Evaluation of 64Cu-labeled bifunctional chelate-bombesin conjugates

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Small-Molecule-Based Radioligands with Improved Pharmacokinetic Properties for Imaging of Programmed Death Ligand 1

Small molecules offer some advantages for developing positron emission tomography (PET) tracers and are therefore a promising approach for imaging and therapy monitoring of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive tumors. Here, we report six biphenyl PD-L1 radioligands using the NODA-GA-chelator for efficient copper-64 complexation. These radioligands contain varying numbers of sulfonic and/or phosphonic acid groups, serving as hydrophilizing units to lower the log D7.4 value down to -4.28. The binding affinities of compounds were evaluated using saturation binding and a real-time binding assay, with a highest binding affinity of 21 nM. Small-animal PET imaging revealed vastly different pharmacokinetic profiles depending on the quantity and type of hydrophilizing units. Of the investigated radioligands, [64Cu]Cu-3 showed the most favorable kinetics in vitro. This was also found in vivo, with a predominantly renal clearance and a specific uptake in the PD-L1-overexpressing tumor. With further modifications, this compound could be a promising candidate for the imaging of PD-L1 in the clinical setting.

Design of Bifunctional Pyclen-Based Lanthanide Luminescent Bioprobes for Targeted Two-Photon Imaging

In the past, Lanthanide Luminescent Bioprobes (LLBs) based on pyclen-bearing π-extended picolinate antennas were synthesized and demonstrated well-adapted optical properties for biphotonic microscopy. The objective of this work is to develop a strategy to design bifunctional analogues of the previously studied LLBs presenting an additional reactive chemical group to allow their coupling to biological vectors to reach deep in vivo targeted two-photon bioimaging. Herein, we elaborated a synthetic scheme allowing the introduction of a primary amine on the para position of the macrocyclic pyridine unit. The photophysical and bioimaging studies demonstrate that the introduction of the reactive function does not alter the luminescent properties of the LLBs paving the way for further applications.

Peptide-based diagnostic and therapeutic agents: Where we are and where we are heading?

Peptides are increasingly present in all branches of medicine as innovative drugs, imaging agents, theragnostic, and constituent moieties of other sophisticated drugs such as peptide-drug conjugates. Due to new developments in chemical synthesis strategies, computational biology, recombinant technology, and chemical biology, peptide drug development has made a great progress in the last decade. Numerous natural peptides and peptide mimics have been obtained and studied, covering multiple therapeutic areas. Even though peptides have been investigated across the wide therapeutic spectrum, oncology, metabolism, and endocrinology are the most frequent medical indications of them. This review summarizes the current use of and the emerging new opportunities of peptides for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

N,N-Alkylation Clarifies the Role of N- and O-Protonated Intermediates in Cyclen-Based 64Cu Radiopharmaceuticals

Radioisotopes of Cu, such as ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁷Cu, are alluring targets for imaging (e.g., positron emission tomography, PET) and radiotherapeutic applications. Cyclen-based macrocyclic polyaminocarboxylates are one of the most frequently examined bifunctional chelators in vitro and in vivo, including the FDA-approved ⁶⁴Cu radiopharmaceutical, Cu(DOTATATE) (Detectnet); however, connections between the structure of plausible reactive intermediates and their stability under physiologically relevant conditions remain to be established. In this study, we share the synthesis of a cyclen-based, N,N-alkylated spirocyclic chelate, H₂DO3A^C4H8, which serves as a model for N-protonation. Our combined experimental (in vitro and in vivo) and computational studies unravel complex pH-dependent speciation and enable side-by-side comparison of N- and O-protonated species of relevant ⁶⁴Cu radiopharmaceuticals. Our studies suggest that N-protonated species are not inherently unstable species under physiological conditions and demonstrate the potential of N,N-alkylation as a tool for the rational design of future radiopharmaceuticals.

PET/NIR-II fluorescence imaging and image-guided surgery of glioblastoma using a folate receptor α-targeted dual-modal nanoprobe

PURPOSE

The surgery of glioblastoma (GBM) requires a maximal resection of the tumor when it is safe and feasible. The infiltrating growth property of the GBM makes it a challenge for neurosurgeons to identify the tumor tissue even with the assistance of the surgical microscope. This highlights the urgent requirement for imaging techniques that can differentiate tumor tissues during surgery in real time. Fluorescence image-guided surgery of GBM has been investigated using several non-specific fluorescent probes that emit light in the visible and the first near-infrared window (NIR-I, 700-900 nm), which limit the detection accuracy because of the non-specific targeting mechanism and spectral characteristics. Targeted NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) fluorescent probes for GBM are thus highly desired. The folate receptor (FR) has been reported to be upregulated in GBM, which renders it to be a promising target for specific tumor imaging.

METHODS

In this study, the folic acid (FA) that can target the FR was conjugated with the clinically approved indocyanine green (ICG) dye and DOTA chelator for radiolabeling with ⁶⁴Cu to achieve targeted positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescence imaging of GBM.

RESULTS

Surprisingly it was found that the resulted bioconjugate, DOTA-FA-ICG and non-radioactive ^natCu-DOTA-FA-ICG, were both self-assembled into nanoparticles with NIR-II emission signal. The radiolabeled DOTA-FA-ICG, ⁶⁴Cu-DOTA-FA-ICG, was found to specifically accumulate in the orthotopic GBM models using in vivo PET, NIR-II, and NIR-I fluorescence imaging. The best time window of fluorescence imaging was demonstrated to be 24 h after DOTA-FA-ICG injection. NIR-II fluorescence image-guided surgery was successfully conducted in the orthotopic GBM models using DOTA-FA-ICG. All the fluorescent tissue was removed and proved to be GBM by the H&E examination.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study demonstrates that the probes, ⁶⁴Cu-DOTA-FA-ICG and DOTA-FA-ICG, hold promise for preoperative PET examination and intraoperative NIR-II fluorescence image-guided surgery of GBM, respectively.

Chelation of Theranostic Copper Radioisotopes with S-Rich Macrocycles: From Radiolabelling of Copper-64 to In Vivo Investigation

Copper radioisotopes are generally employed for cancer imaging and therapy when firmly coordinated via a chelating agent coupled to a tumor-seeking vector. However, the biologically triggered Cu²⁺-Cu⁺ redox switching may constrain the in vivo integrity of the resulting complex, leading to demetallation processes. This unsought pathway is expected to be hindered by chelators bearing N, O, and S donors which appropriately complements the borderline-hard and soft nature of Cu²⁺ and Cu⁺. In this work, the labelling performances of a series of S-rich polyazamacrocyclic chelators with [⁶⁴Cu]Cu²⁺ and the stability of the [⁶⁴Cu]Cu-complexes thereof were evaluated. Among the chelators considered, the best results were obtained with 1,7-bis [2-(methylsulfanyl)ethyl]-4,10,diacetic acid-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (DO2A2S). DO2A2S was labelled at high molar activities in mild reaction conditions, and its [⁶⁴Cu]Cu²⁺ complex showed excellent integrity in human serum over 24 h. Biodistribution studies in BALB/c nude mice performed with [⁶⁴Cu][Cu(DO2A2S)] revealed a behavior similar to other [⁶⁴Cu]Cu-labelled cyclen derivatives characterized by high liver and kidney uptake, which could either be ascribed to transchelation phenomena or metabolic processing of the intact complex.

A comparison of 64Cu-labeled bi-terminally PEGylated A20FMDV2 peptides targeting integrin ανβ6

Expression of epithelial-specific integrin α_νβ₆ is up-regulated in various aggressive cancers and serves as a prognostic marker. Integrin-targeted PET imaging probes have been successfully developed and tested in the clinic. Radiotracers based on the peptide A20FMDV2 derived from foot-and-mouth disease virus represent specific and selective PET ligands for imaging α_νβ₆-positive cancers. The present study aims to describe the radiolabeling, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a bi-terminally PEGylated A20FMDV2 conjugated with DOTA or PCTA for ⁶⁴Cu radiolabeling. Stability studies showed radiolabeled complexes remained stable up to 24 h in PBS and human serum. In vitro cell assays in CaSki cervical cancer cells and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells confirmed that the peptides displayed high affinity for α_vβ₆ with K_d values of ~50 nM. Biodistribution studies revealed that [⁶⁴Cu] Cu-PCTA-(PEG28)₂-A20FMDV2 exhibited higher tumor uptake (1.63 ± 0.53 %ID/g in CaSki and 3.86 ± 0.58 %ID/g in BxPC-3 at 1 h) when compared to [⁶⁴Cu]Cu-DOTA-(PEG28)₂-A20FMDV2 (0.95 ± 0.29 %ID/g in CaSki and 2.12 ± 0.83 %ID/g in BxPC-3 at 1 h) . However, higher tumor uptake was accompanied by increased radioactive uptake in normal organs. Therefore, both peptides are appropriate for imaging α_νβ₆-positive lesions although further optimization is needed to improve tumor-to-normal-tissue ratios.

Design of a multivalent bifunctional chelator for diagnostic 64Cu PET imaging in Alzheimer's disease

Herein, we report a ⁶⁴Cu positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent that shows appreciable in vivo brain uptake and exhibits high specific affinity for beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates, leading to the successful PET imaging of amyloid plaques in the brains of 5xFAD mice versus those of wild-type mice. The employed approach uses a bifunctional chelator with two Aβ-interacting fragments that dramatically improves the Aβ-binding affinity and lipophilicity for favorable blood-brain barrier penetration, while the use of optimized-length spacers between the Cu-chelating group and the Aβ-interacting fragments further improves the in vivo Aβ-binding specificity and brain uptake of the corresponding ⁶⁴Cu PET imaging agent.

Radiolabeling strategies and pharmacokinetic studies for metal based nanotheranostics

Radiolabeled metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) have drawn considerable attention in the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, drug delivery, and radiation therapy, given the fact that they can be potentially used as diagnostic imaging and/or therapeutic agents, or even as theranostic combinations. Here, we present a systematic review on recent advances in the design and synthesis of MNPs with major focuses on their radiolabeling strategies and the determinants of their in vivo pharmacokinetics, and together how their intended applications would be impacted. For clarification, we categorize all reported radiolabeling strategies for MNPs into indirect and direct approaches. While indirect labeling simply refers to the use of bifunctional chelators or prosthetic groups conjugated to MNPs for post-synthesis labeling with radionuclides, we found that many practical direct labeling methodologies have been developed to incorporate radionuclides into the MNP core without using extra reagents, including chemisorption, radiochemical doping, hadronic bombardment, encapsulation, and isotope or cation exchange. From the perspective of practical use, a few relevant examples are presented and discussed in terms of their pros and cons. We further reviewed the determinants of in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters of MNPs, including factors influencing their in vivo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, and discussed the challenges and opportunities in the development of radiolabeled MNPs for in vivo biomedical applications. Taken together, we believe the cumulative advancement summarized in this review would provide a general guidance in the field for design and synthesis of radiolabeled MNPs towards practical realization of their much desired theranostic capabilities. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Comparison of biological properties of [177 Lu]Lu-ProBOMB1 and [177 Lu]Lu-NeoBOMB1 for GRPR targeting

The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in prostate cancer and other solid malignancies. Following up on our work on [⁶⁸ Ga]Ga-ProBOMB1 that had better imaging characteristics than [⁶⁸ Ga]Ga-NeoBOMB1, we investigated the effects of substituting ⁶⁸ Ga for ¹⁷⁷ Lu to determine if the resulting radiopharmaceuticals could be used with a therapeutic aim. We radiolabeled the bombesin antagonist ProBOMB1 (DOTA-pABzA-DIG-D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-ψ-Pro-NH₂ ) with lutetium-177 and compared it with [¹⁷⁷ Lu]Lu-NeoBOMB1 (obtained in 54.2 ± 16.5% isolated radiochemical yield with >96% radiochemical purity and 440.8 ± 165.1 GBq/μmol molar activity) for GRPR targeting. Lu-NeoBOMB1 had better binding affinity for GRPR than Lu-ProBOMB1 (K_i values: 2.26 ± 0.24 and 30.2 ± 3.23nM). [¹⁷⁷ Lu]Lu-ProBOMB1 was obtained in 53.7 ± 5.4% decay-corrected radiochemical yield with 444.2 ± 193.2 GBq/μmol molar activity and >95% radiochemical purity. In PC-3 prostate cancer xenograft mice, tumor uptake of [¹⁷⁷ Lu]Lu-ProBOMB1 was 3.38 ± 1.00, 1.32 ± 0.24, and 0.31 ± 0.04%ID/g at 1, 4, and 24 hours pi. However, the uptake in tumor was lower than [¹⁷⁷ Lu]Lu-NeoBOMB1 at all time points. [¹⁷⁷ Lu]Lu-ProBOMB1 was inferior to [¹⁷⁷ Lu]Lu-NeoBOMB1, which had better therapeutic index for the organs receiving the highest doses.

Methylthiazolyl Tacn Ligands for Copper Complexation and Their Bifunctional Chelating Agent Derivatives for Bioconjugation and Copper-64 Radiolabeling: An Example with Bombesin

We present here the synthesis of two new bifunctionalized azachelators, no2th-EtBzNCS and Hno2th1tha, as bioconjugable analogues of two previously described di- and trimethylthiazolyl 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) ligands, no2th and no3th, for potential uses in copper-64 (⁶⁴Cu) positron emission tomography imaging. The first one bears an isothiocyanate group on the remaining free nitrogen atom of the tacn framework, while the second one presents an additional carboxylic function on one of the three heterocyclic pendants. Their syntheses required regiospecific N-functionalization of the macrocycles. In order to investigate their suitability for in vivo applications, a complete study of their copper(II) chelation was performed. The acid-base properties of the ligands and their thermodynamic stability constants with copper(II) and zinc(II) cations were determined using potentiometric techniques. Structural studies were conducted in both solution and the solid state, consolidated by theoretical calculations. The kinetic inertness in an acidic medium of both copper(II) complexes was determined by spectrophotometry, while cyclic voltammetry experiments were performed to evaluate the stability at the copper(I) redox state. UV-vis, NMR (of the zinc complexes), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory studies showed excellent agreement between the solution structures of the complexes and their crystallographic data. These investigations unambiguously prove that these bifunctional derivatives display similar coordination properties as their no2th and no3th counterparts, opening the door to targeted bioapplications. The no2th-EtBzNCS and Hno2th1tha ligands were then conjugated to a bombesin antagonist peptide for targeting the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr). To highlight the potential of the two chelators for radiopharmaceutical development, the ⁶⁴Cu-radiolabeling properties, in vitro stability, and binding affinity to GRPr of the corresponding bioconjugates were determined. Altogether, the results of this work warrant the further development of ⁶⁴Cu-based radiopharmaceuticals comprising our novel bifunctional chelators.

Preparation and Evaluation of ZD2 Peptide 64Cu-DOTA Conjugate as a Positron Emission Tomography Probe for Detection and Characterization of Prostate Cancer

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a sensitive modality for cancer molecular imaging. We aim to develop a PET probe for sensitive detection and risk stratification of prostate cancer by targeting an abundant microenvironment oncoprotein, extradomain-B fibronectin (EDB-FN). The probe consists of a small ZD2 peptide specific to EDB-FN and a ⁶⁴Cu-DOTA chelate. The probe was synthesized using standard solid-phase peptide chemistry and chelated to ⁶⁴Cu prior to imaging. PET images were acquired at 4 and 22 h after intravenously injecting a 200 μCi probe into mice bearing human PC3 and LNCaP tumors, which represent highly aggressive and slow-growing prostate tumors, respectively. At 4 and 22 h postinjection, tumors could be clearly identified in the PET images. A significant higher signal was observed in PC3 tumors than in LNCaP tumors at 22 h (p = 0.01). Probe accumulation was also higher in PC3 tumors at 24 h. These data demonstrated that PET molecular imaging of EDB-FN in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer allows efficient differentiation of PC3 and LNCaP tumors in vivo. The ZD2 peptide-targeted PET probe shows potential in the detection and characterization of high-risk prostate cancer to improve the clinical management of prostate cancer.

Evaluation of affibody charge modification identified by synthetic consensus design in molecular PET imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor

Tumor overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) correlates to therapeutic response in select patient populations. Thus, molecular positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of EGFR could stratify responders versus non-responders. We previously demonstrated effectiveness of a "synthetic consensus" design principle to identify six neutralizing mutations within a 58-amino acid EGFR-targeted affibody domain. Herein, we extend the approach to identify additional neutralized variants that vary net charge from -2 to either -4 or +4 while retaining high affinity (1.6 ± 1.2 nM and 2.5 ± 0.7 nM), specific binding to EGFR, secondary structure, and stability (T_m = 68 °C and 59 °C). We radiolabeled the resultant collection of five charge variants with ⁶⁴Cu and evaluated PET imaging performance in murine models with subcutaneously xenografted EGFR^high and EGFR^low tumors. All variants exhibited good EGFR^high tumor imaging as early as 1 h, with EA35S (+3/-5) achieving 7.7 ± 1.4 %ID/g tumor at 4 h with 1.5 ± 0.3%ID/g EGFR^low tumor, 34 ± 5 tumor:muscle and 12 ± 3 tumor:blood ratios. The positively charged EA62S mutant (+6/-2) exhibited 2.2-3.3-fold higher liver signal than the other variants (p<0.01). The EA68 variant with higher charge density was more stable to human and mouse serum than neutralized variants. In a comparison of radiometal chelators, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA) exhibited superior physiological specificity to 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). In total, these studies comparatively evaluated a set of EGFR-targeted affibodies varying in net charge and charge density, which revealed functional variations that are useful in engineering an ideal probe for translational studies.

Molecular imaging probes derived from natural peptides

Covering: up to the end of 2015.Peptides are naturally occurring compounds that play an important role in all living systems and are responsible for a range of essential functions. Peptide receptors have been implicated in disease states such as oncology, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, natural peptides have been exploited as diagnostic and therapeutic agents due to the unique target specificity for their endogenous receptors. This review discusses a variety of natural peptides highlighting their discovery, endogenous receptors, as well as their derivatization to create molecular imaging agents, with an emphasis on the design of radiolabelled peptides. This review also highlights methods for discovering new and novel peptides when knowledge of specific targets and endogenous ligands are not available.

The role of the capping bond effect on pyclen natY3+/90Y3+ chelates: full control of the regiospecific N-functionalization makes the difference

A dissymmetric pyclen based ligand shows astonishing ^natY³⁺ and ⁹⁰Y³⁺ complexation properties.

Improved radiopharmaceutical based on 99mTc-Bombesin-folate for breast tumour imaging

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies in women using technetium-99m (Tc)-Bombesin have shown successful radionuclide imaging of breast tumours overexpressing gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs). Recent studies have demonstrated that most breast tumours overexpress folate receptors (FRα).

AIM

The aim of this work was to synthesize the Lys(α,γ-Folate)-Lys(Tc-EDDA/HYNIC)-Bombesin (1-14) conjugate (Tc-Bombesin-Folate), as well as to assess the in-vitro and in-vivo potential of the radiopharmaceutical to target FRα and GRPR.

METHODS

LysLys(HYNIC)-Bombesin (1-14) was conjugated to folic acid and the product was purified by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used for chemical characterization. Tc labelling was performed using ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid/tricine as coligands. In-vitro binding studies were carried out in T47D breast cancer cells (positive for FRα and GRPR). Biodistribution studies and micro-single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging were carried out on athymic mice with T47D-induced tumours.

RESULTS

High-performance liquid chromatography analyses indicated that the radioconjugate was obtained with high radiochemical purity (96±2.1%). In-vitro and in-vivo results showed significant uptake of the radiopharmaceutical in T47D cells and tumours (5.43% ID/g), which was significantly inhibited by preincubation with cold folic acid or cold Bombesin.

CONCLUSION

The Tc-Bombesin-folate heterobivalent radiopharmaceutical significantly enhances in-vivo tumour uptake because of the concomitant interaction with FRα and GRPR.

64Cu-Labeled Gp2 Domain for PET Imaging of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

This purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a 45-amino acid Gp2 domain, engineered to bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as a positron emission tomography (PET) probe of EGFR in a xenograft mouse model. The EGFR-targeted Gp2 (Gp2-EGFR) and a nonbinding control were site-specifically labeled with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator. Binding affinity was tested toward human EGFR and mouse EGFR. Biological activity on downstream EGFR signaling was examined in cell culture. DOTA-Gp2 molecules were labeled with ⁶⁴Cu and intravenously injected (0.6-2.3 MBq) into mice bearing EGFR^high (n = 7) and EGFR^low (n = 4) xenografted tumors. PET/computed tomography (CT) images were acquired at 45 min, 2 h, and 24 h. Dynamic PET (25 min) was also acquired. Tomography results were verified with gamma counting of resected tissues. Two-tailed t tests with unequal variances provided statistical comparison. DOTA-Gp2-EGFR bound strongly to human (K_D = 7 ± 5 nM) and murine (K_D = 29 ± 6 nM) EGFR, and nontargeted Gp2 had no detectable binding. Gp2-EGFR did not agonize EGFR nor antagonize EGF-EGFR. ⁶⁴Cu-Gp2-EGFR tracer effectively localized to EGFR^high tumors at 45 min (3.2 ± 0.5%ID/g). High specificity was observed with significantly lower uptake in EGFR^low tumors (0.9 ± 0.3%ID/g, p < 0.001), high tumor-to-background ratios (11 ± 6 tumor/muscle, p < 0.001). Nontargeted Gp2 tracer had low uptake in EGFR^high tumors (0.5 ± 0.3%ID/g, p < 0.001). Similar data was observed at 2 h, and tumor signal was retained at 24 h (2.9 ± 0.3%ID/g). An engineered Gp2 PET imaging probe exhibited low background and target-specific EGFR^high tumor uptake at 45 min, with tumor signal retained at 24 h postinjection, and compared favorably with published EGFR PET probes for alternative protein scaffolds. These beneficial in vivo characteristics, combined with thermal stability, efficient evolution, and small size of the Gp2 domain validate its use as a future class of molecular imaging agents.

Preclinical Study on GRPR-Targeted (68)Ga-Probes for PET Imaging of Prostate Cancer

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) targeted positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly promising approach for imaging of prostate cancer (PCa) in small animal models and patients. Developing a GRPR-targeted PET probe with excellent in vivo performance such as high tumor uptake, high contrast, and optimal pharmacokinetics is still very challenging. Herein, a novel bombesin (BBN) analogue (named SCH1) based on JMV594 peptide modified with an 8-amino octanoic acid spacer (AOC) was thus designed and conjugated with the metal chelator 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA). The resulting NODAGA-SCH1 was then radiolabeled with (68)Ga and evaluated for PET imaging of PCa. Compared with (68)Ga-NODAGA-JMV594 probe, (68)Ga-NODAGA-SCH1 exhibited excellent PET/CT imaging properties on PC-3 tumor-bearing nude mice, such as high tumor uptake (5.80 ± 0.42 vs 3.78 ± 0.28%ID/g, 2 h) and high tumor/muscle contrast (16.6 ± 1.50 vs 8.42 ± 0.61%ID/g, 2 h). Importantly, biodistribution data indicated a relatively similar accumulation of (68)Ga-NODAGA-SCH1 was observed in the liver (4.21 ± 0.42%ID/g) and kidney (3.41 ± 0.46%ID/g) suggesting that the clearance is through both the kidney and the liver. Overall, (68)Ga-NODAGA-SCH1 showed promising in vivo properties and is a promising candidate for translation into clinical PET-imaging of PCa patients.

Promising bifunctional chelators for copper 64-PET imaging: practical (64)Cu radiolabeling and high in vitro and in vivo complex stability

Positron emission tomography (PET) using copper-64 is a sensitive and non-invasive imaging technique for diagnosis and staging of cancer. A bifunctional chelator that can present rapid radiolabeling kinetics and high complex stability with (64)Cu is a critical component for targeted PET imaging. Bifunctional chelates 3p-C-NE3TA, 3p-C-NOTA, and 3p-C-DE4TA were evaluated for complexation kinetics and stability with (64)Cu in vitro and in vivo. Hexadentate 3p-C-NOTA and heptadentate 3p-C-NE3TA possess a smaller TACN-based macrocyclic backbone, while nonadentate 3p-C-DE4TA is constructed on a larger CYCLEN-based ring. The frequently explored chelates of (64)Cu, octadentate C-DOTA and hexadentate C-NOTA were also comparatively evaluated. Radiolabeling kinetics of bifunctional chelators with (64)Cu was assessed under mild conditions. All bifunctional chelates instantly bound to (64)Cu in excellent radiolabeling efficiency at room temperature. C-DOTA was less efficient in binding (64)Cu than all other chelates. All (64)Cu-radiolabeled bifunctional chelates remained stable in human serum without any loss of (64)Cu for 2 days. When challenged by an excess amount of EDTA, (64)Cu complexes of C-NOTA, 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA were shown to be more stable than (64)Cu-C-DOTA and (64)Cu-3p-C-DE4TA. (64)Cu complexes of the new chelates 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA displayed comparable in vitro and in vivo complex stability to (64)Cu-C-NOTA. In vivo biodistribution result indicates that the (64)Cu-radiolabeled complexes of 3p-C-NOTA and 3p-C-NE3TA possess excellent in vivo complex stability, while (64)Cu-3p-C-DE4TA was dissociated as evidenced by high renal and liver retention in mice. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the bifunctional chelates 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA offer excellent chelation chemistry with (64)Cu for potential PET imaging applications.

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.

Synthesis,64Cu-labeling and PET imaging of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane derived chelators with pendant azaheterocyclic arms

Efficient and stable⁶⁴Cu complexation by hexadentate TACN-derived chelators with pendant azaheterocyclic arms.

The interaction of NOTA as a bifunctional chelator with competitive alkali metal ions: a DFT study

This work investigates NOTA–alkali metal (Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ and Rb⁺) complexation using density functional theory.

PET of EGFR with (64) Cu-cetuximab-F(ab')2 in mice with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts

Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is linked to an adverse outcome in various solid tumors. Cetuximab is an EGFR inhibitor, which in combination with radiotherapy improves locoregional control and survival in a subgroup of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). The aim of this study was to develop and characterize an EGFR-directed PET tracer, (64) Cu-cetuximab-F(ab')2, to determine the systemic accessibility of EGFR. Mice with HNSCC xenografts, UT-SCC-8 (n = 6) or UT-SCC-45 (n = 6), were imaged 24 h post injection with (64) Cu-NODAGA-cetuximab-F(ab')2 using PET/CT. One mouse for each tumor model was co-injected with excess unlabeled cetuximab 3 days before radiotracer injection to determine non-EGFR-mediated uptake. Ex vivo biodistribution of the tracer was determined and tumors were analyzed by autoradiography and immunohistochemistry. The SUVmax of UT-SCC-8 tumors was higher than that of UT-SCC-45: 1.5 ± 1.0 and 0.8 ± 0.2 (p < 0.05), respectively. SUVmax after in vivo blocking of EGFR with cetuximab was 0.4. Immunohistochemistry showed that UT-SCC-8 had a significantly higher EGFR expression than UT-SCC-45: 0.50 ± 0.19 versus 0.12 ± 0.08 (p < 0.005), respectively. Autoradiography indicated that (64) Cu-cetuximab-F(ab')2 uptake correlated with EGFR expression in both tumors: r = 0.86 ± 0.06 (UT-SCC-8) and 0.90 ± 0.06 (UT-SCC-45). (64) Cu-cetuximab-F(ab')2 is a promising PET tracer to determine expression of EGFR in vivo. Clinically, this tracer has the potential to be used to determine cetuximab targeting of tumors and possibly to non-invasively monitor the response to EGFR-inhibitor treatment.

Nuclear molecular imaging with nanoparticles: radiochemistry, applications and translation

Molecular imaging provides considerable insight into biological processes for greater understanding of health and disease. Numerous advances in medical physics, chemistry and biology have driven the growth of this field in the past two decades. With exquisite sensitivity, depth of detection and potential for theranostics, radioactive imaging approaches have played a major role in the emergence of molecular imaging. At the same time, developments in materials science, characterization and synthesis have led to explosive progress in the nanoparticle (NP) sciences. NPs are generally defined as particles with a diameter in the nanometre size range. Unique physical, chemical and biological properties arise at this scale, stimulating interest for applications as diverse as energy production and storage, chemical catalysis and electronics. In biomedicine, NPs have generated perhaps the greatest attention. These materials directly interface with life at the subcellular scale of nucleic acids, membranes and proteins. In this review, we will detail the advances made in combining radioactive imaging and NPs. First, we provide an overview of the NP platforms and their properties. This is followed by a look at methods for radiolabelling NPs with gamma-emitting radionuclides for use in single photon emission CT and planar scintigraphy. Next, utilization of positron-emitting radionuclides for positron emission tomography is considered. Finally, recent advances for multimodal nuclear imaging with NPs and efforts for clinical translation and ongoing trials are discussed.

Multi-Leu PACE4 Inhibitor Retention within Cells Is PACE4 Dependent and a Prerequisite for Antiproliferative Activity

The overexpression as well as the critical implication of the proprotein convertase PACE4 in prostate cancer progression has been previously reported and supported the development of peptide inhibitors. The multi-Leu peptide, a PACE4-specific inhibitor, was further generated and its capability to be uptaken by tumor xenograft was demonstrated with regard to its PACE4 expression status. To investigate whether the uptake of this inhibitor was directly dependent of PACE4 levels, uptake and efflux from cancer cells were evaluated and correlations were established with PACE4 contents on both wild type and PACE4-knockdown cell lines. PACE4-knockdown associated growth deficiencies were established on the knockdown HepG2, Huh7, and HT1080 cells as well as the antiproliferative effects of the multi-Leu peptide supporting the growth capabilities of PACE4 in cancer cells.

PET imaging of insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor expression with a 64Cu-labeled Affibody molecule

The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) serves as an attractive target for cancer molecular imaging and therapy. Previous single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) studies showed that the IGF-1R-targeting Affibody molecules (99m)Tc-ZIGF1R:4551-GGGC, [(99m)Tc(CO)3](+)-(HE)3-ZIGF1R:4551 and (111)In-DOTA-ZIGF1R:4551 can discriminate between high and low IGF-1R-expression tumors and have the potential for patient selection for IGF-1R-targeted therapy. Compared with SPECT, positron emission tomography (PET) may improve imaging of IGF-1R-expression, because of its high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, strong quantification ability. The aim of the present study was to develop the (64)Cu-labeled NOTA-conjugated Affibody molecule ZIGF-1R:4:40 as a PET probe for imaging of IGF-1R-positive tumor. An Affibody analogue (Ac-Cys-ZIGF-1R:4:40) binding to IGF-1R was site-specifically conjugated with NOTA and labeled with (64)Cu. Binding affinity and specificity of (64)Cu-NOTA-ZIGF-1R:4:40 to IGF-1R were evaluated using human glioblastoma U87MG cells. Small-animal PET, biodistribution, and metabolic stability studies were conducted on mice bearing U87MG xenografts after the injection of (64)Cu-NOTA-ZIGF-1R:4:40 with or without co-injection of unlabeled Affibody proteins. The radiosynthesis of (64)Cu-NOTA-ZIGF-1R:4:40 was completed successfully within 60 min with a decay-corrected yield of 75 %. (64)Cu-NOTA-ZIGF-1R:4:40 bound to IGF-1R with low nanomolar affinity (K D = 28.55 ± 3.95 nM) in U87MG cells. (64)Cu-NOTA-ZIGF-1R:4:40 also displayed excellent in vitro and in vivo stability. In vivo biodistribution and PET studies demonstrated targeting of U87MG gliomas xenografts was IGF-1R specific. The tumor uptake was 5.08 ± 1.07 %ID/g, and the tumor to muscle ratio was 11.89 ± 2.16 at 24 h after injection. Small animal PET imaging studies revealed that (64)Cu-NOTA-ZIGF-1R:4:40 could clearly identify U87MG tumors with good contrast at 1-24 h after injection. This study demonstrates that (64)Cu-NOTA-ZIGF-1R:4:40 is a promising PET probe for imaging IGF-1R positive tumor.

An exploratory study on 99mTc-RGD-BBN peptide scintimammography in the assessment of breast malignant lesions compared to 99mTc-3P4-RGD2

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the diagnostic performance of single photon emission computed tomography / computerized tomography (SPECT/CT) using a new radiotracer ^99mTc-RGD-BBN for breast malignant tumor compared with ^99mTc-3P4-RGD₂.

Methods

6 female patients with breast malignant tumors diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology biopsy (FNAB) who were scheduled to undergo surgery were included in the study. ^99mTc-3P4-RGD₂ and ^99mTc-RGD-BBN were performed with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at 1 hour after intravenous injection of 299 ± 30 MBq and 293 ± 32 MBq of radiotracers respectively at separate day. The results were evaluated by the Tumor to non-Tumor ratios (T/NT). ^99mTc-RGD-BBN and ^99mTc-3P4-RGD₂ SPECT/CT images were interpreted independently by 3 experienced nuclear medicine physicians using a 3-point scale system. All of the samples were analyzed immunohistochemically to evaluate the integrin αvβ3 and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) expression. The safety, biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of ^99mTc-RGD-BBN were also evaluated in the healthy volunteers.

Results

No serious adverse events were reported in any of the patients during the study. The effective radiation dose entirely conformed to the relevant standards. A total of 6 palpable malignant lesions were detected using ^99mTc-RGD-BBN SPECT/CT with clear uptake. All malignant lesions were also detected using ^99mTc-3P4-RGD₂ SPECT/CT. The results showed that five malignant lesions were with clear uptake and the other one with barely an uptake. 4 malignant cases were found with both αvβ3 and GRPR expression, 1 case with only GRPR positive expression (integrin αvβ3 negative) and 1 case with only integrin αvβ3 positive expression (GRPR negative).

Conclusion

^99mTc-RGD-BBN is a safe agent for detecting breast cancer. ^99mTc-RGD-BBN may have the potential to make up for the deficiency of ^99mTc-3P4-RGD₂ in the detection of breast cancer with only GRPR positive expression (integrin α_vβ₃ negative). The preliminary application of ^99mTc-RGD-BBN has demonstrated its powerful potential in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Pilot study of a novel (18)F-labeled FSHR probe for tumor imaging

PURPOSE

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is overexpressed in primary and metastatic tumor. Molecular imaging of FSHR is beneficial for prognosis and therapy of cancer. FSHβ(33-53) (YTRDLVYKDPARPKIQKTCTF), denoted as FSH1, is a FSHR antagonist. In the present study, maleimide-NOTA conjugate of FSH1 (NOTA-MAL-FSH1) was designed and labeled with [(18)F] aluminum fluoride. The resulting tracer, (18)F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1, was preliminarily evaluated in PET imaging of FSHR-positive tumor.

PROCEDURES

NOTA-MAL-FSH1 was synthesized and radiolabeled with Al(18)F complex. The tumor-targeting potential and pharmacokinetic profile of the (18)F-labeled compound were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using a PC3 human prostate tumor model.

RESULTS

(18)F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 can be efficiently produced within 30 min with a non-decay-corrected yield of 48.6 ± 2.1 % and a radiochemical purity of more than 95 %. The specific activity was at least 30 GBq/μmol. The radiotracer was stable in phosphate-buffered saline and human serum for at least 2 h. The IC50 values of displacement (18)F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 with FSH1 were 252 ± 1.12 nM. The PC3 human prostate tumor xenografts were clearly visible with high contrast after injection of (18)F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 via microPET. At 30, 60 and 120 min postinjection, the tumor uptakes were 2.98 ± 0.29 % injected dose (ID)/g, 2.53 ± 0.20 %ID/g and 1.36 ± 0.12 %ID/g, respectively. Dynamic PET scanning showed that tumor uptake reached a plateau by about 6 min. Heart peaked earlier and then cleared quickly. Biodistribution studies confirmed that the normal organs except kidney uptakes were all below 1 %ID/g at 1 h p.i. The tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratio at 10 min, 0.5, 1, and 2 h after injection were 1.64 ± 0.36, 2.97 ± 0.40, 9.31 ± 1.06, and 13.59 ± 2.33 and 7.05 ± 1.10, 10.10 ± 1.48, 16.17 ± 3.29, and 30.88 ± 4.67, respectively. The tracer was excreted mainly through the renal system, as evidenced by high levels of radioactivity in the kidneys. FSHR-binding specificity was also demonstrated by reduced tumor uptake of (18)F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 after coinjection with an excess of unlabeled FSH1 peptide.

CONCLUSION

NOTA-MAL-FSH1 could be labeled rapidly and efficiently with (18)F using one step method. Favorable preclinical data suggest that (18)F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 may be a suitable radiotracer for the non-invasive visualization of FSHR positive tumor in vivo.

Nanogels from metal-chelating crosslinkers as versatile platforms applied to copper-64 PET imaging of tumors and metastases

Metals are essential in medicine for both therapy and diagnosis. We recently created the first metal-chelating nanogel imaging agent, which employed versatile, reproducible chemistry that maximizes chelation stability. Here we demonstrate that our metal chelating crosslinked nanogel technology is a powerful platform by incorporating (64)Cu to obtain PET radiotracers. Polyacrylamide-based nanogels were crosslinked with three different polydentate ligands (DTPA, DOTA, NOTA). NOTA-based nanogels stably retained (64)Cu in mouse serum and accumulated in tumors in vivo as detected by PET/CT imaging. Measurement of radioactivity in major organs ex vivo confirmed this pattern, revealing a high accumulation (12.3% ID/g and 16.6% ID/g) in tumors at 24 and 48 h following administration, with lower accumulation in the liver (8.5% ID/g at 24 h) and spleen (5.5% ID/g). Nanogels accumulated even more efficiently in metastases (29.9% and 30.4% ID/g at 24 and 48 h). These metal-chelating nanogels hold great promise for future application as bimodal PET/MRI agents; chelation of β-emitting radionuclides could enable radiation therapy.

Understanding the pharmacological properties of a metabolic PET tracer in prostate cancer

Generally, solid tumors (>400 mm(3)) are inherently acidic, with more aggressive growth producing greater acidity. If the acidity could be targeted as a biomarker, it would provide a means to gauge the pace of tumor growth and degree of invasiveness, as well as providing a basis for predicting responses to pH-dependent chemotherapies. We have developed a (64)Cu pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) for targeting, imaging, and quantifying acidic tumors by PET, and our findings reveal utility in assessing prostate tumors. The new pHLIP version limits indiscriminate healthy tissue binding, and we demonstrate its targeting of extracellular acidification in three different prostate cancer models, each with different vascularization and acid-extruding protein carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) expression. We then describe the tumor distribution of this radiotracer ex vivo, in association with blood perfusion and known biomarkers of acidity, such as hypoxia, lactate dehydrogenase A, and CAIX. We find that the probe reveals metabolic variations between and within tumors, and discriminates between necrotic and living tumor areas.

⁶⁴Cu-labeled inhibitors of prostate-specific membrane antigen for PET imaging of prostate cancer

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-recognized target for identification and therapy of a variety of cancers. Here we report five (64)Cu-labeled inhibitors of PSMA, [(64)Cu]3-7, which are based on the lysine-glutamate urea scaffold and utilize a variety of macrocyclic chelators, namely NOTA(3), PCTA(4), Oxo-DO3A(5), CB-TE2A(6), and DOTA(7), in an effort to determine which provides the most suitable pharmacokinetics for in vivo PET imaging. [(64)Cu]3-7 were prepared in high radiochemical yield (60-90%) and purity (>95%). Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies of [(64)Cu]3-7 revealed specific accumulation in PSMA-expressing xenografts (PSMA+ PC3 PIP) relative to isogenic control tumor (PSMA- PC3 flu) and background tissue. The favorable kinetics and high image contrast provided by CB-TE2A chelated [(64)Cu]6 suggest it as the most promising among the candidates tested. That could be due to the higher stability of [(64)Cu]CB-TE2A as compared with [(64)Cu]NOTA, [(64)Cu]PCTA, [(64)Cu]Oxo-DO3A, and [(64)Cu]DOTA chelates in vivo.

Synthesis, complex stability and small animal PET imaging of a novel 64Cu-labelled cryptand molecule

The radiosynthesis and radiopharmacological evaluation including small animal PET imaging of a novel ⁶⁴Cu-labelled cryptand molecule ([⁶⁴Cu]CryptTM) possessing a tris-pyridyl/tris-amido set of donor atoms is described.

Pycup--a bifunctional, cage-like ligand for (64)Cu radiolabeling

In developing targeted probes for positron emission tomography (PET) based on (64)Cu, stable complexation of the radiometal is key, and a flexible handle for bioconjugation is highly advantageous. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of the chelator pycup and four derivatives. Pycup is a cross-bridged cyclam derivative with a pyridyl donor atom integrated into the cross-bridge resulting in a pentadentate ligand. The pycup platform provides kinetic inertness toward (64)Cu dechelation and offers versatile bioconjugation chemistry. We varied the number and type of additional donor atoms by alkylation of the remaining two secondary amines, providing three model ligands, pycup2A, pycup1A1Bn, and pycup2Bn, in 3-4 synthetic steps from cyclam. All model copper complexes displayed very slow decomplexation in 5 M HCl and 90 °C (t1/2: 1.5 h for pycup1A1Bn, 2.7 h for pycup2A, 20.3 h for pycup2Bn). The single crystal crystal X-ray structure of the [Cu(pycup2Bn)](2+) complex showed that the copper was coordinated in a trigonal, bipyramidal manner. The corresponding radiochemical complexes were at least 94% stable in rat plasma after 24 h. Biodistribution studies conducted in Balb/c mice at 2 h postinjection of (64)Cu labeled pycup2A revealed low residual activity in kidney, liver, and blood pool with predominantly renal clearance observed. Pycup2A was readily conjugated to a fibrin-targeted peptide and labeled with (64)Cu for successful PET imaging of arterial thrombosis in a rat model, demonstrating the utility of our new chelator in vivo.

A comparative study of radiolabeled bombesin analogs for the PET imaging of prostate cancer

Radiolabeled bombesin (BBN) analogs that bind to the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) represent a topic of active investigation for the development of molecular probes for PET or SPECT of prostate cancer (PCa). RM1 and AMBA have been identified as the 2 most promising BBN peptides for GRPR-targeted cancer imaging and therapy. In this study, to develop a clinically translatable BBN-based PET probe, we synthesized and evaluated (18)F-AlF- (aluminum-fluoride) and (64)Cu-radiolabeled RM1 and AMBA analogs for their potential application in PET imaging of PCa.

METHODS

1,4,7-triazacyclononane, 1-glutaric acid-4,7 acetic acid (NODAGA)-conjugated RM1 and AMBA were synthesized and tested for their GRPR-binding affinities. The NODAGA-RM1 and NODAGA-AMBA probes were further radiolabeled with (64)Cu or (18)F-AlF and then evaluated in a subcutaneous PCa xenograft model (PC3) by small-animal PET imaging and biodistribution studies.

RESULTS

NODAGA-RM1 and NODAGA-AMBA can be successfully synthesized and radiolabeled with (64)Cu and (18)F-AlF. (64)Cu- and (18)F-AlF-labeled NODAGA-RM1 demonstrated excellent serum stability and tumor-imaging properties in the in vitro stability assays and in vivo imaging studies. (64)Cu-NODAGA-RM1 exhibited tumor uptake values of 3.3 ± 0.38, 3.0 ± 0.76, and 3.5 ± 1.0 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) at 0.5, 1.5, and 4 h after injection, respectively. (18)F-AlF-NODAGA-RM1 exhibited tumor uptake values of 4.6 ± 1.5, 4.0 ± 0.87, and 3.9 ± 0.48 %ID/g at 0.5, 1, and 2 h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The high-stability, efficient tumor uptake and optimal pharmacokinetic properties highlight (18)F-AlF-NODAGA-RM1 as a probe with great potential and clinical application for the PET imaging of prostate cancer.