative biomarker for prostate cancer imaging targeting the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor and [(11)C]Choline ([(11)C]CHO) in a human prostate tumor mouse xenograft model by small animal PET/X-ray computed tomography (CT).

PROCEDURES

We carried out a dual-tracer small animal PET/CT study comparing [(18)F]Bombesin and [(11)C]CHO. The androgen-independent human prostate tumor cell line PC-3 was implanted subcutaneously in the flanks of nu/nu NMRI mice (n = 10) (PET/CT measurements of two [(11)C]Choline mice could not be analyzed due to technical reasons). [(18)F]Bombesin and [(11)C]CHO PET/CT imaging was performed about 3-4 weeks after the implantation of PC-3 cells on two separate days. After the intravenous tail vein injection of 14 MBq [(18)F]Bombesin and 37 MBq [(11)C]CHO, respectively, a dynamic study over 60 min was acquired in list mode using an Inveon animal PET/CT scanner (Siemens Medical Solutions). The sequence of [(18)F]Bombesin and [(11)C]CHO was randomized. Image analysis was performed using summed images as well as dynamic data. To calculate static and dynamic tumor-to-muscle (T/M), tumor-to-blood (T/B), liver-to-blood (L/B), and kidney-to-blood (K/B) ratios, 4 × 4 × 4 mm(3) volumes of interest (VOIs) of tumor, muscle (thigh), liver, kidney, and blood derived from transversal slices were used.

RESULTS

The mean T/M ratio of [(18)F]Bombesin and [(11)C]CHO was 6.54 ± 2.49 and 1.35 ± 0.30, respectively. The mean T/B ratio was 1.83 ± 0.79 for [(18)F]Bombesin and 0.55 ± 0.10 for [(11)C]CHO. The T/M ratio as well as the T/B ratio for [(18)F]Bombesin were significantly higher compared to those for [(11)C]CHO (p < 0.001, respectively). Kidney and liver uptake was statistically significantly lower for [(18)F]Bombesin (K/B 3.41 ± 0.81, L/B 1.99 ± 0.38) compared to [(11)C]CHO [K/B 7.91 ± 1.85 (p < 0.001), L/B 6.27 ± 1.99 (p < 0.001)]. The magnitudes of the time course of T/M and T/B ratios (T/M and T/Bdyn ratios) were statistically significantly different (showing a higher uptake of [(18)F]Bombesin compared to [(11)C]CHO); additionally, also the change of the T/M and T/B ratios over time was significantly different between both tracers in the dynamic analysis (p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there was a statistically significantly different change of the K/B and L/B ratios over time between the two tracers in the dynamic analysis (p = 0.026 and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

[(18)F]Bombesin (BAY 86-4367) visually and semi-quantitatively outperforms [(11)C]CHO in the PC-3 prostate cancer xenograft model. [(18)F]Bombesin tumor uptake was significantly higher compared to [(11)C]CHO. [(18)F]Bombesin showed better imaging properties compared to the clinically utilized [(11)C]CHO due to a higher tumor uptake as well as a lower liver and kidney uptake.

Radiolabeled bombesin derivatives for preclinical oncological imaging

Despite efforts, cancer is still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. Among the strategies to reduce cancer progression and improving its management, implementing early detection technologies is crucial. Based on the fact that several types of cancer cells overexpress surface receptors, small molecule ligands, such as peptides, have been developed to allow tumor identification at earlier stages. Allied with imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT, radiolabeled peptides play a pivotal role in nuclear medicine. Bombesin, a peptide of 14 amino acids, is an amphibian homolog to the mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), that has been extensively studied as a targeting ligand for diagnosis and therapy of GRP positive tumors, such as breast, pancreas, lungs and prostate cancers. In this context, herein we provide a review of reported bombesin derivatives radiolabeled with a multitude of radioactive isotopes for diagnostic purposes in the preclinical setting. Moreover, since animal models are highly relevant for assessing the potential of clinical translation of this radiopeptides, a brief report of the currently used GRP-positive tumor-bearing animal models is described.

Bombesin related peptides/receptors and their promising therapeutic roles in cancer imaging, targeting and treatment

INTRODUCTION

Despite remarkable advances in tumor treatment, many patients still die from common tumors (breast, prostate, lung, CNS, colon, and pancreas), and thus, new approaches are needed. Many of these tumors synthesize bombesin (Bn)-related peptides and over-express their receptors (BnRs), hence functioning as autocrine-growth-factors. Recent studies support the conclusion that Bn-peptides/BnRs are well-positioned for numerous novel antitumor treatments, including interrupting autocrine-growth and the use of over-expressed receptors for imaging and targeting cytotoxic-compounds, either by direct-coupling or combined with nanoparticle-technology.

AREAS COVERED

The unique ability of common neoplasms to synthesize, secrete, and show a growth/proliferative/differentiating response due to BnR over-expression, is reviewed, both in general and with regard to the most frequently investigated neoplasms (breast, prostate, lung, and CNS). Particular attention is paid to advances in the recent years. Also considered are the possible therapeutic approaches to the growth/differentiation effect of Bn-peptides, as well as the therapeutic implication of the frequent BnR over-expression for tumor-imaging and/or targeted-delivery.

EXPERT OPINION

Given that Bn-related-peptides/BnRs are so frequently ectopically-expressed by common tumors, which are often malignant and become refractory to conventional treatments, therapeutic interventions using novel approaches to Bn-peptides and receptors are being explored. Of particular interest is the potential of reproducing with BnRs in common tumors the recent success of utilizing overexpression of somatostatin-receptors by neuroendocrine-tumors to provide the most sensitive imaging methods and targeted delivery of cytotoxic-compounds.

Improving the stability of peptidic radiotracers by the introduction of artificial scaffolds: which structure element is most useful?

Peptidic radiotracers are highly potent substances for the specific in vivo imaging of various biological targets with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography. However, some radiolabeled peptides such as bombesin analogs were shown to exhibit only a limited stability, hampering a successful target visualization. One option to positively influence the stability of radiolabeled peptides is the introduction of certain artificial molecular scaffolds. In order to comparatively assess the influence of different structure elements on the stability of radiolabeled peptides and to identify those structure elements being most useful for peptide radiotracer stabilization, several monomeric and dimeric bombesin derivatives were synthesized, exhibiting differing molecular designs and the chelator NODAGA for (68) Ga-labeling. The radiolabeled peptides were evaluated regarding their in vitro stability in human serum to determine the influence of the introduced molecular scaffolds on the peptides' serum stabilities. The results of the evaluations showed that the introduction of scaffold structures and the overall molecular design have a substantial impact on the stabilities of the resulting peptidic radiotracers. But besides some general trends found using certain scaffold structures, the obtained results point to the necessity to empirically assess their influence on stability for each susceptible peptidic radiotracer individually.

GRPR-selective PET imaging of prostate cancer using [(18)F]-lanthionine-bombesin analogs

The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in a variety of human malignancies, including prostate cancer. Bombesin (BBN) is a 14 amino acids peptide that selectively binds to GRPR. In this study, we developed two novel Al(18)F-labeled lanthionine-stabilized BBN analogs, designated Al(18)F-NOTA-4,7-lanthionine-BBN and Al(18)F-NOTA-2,6-lanthionine-BBN, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of GRPR expression using xenograft prostate cancer models. (Methyl)lanthionine-stabilized 4,7-lanthionine-BBN and 2,6-lanthionine-BBN analogs were conjugated with a NOTA chelator and radiolabeled with Al(18)F using the aluminum fluoride strategy. Al(18)F-NOTA-4,7-lanthionine-BBN and Al(18)F-NOTA-2,6-lanthionine-BBN was labeled with Al(18)F with good radiochemical yield and specific activity>30 GBq/μmol for both radiotracers. The logD values measured for Al(18)F-NOTA-4,7-lanthionine-BBN and Al(18)F-NOTA-2,6-lanthionine-BBN were -2.14 ± 0.14 and -2.34 ± 0.15, respectively. In athymic nude PC-3 xenografts, at 120 min post injection (p.i.), the uptake of Al(18)F-NOTA-4,7-lanthionine-BBN and Al(18)F-NOTA-2,6-lanthionine-BBN in prostate cancer (PC-3) mouse models was 0.82 ± 0.23% ID/g and 1.40 ± 0.81% ID/g, respectively. An excess of unlabeled ɛ-aminocaproic acid-BBN(7-14) (300-fold) was co-injected to assess GRPR binding specificity. Tumor uptake of Al(18)F-NOTA-4,7-lanthionine-BBN and Al(18)F-NOTA-2,6-lanthionine-BBN in PC-3 tumors was evaluated by microPET (μPET) imaging at 30, 60 and 120 min p.i. Blocking studies showed decreased uptake in PC-3 bearing mice. Stabilized 4,7-lanthionine-BBN and 2,6-lanthionine-BBN peptides were rapidly and successfully labeled with (18)F. Both tracers may have potential for GRPR-positive tumor imaging.

Biological evaluation of (177)Lu-labeled DOTA-Ala(SO3H)-Aminooctanoyl-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-N methyl Gly-His-Statine-Leu-NH2 for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-positive prostate tumor targeting

Bombesin binds with selectivity and high affinity to a Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), which is highly overexpressed in prostate cancer cells. The present study describes the in vitro and in vivo biological characteristics of DOTA-Ala(SO3H)-Aminooctanoyl-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-N methyl Gly-His-Statine-Leu-NH2 (DOTA-sBBNA), an antagonist analogue of bombesin peptide for the targeting of GRPR. DOTA-sBBNA was synthesized and labeled with (177)Lu as previously published. A saturation assay on PC-3 human prostate cancer cells revealed that the Kd value of the radiolabeled peptide was 1.88 nM with a maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of 289.3 fmol/10(6) cells. The radio-peptide slowly internalized, and 24.4±0.5% of the total binding was internalized in 4hr. Biodistribution studies were conducted in healthy and PC-3 xenografted balb/c mice, which showed high uptake and retention of tumor-associated radioactivity in PC-3 xenografted mice. The tumor-to-blood ratio was 126.02±9.36 at 1.5hr p.i., and was increased to 216.33±61.58 at 24hr p.i., which means that the radiolabeled peptide was highly accumulated in a tumor and rapidly cleared from the blood pool. The GRPR is also over-expressed in Korean prostate cancer patients. These results suggest that this (177)Lu-labeled peptide has promising characteristics for application in nuclear medicine, namely for the diagnosis and treatment of GRPR over-expressing prostate tumors.

⁸⁹Zr-huJ591 immuno-PET imaging in patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Given the bone tropism of prostate cancer, conventional imaging modalities poorly identify or quantify metastatic disease. (89)Zr-huJ591 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was performed in patients with metastatic prostate cancer to analyze and validate this as an imaging biomarker for metastatic disease. The purpose of this initial study was to assess safety, biodistribution, normal organ dosimetry, and optimal imaging time post-injection for lesion detection.

METHODS

Ten patients with metastatic prostate cancer received 5 mCi of (89)Zr-huJ591. Four whole-body scans with multiple whole-body count rate measurements and serum activity concentration measurements were obtained in all patients. Biodistribution, clearance, and lesion uptake by (89)Zr-huJ591 immuno-PET imaging was analyzed and dosimetry was estimated using MIRD techniques. Initial assessment of lesion targeting of (89)Zr-huJ591 was done. Optimal time for imaging post-injection was determined.

RESULTS

The dose was well tolerated with mild chills and rigors seen in two patients. The clearance of (89)Zr-huJ591 from serum was bi-exponential with biological half-lives of 7 ± 4.5 h (range 1.1-14 h) and 62 ± 13 h (range 51-89 h) for initial rapid and later slow phase. Whole-body biological clearance was 219 ± 48 h (range 153-317 h). The mean whole-body and liver residence time was 78.7 and 25.6 h, respectively. Dosimetric estimates to critical organs included liver 7.7 ± 1.5 cGy/mCi, renal cortex 3.5 ± 0.4 cGy/mCi, and bone marrow 1.2 ± 0.2 cGy/mCi. Optimal time for patient imaging after injection was 7 ± 1 days. Lesion targeting of bone or soft tissue was seen in all patients. Biopsies were performed in 8 patients for a total 12 lesions, all of which were histologically confirmed as metastatic prostate cancer. One biopsy-proven lesion was not positive on (89)Zr-huJ591, while the remaining 11 lesions were (89)Zr-huJ591 positive. Two biopsy-positive nodal lesions were noted only on (89)Zr-huJ591 study, while the conventional imaging modality was negative.

CONCLUSION

(89)Zr-huJ591 PET imaging of prostate-specific membrane antigen expression is safe and shows good localization of disease in prostate cancer patients. Liver is the critical organ for dosimetry, and 7 ± 1 days is the optimal imaging time. A larger study is underway to determine lesion detection in an expanded cohort of patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of SiFA-tagged bombesin and RGD peptides as tumor imaging probes for positron emission tomography

Gastrin-releasing-peptide (GRP)-receptors and αvβ3-integrins are widely discussed as potential target structures for oncological imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). Favored by the overexpression of receptors on the surface of tumor cells good imaging characteristics can be achieved with highly specific radiolabeled receptor ligands. PEGylated bombesin (PESIN) derivatives as specific GRP receptor ligands and RGD (one-letter codes for arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) peptides as specific αvβ3 binders were synthesized and tagged with a silicon-fluorine-acceptor (SiFA) moiety. The SiFA synthon allows for a fast and highly efficient isotopic exchange reaction at room temperature giving the [(18)F]fluoride labeled peptides in up to 62% radiochemical yields (d.c.) and ≥99% radiochemical purity in a total synthesis time of less than 20 min. Using nanomolar quantities of precursor high specific activities of up to 60 GBq μmol(-1) were obtained. To compensate the high lipophilicity of the SiFA moiety various hydrophilic structure modifications were introduced leading to significantly reduced logD values. Competitive displacement experiments with the PESIN derivatives showed a 32 to 6 nM affinity to the GRP receptor on PC3 cells, and with the RGD peptides a 7 to 3 μM affinity to the αvβ3 integrins on U87MG cells. All derivatives proved to be stable in human plasma over at least 120 min. Small animal PET measurements and biodistribution studies revealed an enhanced and specific accumulation of the RGD peptide (18)F-SiFA-LysMe3-γ-carboxy-d-Glu-RGD (17) in the tumor tissue of U87MG tumor-bearing mice of 5.3% ID/g whereas the PESIN derivatives showed a high liver uptake and only a low accumulation in the tumor tissue of PC3 xenografts. Stability studies with compound 17 provided further information on its metabolism in vivo. These results altogether demonstrate that the reduction of the overall lipophilicity of SiFA tagged RGD peptides is a promising approach for the generation of novel potent (18)F-labeled imaging agents.

A new (68)Ga-labeled BBN peptide with a hydrophilic linker for GRPR-targeted tumor imaging

Bombesin (BBN) is a peptide exhibiting high affinity for the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), which is overexpressed on several types of cancers. Various GRPR antagonists and agonists have been labeled with radiometals for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of GRPR-positive tumors. However, unfavorable hepatobiliary excretion such as high intestinal activity may prohibit their clinical utility for imaging abdominal cancer. In this study, the modified BBN peptide with a new hydrophilic linker was labeled with (68)Ga for PET imaging of GRPR-expressing PC-3 prostate cancer xenograft model. GRPR antagonists, MATBBN (Gly-Gly-Gly-Arg-Asp-Asn-D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-NHCH2CH3) and ATBBN (D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-NHCH2CH3), were conjugated with 1,4,7-triazacyclononanetriacetic acid (NOTA) and labeled with (68)Ga. Partition coefficient and in vitro stability were also determined. GRPR binding affinity of both tracers was investigated by competitive radioligand binding assay. The in vivo receptor targeting potential and pharmacokinetic of (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN were also evaluated in PC-3 prostate tumor model and compared with those of (68)Ga-NOTA-ATBBN. NOTA-conjugated BBN analogs were labeled with (68)Ga within 20 min with a decay-corrected yield ranging from 90 to 95 % and a radiochemical purity of more than 98 %. The specific activity of (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN and (68)Ga-NOTA-ATBBN was at least 16.5 and 11.9 GBq/μmol, respectively. The radiotracers were stable in phosphate-buffered saline and human serum. (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN was more hydrophilic than (68)Ga-NOTA-ATBBN, as indicated by their log P values (-2.73 ± 0.02 vs. -1.20 ± 0.03). The IC50 values of NOTA-ATBBN and NOTA-MATBBN were similar (102.7 ± 1.18 and 124.6 ± 1.21 nM). The accumulation of (68)Ga-labeled GRPR antagonists in the subcutaneous PC-3 tumors could be visualized via small animal PET. The tumors were clearly visible, and the tumor uptakes of (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN and (68)Ga-NOTA-ATBBN were determined to be 4.19 ± 0.32, 4.00 ± 0.41, 2.93 ± 0.35 and 4.70 ± 0.40, 4.10 ± 0.30, 3.14 ± 0.30 %ID/g at 30, 60, and 120 min, respectively. There was considerable accumulation and retention of (68)Ga-NOTA-ATBBN in the liver and intestines. In contrast, the abdominal area does not have much retention of (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN. Biodistribution data were in accordance with the PET results, showing that (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN had more favorable pharmacokinetics and higher tumor to background ratios than those of (68)Ga-NOTA-ATBBN. At 1 h postinjection, the tumor to liver and intestine of (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN were 8.05 ± 0.56 and 21.72 ± 3.47 and the corresponding values of unmodified counterpart were 0.85 ± 0.23 and 3.45 ± 0.43, respectively. GRPR binding specificity was demonstrated by reduced tumor uptake of radiolabeled tracers after coinjection of an excess of unlabeled BBN peptides. (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN exhibited GRPR-targeting properties both in vitro and in vivo. The favorable characterizations of (68)Ga-NOTA-MATBBN such as convenient synthesis, specific GRPR targeting, high tumor uptake, and satisfactory pharmacokinetics warrant its further investigation for clinical cancer imaging.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of copper-64 radiolabeled [DUPA-6-Ahx-(NODAGA)-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH2], a novel bivalent targeting vector having affinity for two distinct biomarkers (GRPr/PSMA) of prostate cancer

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPr) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are two identifying biomarkers expressed in very high numbers on prostate cancer cells and could serve as a useful tool for molecular targeting and diagnosis of disease via positron-emission tomography (PET). The aim of this study was to produce the multipurpose, bivalent [DUPA-6-Ahx-((64)Cu-NODAGA)-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH2] radioligand for prostate cancer imaging, where DUPA = (2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-ureido]pentanedioic acid), a small-molecule, PSMA-targeting probe, 6Ahx = 6-aminohexanoic acid, 5-Ava = 5-aminovaleric acid, NODAGA = [2-(4,7-biscarboxymethyl)-1,4,7-(triazonan-1-yl)pentanedioic acid] (a derivative of NOTA (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid)), and BBN(7-14)NH2 = bombesin, a GRPr-specific peptide targeting probe.

METHODS

The PSMA/GRPr dual targeting ligand precursor [DUPA-6-Ahx-K-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH2], was synthesized by solid-phase and manual peptide synthesis, after which NODAGA was added via manual conjugation to the ε-amine of lysine (K). The new bivalent GRPr/PSMA targeting vector was purified by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), characterized by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and metallated with (64)CuCl2 and (nat)CuCl2. The receptor binding affinity was evaluated in human, prostate, PC-3 (GRPr-positive) and LNCaP (PSMA-positive) cells and the tumor-targeting efficacy determined in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) and athymic nude mice bearing PC-3 and LNCaP tumors. Whole-body maximum intensity microPET/CT images of PC-3/LNCaP tumor-bearing mice were obtained 18 h post-injection (p.i.).

RESULTS

Competitive binding assays in PC-3 and LNCaP cells indicated high receptor binding affinity for the [DUPA-6-Ahx-((nat)Cu-NODAGA)-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH2] conjugate. MicroPET scintigraphy in PC-3/LNCaP tumor-bearing mice indicated that xenografted tumors were visible at 18h p.i. with collateral, background radiation also being observed in non-target tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

DUPA-6-Ahx-((64)Cu-NODAGA)-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH2] targeting vector, as described herein, is the first example of a dual GRPr-/PSMA-targeting radioligand for molecular of imaging prostate tumors. Detailed in vitro studies and microPET molecular imaging investigations of [DUPA-6-Ahx-((64)Cu-NODAGA)-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH2 in tumor-bearing mice indicate that further studies are necessary to optimize uptake and retention of tracer in GRPr- and PSMA-positive tissues.

Interrogating tumor metabolism and tumor microenvironments using molecular positron emission tomography imaging. Theranostic approaches to improve therapeutics

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive molecular imaging technology that is becoming increasingly important for the measurement of physiologic, biochemical, and pharmacological functions at cellular and molecular levels in patients with cancer. Formation, development, and aggressiveness of tumor involve a number of molecular pathways, including intrinsic tumor cell mutations and extrinsic interaction between tumor cells and the microenvironment. Currently, evaluation of these processes is mainly through biopsy, which is invasive and limited to the site of biopsy. Ongoing research on specific target molecules of the tumor and its microenvironment for PET imaging is showing great potential. To date, the use of PET for diagnosing local recurrence and metastatic sites of various cancers and evaluation of treatment response is mainly based on [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG), which measures glucose metabolism. However, [(18)F]FDG is not a target-specific PET tracer and does not give enough insight into tumor biology and/or its vulnerability to potential treatments. Hence, there is an increasing need for the development of selective biologic radiotracers that will yield specific biochemical information and allow for noninvasive molecular imaging. The possibility of cancer-associated targets for imaging will provide the opportunity to use PET for diagnosis and therapy response monitoring (theranostics) and thus personalized medicine. This article will focus on the review of non-[(18)F]FDG PET tracers for specific tumor biology processes and their preclinical and clinical applications.

2-Fluoropyridine prosthetic compounds for the 18F labeling of bombesin analogues

Acetylene-bearing 2-[(18)F]fluoropyridines [(18)F]FPy5yne and PEG-[(18)F]FPyKYNE were prepared via efficient nucleophilic heteroaromatic [(18)F]fluorination of their corresponding 2-trimethylammoniumpyrdinyl precursors. The prosthetic groups were conjugated to azide- and PEG3-modified bombesin(6-14) analogues via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition couplings to yield mono- and di-mini-PEGylated ligands for PET imaging of the gastrin- releasing peptide receptor. The PEG3- and PEG2/PEG3-bearing (18)F peptides showed decreased lipophilicity relative to an analogous non-mini-PEGylated (18)F peptide. Assessment of water-soluble peptide pharmacokinetics and tumour-targeting capabilities in a mouse model of prostate cancer is currently underway.

Preclinical evaluation of a novel ¹¹¹In-labeled bombesin homodimer for improved imaging of GRPR-positive prostate cancer

Rational-designed multimerization of targeting ligands can be used to improve kinetic and thermodynamic properties. Multimeric targeting ligands may be produced by tethering multiple identical or two or more monomeric ligands of different binding specificities. Consequently, multimeric ligands may simultaneously bind to multiple receptor molecules. Previously, multimerization has been successfully applied on radiolabeled RGD peptides, which resulted in an improved tumor targeting activity in animal models. Multimerization of peptide-based ligands may improve the binding characteristics by increasing local ligand concentration and by improving dissociation kinetics. Here, we present a preclinical study on a novel radiolabeled bombesin (BN) homodimer, designated (111)In-DOTA-[(Aca-BN(7-14)]2, that was designed for enhanced targeting of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-positive prostate cancer cells. A BN homodimer was conjugated with DOTA-NHS and labeled with (111)In. After HPLC purification, the GRPR targeting ability of (111)In-DOTA-[Aca-BN(7-14)]2 was assessed by microSPECT imaging in SCID mice xenografted with the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. (111)In labeling of DOTA-[(Aca-BN(7-14)]2 was achieved within 30 min at 85 °C with a labeling yield of >40%. High radiochemical purity (>95%) was achieved by HPLC purification. (111)InDOTA-[Aca-BN(7-14)]2 specifically bound to GRPR-positive PC-3 prostate cancer cells with favorable binding characteristics because uptake of 111In-DOTA-[Aca-BN(7-14)]2 in GRPR-positive PC-3 cells increased over time. A maximum peak with 30% radioactivity was observed after 2 h of incubation. The log D value was -1.8 ± 0.1. (111)In-DOTA-[Aca-BN(7-14)]2 was stable in vitro both in PBS and human serum for at least 4 days. In vivo biodistribution analysis and microSPECT/CT scans performed after 1, 4, and 24 h of injection showed favorable binding characteristics and tumor-to-normal tissue ratios. This study identifies (111)In-DOTA-[(Aca-BN(7-14)]2 as a promising radiotracer for nuclear imaging of GRPR in prostate cancer.

Gastrin releasing peptide receptor-directed radioligands based on a bombesin antagonist: synthesis, (111)in-labeling, and preclinical profile

Novel bombesin (BBN) antagonists were synthesized by coupling the chelator 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) to H-d-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2 (JMV594) through linkers of increasing number of (βAla)x residues (x = 1-3). Labeling with (111)In afforded the respective radiotracers in high purity and high specific activity. Bioconjugate affinity for the gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) as determined against [(125)I-Tyr(4)]BBN was high (IC50 values in the lower nanomolar range). Radioligands poorly internalized in PC-3 cells at 37 °C. Radiopeptides remained >60% intact 5 min after entering the bloodstream of healthy mice. After injection in SCID mice bearing human PC-3 xenografts all analogues showed high tumor uptake and rapid background clearance via the kidneys into urine. Interestingly, pancreatic uptake, albeit GRPR-specific, declined rapidly with time. (111)In-DOTA-(βAla)2-JMV594 achieved the highest tumor values among the group (17.0 ± 2.8%ID/g vs. 8-10%ID/g, respectively, at 4 h pi) indicating that the (βAla)2-linker favors in vivo interaction of radiopeptides with the GRPR.

Nanoparticle PET/CT imaging of natriuretic peptide clearance receptor in prostate cancer

Atrial natriuretic peptide has been recently discovered to have anticancer effects via interaction with cell surface natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) and natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPRC). In a preclinical model, NPRA expression has been identified during tumor angiogenesis and may serve as a potential prognostic marker and target for prostate cancer (PCa) therapy. However, the presence of NPRC receptor in the PCa model has not yet been assessed. Furthermore, there is still no report using nanoparticle for PCa positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Herein, an amphiphilic comb-like nanoparticle was synthesized with controlled properties through modular construction containing C-atrial natriuretic factor (CANF) for NPRC receptor targeting and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator for high specific activity Cu-64 radiolabeling. The pharmacokinetics of (64)Cu-CANF-Comb exhibited tuned biodistribution and optimized in vivo profile in contrast to the nontargeted (64)Cu-Comb nanoparticle. PET imaging with (64)Cu-CANF-Comb in CWR22 PCa tumor model showed high blood pool retention, low renal clearance, enhanced tumor uptake, and decreased hepatic burden relative to the nontargeted (64)Cu-Comb. Immunohistochemistry staining confirmed the presence of NPRC receptor in tumor tissue. Competitive PET receptor blocking study demonstrated the targeting specificity of (64)Cu-CANF-Comb to NPRC receptor in vivo. These results establish a new nanoagent for prostate cancer PET imaging.