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Mukkamala R, Carlson DJ, Miller NK, Lindeman SD, Bowen ER, Tudi P, Schleinkofer T, Booth OC, Cox A, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Design of a Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Therapy with High Tumor-to-Healthy-Tissue Ratios. J Nucl Med 2024:jnumed.124.267756. [PMID: 38871387 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.124.267756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Because of upregulated expression on cancer-associated fibroblasts, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has emerged as an attractive biomarker for the imaging and therapy of solid tumors. Although many FAP ligands have already been developed for radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs), most suffer from inadequate tumor uptake, insufficient tumor residence times, or off-target accumulation in healthy tissues, suggesting a need for further improvements. Methods: A new FAP-targeted RPT with a novel ligand (FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA) was designed by combining the desirable features of several previous ligand-targeted RPTs. Uptake and retention of [111In]In or [177Lu]Lu-FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA were assessed in KB, HT29, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1 murine tumor models by radioimaging or ex vivo biodistribution analyses. Radiotherapeutic potencies and gross toxicities were also investigated by monitoring tumor growth, body weight, and tissue damage in tumor-bearing mice. Results: FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA exhibited high affinity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, 1.6 nM) and good selectivity for FAP relative to its closest homologs, prolyl oligopeptidase (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, ∼14.0 nM) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, ∼860 nM). SPECT/CT scans exhibited high retention in 2 different solid tumor models and minimal uptake in healthy tissues. Quantitative biodistribution analyses revealed tumor-to-healthy-tissue ratios of more than 5 times for all major organs, and live animal studies demonstrated 65%-93% suppression of tumor growth in all 4 models tested, with minimal or no evidence of systemic toxicity. Conclusion: We conclude that [177Lu]Lu-FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA constitutes a promising and safe RPT candidate for FAPα-targeted radionuclide therapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Daniel J Carlson
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Nicholas Kaine Miller
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Emily Renee Bowen
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Pooja Tudi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Taylor Schleinkofer
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Owen C Booth
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Abigail Cox
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
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2
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Meng L, Fang J, Zhang J, Li H, Xia D, Zhuang R, Chen H, Huang J, Li Y, Zhang X, Guo Z. Rational Design and Comparison of Novel 99mTc-Labeled FAPI Dimers for Visualization of Multiple Tumor Types. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8460-8472. [PMID: 38717104 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Recognizing the significance of SPECT in nuclear medicine and the pivotal role of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in cancer diagnosis and therapy, this study focuses on the development of 99mTc-labeled dimeric HF2 with high tumor uptake and image contrast. The dimeric HF2 was synthesized and radiolabeled with 99mTc in one pot using various coligands (tricine, TPPTS, EDDA, and TPPMS) to yield [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2, [99mTc]Tc-EDDA-HF2, and [99mTc]Tc-TPPMS-HF2 dimers. SPECT imaging results indicated that [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 exhibited higher tumor uptake and tumor-to-normal tissue (T/NT) ratio than [99mTc]Tc-EDDA-HF2 and [99mTc]Tc-TPPMS-HF2. Notably, [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 exhibited remarkable tumor accumulation and retention in HT-1080-FAP and U87-MG tumor-bearing mice, thereby surpassing the monomeric [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF. Moreover, [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 achieved acceptable T/NT ratios in the hepatocellular carcinoma patient-derived xenograft (HCC-PDX) model, which provided identifiable contrast and imaging quality. In conclusion, this study presents proof-of-concept research on 99mTc-labeled FAP inhibitor dimers for the visualization of multiple tumor types. Among these candidate compounds, [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 showed excellent clinical potential, thereby enriching the SPECT tracer toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Huifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Dongsheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Haojun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Jinxiong Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Yesen Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Theranostics and Translational Research Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
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3
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Tan Y, Li J, Zhao T, Zhou M, Liu K, Xiang S, Tang Y, Jakobsson V, Xu P, Chen X, Zhang J. Clinical translation of a novel FAPI dimer [ 68Ga]Ga-LNC1013. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06703-z. [PMID: 38561515 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has emerged as a highly promising target for cancer diagnostic imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. To exploit the therapeutic potential of suitably radiolabeled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs), this study presents the design and synthesis of a series of FAPI dimers to increase tumor uptake and retention. Preclinical evaluation and a pilot clinical PET imaging study were conducted to screen the lead compound with the potential for radionuclide therapy. METHODS Three new FAPI dimers were synthesized by linking two quinoline-based FAPIs with different spacers. The in vitro binding affinity and preclinical small animal PET imaging of the compounds were compared with their monomeric counterparts, FAPI-04 and FAPI-46. The lead compound, [68Ga]Ga -LNC1013, was then evaluated in a pilot clinical PET imaging study involving seven patients with gastrointestinal cancer. RESULTS The three newly synthesized FAPI homodimers had high binding affinity and specificity in vitro and in vivo. Small animal PET imaging and biodistribution studies showed that [68Ga]Ga-LNC1013 had persistent tumor retention for at least 4 h, also higher uptake than the other two dimers and the monomer counterparts, making it the lead compound to enter clinical investigation. In the pilot clinical PET imaging study, seven patients were enrolled. The effective dose of [68Ga]Ga-LNC1013 was 8.24E-03 mSv/MBq. The human biodistribution of [68Ga]Ga-LNC1013 demonstrated prominent tumor uptake and good tumor-to-background contrast. [68Ga]Ga-LNC1013 PET imaging showed potential in capturing primary and metastatic lesions and outperforming 18F-FDG PET in detecting pancreatic and esophageal cancers. The SUVmax for lesions with [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 decreased over time, whereas [68Ga]Ga-LNC1013 exhibited persistently high tumor uptake from 1 to 4 h post-injection. CONCLUSION Dimerization is an effective strategy to produce FAPI derivatives with favorable tumor uptake, long tumor retention, and imaging contrast over its monomeric counterpart. We demonstrated that [68Ga]Ga-LNC1013, the lead compound without any piperazine moiety, had superior diagnostic potential over [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and 18F-FDG, suggesting the future potential of LNC1013 for radioligand therapy of FAP-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Tan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianzhi Zhao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Ming Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Kehuang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijun Xiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxiang Tang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Vivianne Jakobsson
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- Departments of Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
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Bendre S, Merkens H, Kuo HT, Ng P, Wong AAWL, Lau WS, Zhang Z, Kurkowska S, Chen CC, Uribe C, Bénard F, Lin KS. Development, preclinical evaluation and preliminary dosimetry profiling of SB03178, a first-of-its-kind benzo[h]quinoline-based fibroblast activation protein-α-targeted radiotheranostic for cancer imaging and therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116238. [PMID: 38367492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that constitute a significant portion of most carcinomas. Since it plays a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis, its timely detection to identify tumor lesions in early developmental stages using targeted radiopharmaceuticals has gained significant impetus. In the present work, two novel FAP-targeted precursors SB03178 and SB04033 comprising of an atypical benzo[h]quinoline construct were synthesized and either chelated to diagnostic radionuclide gallium-68 or therapeutic radionuclide lutetium-177, with ≥90% radiochemical purities and 22-76% decay-corrected radiochemical yields. natGa-labeled complexes displayed dose-dependent FAP inhibition, with binding potency of natGa-SB03178 being ∼17 times higher than natGa-SB04033. To evaluate their pharmacokinetic profiles, PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution analyses were executed in FAP-overexpressing HEK293T:hFAP tumor-bearing mice. While both tracers displayed clear tumor visualization that was primarily FAP-arbitrated, with negligible uptake in most peripheral tissues, [68Ga]Ga-SB03178 demonstrated higher tumor uptake and superior tumor-to-background contrast ratios than [68Ga]Ga-SB04033. 177Lu-labeled SB03178 was subjected to tumor retention studies, mouse dosimetry profiling and mouse-to-human dose extrapolations also using the HEK293T:hFAP tumor model. [177Lu]Lu-SB03178 exhibited a combination of high and sustained tumor uptake, with excellent tumor-to-critical organ uptake ratios resulting in a high radiation absorbed dose to the tumor and a low estimated whole-body dose to humans. Our preliminary findings are considerably encouraging to support clinical development of [68Ga]Ga-/[177Lu]Lu-SB03178 theranostic pair for use in a vast majority of FAP-overexpressing neoplasms, particularly carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Bendre
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Helen Merkens
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Hsiou-Ting Kuo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Pauline Ng
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Antonio A W L Wong
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Wing Sum Lau
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Zhengxing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Sara Kurkowska
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Chao-Cheng Chen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - Carlos Uribe
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada; Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z4E6, Canada; Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1M9, Canada
| | - François Bénard
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada; Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z4E6, Canada; Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1M9, Canada
| | - Kuo-Shyan Lin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1L3, Canada; Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z4E6, Canada; Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1M9, Canada.
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5
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Du X, Gu B, Wang X, Wang X, Ji M, Zhang J, He S, Xu X, Yang Z, Song S. Preclinical Evaluation and a Pilot Clinical Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Study of [ 68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:904-915. [PMID: 38179677 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a type II integral membrane serine protease, is a promising target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. OncoFAP has been recently discovered for PET imaging procedures for various solid malignancies. In this study, we presented the development of manual radiolabeling procedures for the preparation of OncoFAP-based radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging. A novel series of [68Ga/177Lu]Ga/Lu-FAPI-FUSCC-I/II were produced with high radiochemical yields. [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-I/II and [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-FUSCC-I/II were stable in phosphate-buffered saline, fetal bovine serum, and human serum for at least 3 h. In vitro cellular uptake and blocking experiments implied that they had specificity to FAP. Additionally, the low nanomolar IC50 values of FAPI-FUSCC-II indicated that it had a high target affinity to FAP. The in vivo biodistribution and blocking study in mice bearing HT-1080-FAP tumors showed that both exhibited specific tumor uptake. [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II showed a higher tumor uptake and a higher tumor/nontarget ratio than [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-I and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04. The results of ex vivo biodistribution were in accordance with the biodistribution results. Clinical [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II-PET/CT imaging further demonstrated its favorable biodistribution and kinetics with elevated and reliable uptake by primary tumors (maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), 12.17 ± 6.67) and distant metastases (SUVmax, 9.24 ± 4.28). In summary, [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II displayed increased tumor uptake and retention compared to [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04, giving it potential as a promising tracer for the diagnostic imaging of malignant tumors with positive FAP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Du
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Bingxin Gu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, P. R. China
| | - Xiangwei Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Mengjing Ji
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Simin He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhongyi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Shaoli Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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Galbiati A, Dorten P, Gilardoni E, Gierse F, Bocci M, Zana A, Mock J, Claesener M, Cufe J, Büther F, Schäfers K, Hermann S, Schäfers M, Neri D, Cazzamalli S, Backhaus P. Tumor-Targeted Interleukin 2 Boosts the Anticancer Activity of FAP-Directed Radioligand Therapeutics. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1934-1940. [PMID: 37734838 PMCID: PMC10690118 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.266007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the antitumor efficacy of a combination of 177Lu-labeled radioligand therapeutics targeting the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) (OncoFAP and BiOncoFAP) with the antibody-cytokine fusion protein L19-interleukin 2 (L19-IL2) providing targeted delivery of interleukin 2 to tumors. Methods: The biodistribution of 177Lu-OncoFAP and 177Lu-BiOncoFAP at different molar amounts (3 vs. 250 nmol/kg) of injected ligand was studied via SPECT/CT in mice bearing subcutaneous HT-1080.hFAP tumors, and self-absorbed tumor and organ doses were calculated. The in vivo anticancer effect of 5 MBq of the radiolabeled preparations was evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with L19-IL2 in subcutaneously implanted HT-1080.hFAP and SK-RC-52.hFAP tumors. Tumor samples from animals treated with 177Lu-BiOncoFAP, L19-IL2, or both were analyzed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify therapeutic signatures on cellular and stromal markers of cancer and on immunomodulatory targets. Results: 177Lu-BiOncoFAP led to a significantly higher self-absorbed dose in FAP-positive tumors (0.293 ± 0.123 Gy/MBq) than did 177Lu-OncoFAP (0.157 ± 0.047 Gy/MBq, P = 0.01) and demonstrated favorable tumor-to-organ ratios at high molar amounts of injected ligand. Administration of L19-IL2 or 177Lu-BiOncoFAP as single agents led to cancer cures in only a limited number of treated animals. In 177Lu-BiOncoFAP-plus-L19-IL2 combination therapy, complete remissions were observed in all injected mice (7/7 complete remissions for the HT-1080.hFAP model, and 4/4 complete remissions for the SK-RC-52.hFAP model), suggesting therapeutic synergy. Proteomic studies revealed a mechanism of action based on the activation of natural killer cells, with a significant enhancement of the expression of granzymes and perforin 1 in the tumor microenvironment after combination treatment. Conclusion: The combination of OncoFAP-based radioligand therapeutics with concurrent targeting of interleukin 2 shows synergistic anticancer effects in the treatment of FAP-positive tumors. This experimental finding should be corroborated by future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galbiati
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Dorten
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Florian Gierse
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matilde Bocci
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Claesener
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Juela Cufe
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Büther
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Schäfers
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Hermann
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Schäfers
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- West German Cancer Centre, Münster, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland; and
- Philogen S.p.A., Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland;
| | - Philipp Backhaus
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- West German Cancer Centre, Münster, Germany
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7
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Pang Y, Zhao L, Fang J, Chen J, Meng L, Sun L, Wu H, Guo Z, Lin Q, Chen H. Development of FAPI Tetramers to Improve Tumor Uptake and Efficacy of FAPI Radioligand Therapy. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1449-1455. [PMID: 37321827 PMCID: PMC10478824 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.265599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitors (FAPIs) have shown promise as cancer diagnostic agents; however, the relatively short tumor retention of FAPIs may limit their application in radioligand therapy. In this paper, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a FAPI tetramer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the tumor-targeting characteristics of radiolabeled FAPI multimers in vitro and in vivo, thereby providing information for the design of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals based on the polyvalency principle. Methods: FAPI tetramers were synthesized on the basis of FAPI-46 and radiolabeled with 68Ga, 64Cu, and 177Lu. In vitro FAP-binding characteristics were identified using a competitive cell-binding experiment. To evaluate their pharmacokinetics, small-animal PET, SPECT, and ex vivo biodistribution analyses were performed on HT-1080-FAP and U87MG tumor-bearing mice. In addition, the 2 tumor xenografts received radioligand therapy with 177Lu-DOTA-4P(FAPI)4, and the antitumor efficacy of the 177Lu-FAPI tetramer was evaluated and compared with that of the 177Lu-FAPI dimer and monomer. Results: 68Ga-DOTA-4P(FAPI)4 and 177Lu-DOTA-4P(FAPI)4 were highly stable in phosphate-buffered saline and fetal bovine serum. The FAPI tetramer exhibited high FAP-binding affinity and specificity both in vitro and in vivo. 68Ga-, 64Cu-, and 177Lu-labeled FAPI tetramers exhibited higher tumor uptake, longer tumor retention, and slower clearance than FAPI dimers and FAPI-46 in HT-1080-FAP tumors. The uptake (percentage injected dose per gram) of 177Lu-DOTA-4P(FAPI)4, 177Lu-DOTA-2P(FAPI)2, and 177Lu-FAPI-46 in HT-1080-FAP tumors at 24 h was 21.4 ± 1.7, 17.1 ± 3.9, and 3.4 ± 0.7, respectively. Moreover, 68Ga-DOTA-4P(FAPI)4 uptake in U87MG tumors was approximately 2-fold the uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-2P(FAPI)2 (SUVmean, 0.72 ± 0.02 vs. 0.42 ± 0.03, P < 0.001) and more than 4-fold the uptake of 68Ga-FAPI-46 (0.16 ± 0.01, P < 0.001). In the radioligand therapy study, remarkable tumor suppression was observed with the 177Lu-FAPI tetramer in both HT-1080-FAP and U87MG tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion: The satisfactory FAP-binding affinity and specificity, as well as the favorable in vivo pharmacokinetics of the FAPI tetramer, make it a promising radiopharmaceutical for theranostic applications. Improved tumor uptake and prolonged retention of the 177Lu-FAPI tetramer resulted in excellent characteristics for FAPI imaging and radioligand therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Pang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xiamen Cancer Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xiamen Cancer Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; and
| | - Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianhao Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xiamen Cancer Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Long Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qin Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xiamen Cancer Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China;
| | - Haojun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China;
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Millul J, Koepke L, Haridas GR, Sparrer KMJ, Mansi R, Fani M. Head-to-head comparison of different classes of FAP radioligands designed to increase tumor residence time: monomer, dimer, albumin binders, and small molecules vs peptides. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:3050-3061. [PMID: 37261473 PMCID: PMC10382406 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP)-targeting radioligands have recently demonstrated high diagnostic potential. However, their therapeutic value is impaired by the short tumor residence time. Several strategies have been tested to overcome this limitation, but a head-to-head comparison has never been done. With the aim to identify strengths and limitations of the suggested strategies, we compared the monomer FAPI-46 versus (a) its dimer (FAPI-46-F1D), (b) two albumin binders conjugates (FAPI-46-Ibu (ibuprofen) and FAPI-46-EB (Evans Blue)), and (c) cyclic peptide FAP-2286. METHODS 177Lu-labeled ligands were evaluated in vitro in cell lines with low (HT-1080.hFAP) and high (HEK-293.hFAP) humanFAP expression. SPECT/CT imaging and biodistribution studies were conducted in HT-1080.hFAP and HEK-293.hFAP xenografts. The areas under the curve (AUC) of the tumor uptake and tumor-to-critical-organs ratios and the absorbed doses were estimated. RESULTS Radioligands showed IC50 in the picomolar range. Striking differences were observed in vivo regarding tumor uptake, residence, specificity, and total body distribution. All [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-46-based radioligands showed similar uptake between the two tumor models. [177Lu]Lu-FAP-2286 showed higher uptake in HEK-293.hFAP and the least background. The AUC of the tumor uptake and absorbed dose was higher for [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-46-F1D and the two albumin binder conjugates, [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-46-Ibu and [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-46-EB, in HT1080.hFAP xenografts and for [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-46-EB and [177Lu]Lu-FAP-2286 in HEK293.hFAP xenografts. The tumor-to-critical-organs AUC values and the absorbed doses were in favor of [177Lu]Lu-FAP-2286, but tumor-to-kidneys. CONCLUSION The study indicated dimerization and cyclic peptide structures as promising strategies for prolonging tumor residence time, sparing healthy tissues. Albumin binding strategy outcome depended on the albumin binding moiety. The peptide showed advantages in terms of tumor-to-background ratios, besides tumor-to-kidneys, but its tumor uptake was FAP expression-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Millul
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lennart Koepke
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Rosalba Mansi
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melpomeni Fani
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Lepareur N, Ramée B, Mougin-Degraef M, Bourgeois M. Clinical Advances and Perspectives in Targeted Radionuclide Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1733. [PMID: 37376181 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide therapy has become increasingly prominent as a nuclear medicine subspecialty. For many decades, treatment with radionuclides has been mainly restricted to the use of iodine-131 in thyroid disorders. Currently, radiopharmaceuticals, consisting of a radionuclide coupled to a vector that binds to a desired biological target with high specificity, are being developed. The objective is to be as selective as possible at the tumor level, while limiting the dose received at the healthy tissue level. In recent years, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of cancer, as well as the appearance of innovative targeting agents (antibodies, peptides, and small molecules) and the availability of new radioisotopes, have enabled considerable advances in the field of vectorized internal radiotherapy with a better therapeutic efficacy, radiation safety and personalized treatments. For instance, targeting the tumor microenvironment, instead of the cancer cells, now appears particularly attractive. Several radiopharmaceuticals for therapeutic targeting have shown clinical value in several types of tumors and have been or will soon be approved and authorized for clinical use. Following their clinical and commercial success, research in that domain is particularly growing, with the clinical pipeline appearing as a promising target. This review aims to provide an overview of current research on targeting radionuclide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lepareur
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Eugène Marquis, 35000 Rennes, France
- Inserm, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Métabolismes et Cancer)-UMR 1317, Univ Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Barthélémy Ramée
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Nantes University Hospital, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Marie Mougin-Degraef
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Nantes University Hospital, 44000 Nantes, France
- Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA (Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Intégrée Nantes-Angers)-UMR 1307, Université de Nantes, ERL 6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Mickaël Bourgeois
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Nantes University Hospital, 44000 Nantes, France
- Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA (Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Intégrée Nantes-Angers)-UMR 1307, Université de Nantes, ERL 6001, 44000 Nantes, France
- Groupement d'Intérêt Public ARRONAX, 1 Rue Aronnax, 44817 Saint Herblain, France
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Ora M, Soni N, Nazar AH, Dixit M, Singh R, Puri S, Graham MM, Gambhir S. Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-Based Radionuclide Therapies: Current Status and Future Directions. J Nucl Med 2023:jnumed.123.265594. [PMID: 37268422 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.265594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic malignancies have limited management strategies and variable treatment responses. Cancer cells develop beside and depend on the complex tumor microenvironment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts, with their complex interaction with tumor and immune cells, are involved in various steps of tumorigenesis, such as growth, invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Prooncogenic cancer-associated fibroblasts emerged as attractive therapeutic targets. However, clinical trials have achieved suboptimal success. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor-based molecular imaging has shown encouraging results in cancer diagnosis, making them innovative targets for FAP inhibitor-based radionuclide therapies. This review summarizes the results of preclinical and clinical FAP-based radionuclide therapies. We will describe advances and FAP molecule modification in this novel therapy, as well as its dosimetry, safety profile, and efficacy. This summary may guide future research directions and optimize clinical decision-making in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Ora
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India;
| | - Neetu Soni
- Department of Radiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Manish Dixit
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India
| | - Rohit Singh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont; and
| | - Savita Puri
- Department of Radiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Michael M Graham
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
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11
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Zhong X, Guo J, Han X, Wu W, Yang R, Zhang J, Shao G. Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel FAPI-04 Dimer for Cancer Theranostics. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:2402-2414. [PMID: 37015025 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in cancer-associated fibroblasts in a wide variety of tumors enables a highly selective targeting strategy using FAP inhibitors (FAPIs). Quinoline-based FAPIs labeled with radionuclides have been widely developed for tumor-targeted nuclear medicine imaging. However, the short retention time of FAPIs at the tumor site limits their application in radionuclide therapy. In this study, a novel FAPI-04 dimer was synthesized and labeled with radionuclides to prolong the retention time in tumors for imaging and therapy. To prepare the FAPI-04 dimer complex, DOTA-Suc-Lys-(FAPI-04)2, we used Fmoc-Lys(Boc)-OH as the linker to conjugate two FAPI-04 structures by an amide reaction. The resulting product was further modified by DOTA groups to allow for conjugation with radioactive metals. Both [68Ga]Ga-(FAPI-04)2 and [177Lu]Lu-(FAPI-04)2 showed a radiochemical purity of >99% and remained stable in vitro. In vivo, micro-PET images of SKOV3, A431, and H1299 xenografts revealed that the tumor uptake of [68Ga]Ga-(FAPI-04)2 was about twice that of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 and that the accumulation of [68Ga]Ga-(FAPI-04)2 at the tumor site did not significantly decrease even 3h after injection. The tumor-abdomen ratio of [68Ga]Ga-(FAPI-04)2 images was significantly higher than that of [18F]F-FDG images. For radionuclide therapy, [177Lu]Lu-(FAPI-04)2 effectively retarded tumor growth and displayed good tolerance. In conclusion, the DOTA-Suc-Lys-(FAPI-04)2 design enhanced its uptake in FAP-expressing tumors, improved its retention time at the tumor site, and produced high-contrast imaging in xenografts after radionuclide labeling. Furthermore, it showed a noticeable antitumor effect. DOTA-Suc-Lys-(FAPI-04)2 provides a new approach for applying FAPI derivatives in tumor theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhong
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Jingru Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiuping Han
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Nanjing Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Nanjing Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Nanjing Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Guoqiang Shao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Nanjing Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
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Martin M, Ballal S, Yadav MP, Bal C, Van Rymenant Y, De Loose J, Verhulst E, De Meester I, Van Der Veken P, Roesch F. Novel Generation of FAP Inhibitor-Based Homodimers for Improved Application in Radiotheranostics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061889. [PMID: 36980775 PMCID: PMC10047490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiopharmaceuticals based on the highly potent FAP inhibitor (FAPi) UAMC-1110 have shown great potential in molecular imaging, but the short tumor retention time of the monomers do not match the physical half-lives of the important therapeutic radionuclides 177Lu and 225Ac. This was improved with the dimer DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2, but pharmacological and radiolabeling properties still need optimization. Therefore, the novel FAPi homodimers DO3A.Glu.(FAPi)2 and DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2. were synthesized and quantitatively radiolabeled with 68Ga, 90Y, 177Lu and 225Ac. The radiolabeled complexes showed high hydrophilicity and were generally stable in human serum (HS) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C over two half-lives, except for [225Ac]Ac-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 in PBS. In vitro affinity studies resulted in subnanomolar IC50 values for FAP and high selectivity for FAP over the related proteases PREP and DPP4 for both compounds as well as for [natLu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2. In a first proof-of-principle patient study (medullary thyroid cancer), [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 was compared to [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2. High uptake and long tumor retention was observed in both cases, but [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 significantly reduces uptake in non-target and critical organs (liver, colon). Overall, the novel FAPi homodimer DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 showed improved radiolabeling in vitro and pharmacological properties in vivo compared to DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2. [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 and [225Ac]Ac-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 appear promising for translational application in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Martin
- Department of Chemistry-TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sanjana Ballal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Madhav Prasad Yadav
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Chandrasekhar Bal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Yentl Van Rymenant
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Joni De Loose
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Emile Verhulst
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ingrid De Meester
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Der Veken
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Frank Roesch
- Department of Chemistry-TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Radiometal-theranostics: the first 20 years*. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis review describes the basic principles of radiometal-theranostics and its dawn based on the development of the positron-emitting 86Y and 86Y-labeled radiopharmaceuticals to quantify biodistribution and dosimetry of 90Y-labeled analogue therapeutics. The nuclear and inorganic development of 86Y (including nuclear and cross section data, irradiation, radiochemical separation and recovery) led to preclinical and clinical evaluation of 86Y-labeled citrate and EDTMP complexes and yielded organ radiation doses in terms of mGy/MBq 90Y. The approach was extended to [86/90Y]Y-DOTA-TOC, yielding again yielded organ radiation doses in terms of mGy/MBq 90Y. The review further discusses the consequences of this early development in terms of further radiometals that were used (68Ga, 177Lu etc.), more chelators that were developed, new biological targets that were addressed (SSTR, PSMA, FAP, etc.) and subsequent generations of radiometal-theranostics that resulted out of that.
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Puglioli S, Schmidt E, Pellegrino C, Prati L, Oehler S, De Luca R, Galbiati A, Comacchio C, Nadal L, Scheuermann J, Manz MG, Neri D, Cazzamalli S, Bassi G, Favalli N. Selective tumor targeting enabled by picomolar fibroblast activation protein inhibitors isolated from a DNA-encoded affinity maturation library. Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Boinapally S, Lisok A, Lofland G, Minn I, Yan Y, Jiang Z, Shin MJ, Merino VF, Zheng L, Brayton C, Pomper MG, Banerjee SR. Hetero-bivalent agents targeting FAP and PSMA. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:4369-4381. [PMID: 35965291 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed a theranostic radiopharmaceutical that engages two key cell surface proteases, fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), each frequently overexpressed within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The latter is also expressed in most prostate tumor epithelium. To engage a broader spectrum of cancers for imaging and therapy, we conjugated small-molecule FAP and PSMA-targeting moieties using an optimized linker to provide 64Cu-labeled compounds. METHODS We synthesized FP-L1 and FP-L2 using two linker constructs attaching the FAP and PSMA-binding pharmacophores. We determined in vitro inhibition constants (Ki) for FAP and PSMA. Cell uptake assays and flow cytometry were conducted in human glioma (U87), melanoma (SK-MEL-24), prostate cancer (PSMA + PC3 PIP and PSMA - PC3 flu), and clear cell renal cell carcinoma lines (PSMA + /PSMA - 786-O). Quantitative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and tissue biodistribution studies were performed using U87, SK-MEL-24, PSMA + PC3 PIP, and PSMA + 786-O experimental xenograft models and the KPC genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic cancer. RESULTS 64Cu-FP-L1 and 64Cu-FP-L2 were produced in high radiochemical yields (> 98%) and molar activities (> 19 MBq/nmol). Ki values were in the nanomolar range for both FAP and PSMA. PET imaging and biodistribution studies revealed high and specific targeting of 64Cu-FP-L1 and 64Cu-FP-L2 for FAP and PSMA. 64Cu-FP-L1 displayed more favorable pharmacokinetics than 64Cu-FP-L2. In the U87 tumor model at 2 h post-injection, tumor uptake of 64Cu-FP-L1 (10.83 ± 1.02%ID/g) was comparable to 64Cu-FAPI-04 (9.53 ± 2.55%ID/g). 64Cu-FP-L1 demonstrated high retention 5.34 ± 0.29%ID/g at 48 h in U87 tumor. Additionally, 64Cu-FP-L1 showed high retention in PSMA + PC3 PIP tumor (12.06 ± 0.78%ID/g at 2 h and 10.51 ± 1.82%ID/g at 24 h). CONCLUSIONS 64Cu-FP-L1 demonstrated high and specific tumor targeting of FAP and PSMA. This compound should enable imaging of lesions expressing FAP, PSMA, or both on the tumor cell surface or within the TME. FP-L1 can readily be converted into a theranostic for the management of heterogeneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Boinapally
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alla Lisok
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabriela Lofland
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Il Minn
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu Yan
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zirui Jiang
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Min Jay Shin
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vanessa F Merino
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cory Brayton
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sangeeta Ray Banerjee
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Bartoli F, Elsinga P, Nazario LR, Zana A, Galbiati A, Millul J, Migliorini F, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Slart RHJA, Erba PA. Automated Radiosynthesis, Preliminary In Vitro/In Vivo Characterization of OncoFAP-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancer Imaging and Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080958. [PMID: 36015106 PMCID: PMC9416253 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals represent a breakthrough in cancer imaging and a viable option for therapeutic applications. OncoFAP is an ultra-high-affinity ligand of FAP with a dissociation constant of 680 pM. OncoFAP has been recently discovered and clinically validated for PET imaging procedures in patients with solid malignancies. While more and more clinical validation is becoming available, the need for scalable and robust procedures for the preparation of this new class of radiopharmaceuticals continues to increase. In this article, we present the development of automated radiolabeling procedures for the preparation of OncoFAP-based radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging and therapy. A new series of [68Ga]Ga-OncoFAP, [177Lu]Lu-OncoFAP and [18F]AlF-OncoFAP was produced with high radiochemical yields. Chemical and biochemical characterization after radiolabeling confirmed its excellent stability, retention of high affinity for FAP and absence of radiolysis by-products. The in vivo biodistribution of [18F]AlF-NOTA-OncoFAP, a candidate for PET imaging procedures in patients, was assessed in mice bearing FAP-positive solid tumors. The product showed rapid accumulation in solid tumors, with an average of 6.6% ID/g one hour after systemic administration and excellent tumor-to-healthy organs ratio. We have developed simple, quick, safe and robust synthetic procedures for the preparation of theranostic OncoFAP-compounds based on Gallium-68, Lutetium-177 and Fluorine-18 using the commercially available FASTlab synthesis module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bartoli
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Translational Research and Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Philip Elsinga
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
| | - Luiza Reali Nazario
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Jacopo Millul
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Francesca Migliorini
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Philogen S.p.A., 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Riemer H. J. A. Slart
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Anna Erba
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Translational Research and Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Gilardoni E, Zana A, Galbiati A, Sturm T, Millul J, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Stucchi R. Mass Spectrometry-Based Method for the Determination of the Biodistribution of Tumor-Targeting Small Molecule-Metal Conjugates. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10715-10721. [PMID: 35820828 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear medicine plays a key role in modern diagnosis and cancer therapy. The development of tumor-targeting radionuclide conjugates (also named small molecule-radio conjugates (SMRCs)) represents a significant improvement over the clinical use of metabolic radiotracers (e.g., [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose) for imaging and over the application of biocidal external beam radiations for therapy. During the discovery of SMRCs, molecular candidates must be carefully evaluated typically by performing biodistribution assays in preclinical tumor models. Quantification methodologies based on radioactive counts are typically demanding due to safety concerns, availability of radioactive materials, and infrastructures. In this article, we report the development of a mass spectrometry (MS)-based method for the detection and quantification of small molecule-metal conjugates (SMMCs) as cold surrogates of SMRCs. We applied this methodology for the evaluation of the biodistribution of a particular class of tumor-targeting drug candidates based on natLu, natGa, and natF and directed against fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The reliability of the liquid chromatography-MS (LC-MS) analysis was validated by a direct comparison of MS-based and radioactivity-based biodistribution data. The results show that MS biodistribution of stable isotope metal conjugates is an orthogonal tool for the preclinical characterization of different classes of radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Gilardoni
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Theo Sturm
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jacopo Millul
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Philogen S.P.A., Via Bellaria 35, I-53018 Sovicille, Siena, Italy.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Stucchi
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
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