Albumin-Binding and Conventional PSMA Ligands in Combination with 161Tb: Biodistribution, Dosimetry, and Preclinical Therapy

Mitochondria-tropic radioconjugates to enhance the therapeutic potential of terbium-161

BACKGROUND

Strategies that focus on delivering Auger electron emitters to highly radiosensitive intracellular targets-such as the nucleus, cell membrane, or mitochondria-are gaining attention. Targeting these organelles could enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target toxicity by allowing lower administered doses. In this context, this study explores the therapeutic potential of 161Tb-labeled radiocomplexes that integrate the mitochondria-targeting triphenylphosphonium (TPP) moiety with a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeting vector. The goal is to assess these dual-targeted radiocomplexes for their ability to deliver conversion electrons (CE) and Auger electrons (AEs) to prostate cancer (PCa) cells, specifically targeting the mitochondria to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS

Two novel radiocomplexes, [161Tb]Tb-TPP-PSMA and [161Tb]Tb-TPP-G3-PSMA, were synthesized with high radiochemical yield and purity. The proposed structures were validated using HPLC and ESI-MS analysis, with their natTb counterparts serving as reference compounds. In vitro experiments included cellular uptake, internalization, mitochondrial uptake, and DNA damage assays in PSMA-positive PCa cell lines. Clonogenic assays were performed to evaluate cell survival post-treatment. In vivo studies were conducted using SCID/Beige mice bearing PCa xenografts and involved µSPECT/CT imaging and radiometabolite analysis to evaluate biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, tumor uptake and in vivo stability of the radiocomplexes. Both [161Tb]Tb-TPP-PSMA and [161Tb]Tb-TPP-G3-PSMA showed high radiochemical stability and were efficiently internalized by PSMA-positive cells, while showing minimal uptake in PSMA-negative cells. These dual-targeted radiocomplexes demonstrated significantly higher mitochondrial uptake compared to the non-TPP-containing [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-617, leading to increased DNA damage and enhanced radiocytotoxicity. In vivo, the dual-targeted complexes demonstrated PSMA-specific tumor uptake and pharmacokinetics comparable to [161Tb]Tb-PSMA-617, with effective clearance from non-target tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The TPP-modified 161Tb-radiocomplexes effectively targeted the mitochondria of PSMA-positive PCa cells, leading to increased DNA damage and reduced cell viability compared to single-targeted radiocomplexes. These findings suggest that dual-targeting strategies, which combine PSMA and mitochondrial targeting, can enhance the therapeutic potential of radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer treatment.

Is Copper-61 the New Gallium-68? Automation and Preclinical Proof-of-Concept of 61Cu-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for Prostate Cancer Imaging

Background: While gallium-68 has traditionally dominated PET imaging in oncology, copper radionuclides have sparked interest for their potential applications in nuclear medicine and theranostics. Considering the advantageous physical decay properties of copper-61 compared to those of gallium-68, we describe a fully automated GMP-compliant synthesis process for 61Cu-based radiopharmaceuticals and demonstrate their in vivo application for targeting the overexpressed PSMA by PET/MR imaging. Methods: Copper-61 was obtained through the irradiation of natural zinc liquid targets in a biomedical cyclotron. [61Cu]Cu-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T and [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T were produced without manual intervention in two Synthera® Extension modules. Radiochemical purity was analyzed by radio-HPLC and iTLC. Cellular uptake was evaluated in LNCaP and DU145 cells. In vivo PET/MRI was performed in control mice to evaluate the biodistribution of both radiopharmaceuticals, and in tumor-bearing mice to assess the targeting ability towards PSMA. Results: The fully automated process developed proved to be effective for the synthesis of 61Cu-based radiopharmaceuticals, with appropriate molar activities. The final products exhibited high radiochemical purity (>98%) and remained stable for up to 6 h after the EOS. A time-dependent increase in cellular uptake was observed in LNCaP cells, but not in DU145 cells. As opposed to [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T, [61Cu]Cu-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T exhibited poor kinetic stability in vivo. Subsequent PET/MR imaging with [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T showed tumor uptake lasting up to 4 h post-injection, predominant renal clearance, and no detectable accumulation in non-targeted organs. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the feasibility of the implemented process, which yields adequate amounts of high-quality radiopharmaceuticals and can be adapted to any standard production facility. This streamlined approach enhances reproducibility and scalability, bringing copper-61 closer to widespread clinical use, to the detriment of the conventionally accepted gallium-68.

Highlight selection of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy developments by editorial board

BACKGROUND

The Editorial Board of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry releases a biannual highlight commentary to update the readership on trends in the field of radiopharmaceutical development and application of radiopharmaceuticals.

MAIN BODY

This selection of highlights provides commentary on 24 different topics selected by each co-authoring Editorial Board member addressing a variety of aspects ranging from novel radiochemistry to first-in-human application of novel radiopharmaceuticals.

CONCLUSION

Trends in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy are highlighted. Hot topics cover the entire scope of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry, demonstrating the progress in the research field in many aspects.

Two Targets, One Mission: Heterobivalent Metal-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for Prostate Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant healthcare challenge, associated with considerable mortality and morbidity among men, particularly in developed countries. PCa mortality and morbidity are primarily related to its most advanced form, metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC), for which there is presently no cure. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches to increase mCRPC survival are critically needed. Due to PCa tumor heterogeneity and a complex tumor microenvironment, the efficacy of single-target radiopharmaceuticals, such as the Food and Drug Administration-approved [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, is currently under reassessment. The design and development of PCa dual-target radiopharmaceuticals have garnered considerable attention, due to their benefits over single-target counterparts, namely increased therapeutic specificity and efficacy, as well as the ability to overcome the challenge of inconsistent tumor visualization caused by variable receptor expression across diverse lesions, thereby enabling more comprehensive imaging. Several PCa biomarkers are currently being investigated as potential targets for dual-target radiopharmaceuticals, including prostate-specific membrane antigen, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, integrin αvβ3 receptor, fibroblast activation protein, sigma-1 receptor, as well as albumin, the radiosensitive cell nucleus, and mitochondria. This review explores recent advancements in heterobivalent metal-based radiopharmaceuticals for dual targeting in PCa, highlighting their significance in theranostic and personalized medicine.

Preclinical investigation of [149Tb]Tb-DOTATATE and [149Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 for tumor-targeted alpha therapy

PURPOSE

Terbium-149 is a short-lived α-particle emitter, potentially useful for tumor-targeted therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate terbium-149 in combination with the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) agonist DOTATATE and the SSTR antagonist DOTA-LM3. The radiopeptides were evaluated to compare their therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Terbium-149 was produced at ISOLDE/CERN and chemically purified at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Radiolabeling of somatostatin analogues with [149Tb]TbCl3 was performed under standard labeling conditions at pH 4.5. Cell viability (MTT) and survival assays (colony forming) assays were performed after 16-18 h exposure of SSTR-positive AR42J rat pancreatic tumor cells to various activity concentrations of [149Tb]Tb-DOTATATE and [149Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3. DNA double-strand breaks were determined using immunofluorescence imaging of γ-H2A.X and 53BP1. Therapy studies were performed with AR42J tumor-bearing mice injected with 1 × 5 MBq or 2 × 5 MBq of the respective radiopeptide. The tolerability of up to 40 MBq [149Tb]Tb-DOTATATE or 40 MBq [149Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 was assessed with regard to undesired effects to the bone marrow and kidneys in immunocompetent mice without tumors.

RESULTS

The radiolabeling of peptides was achieved at molar activities of up to 20 MBq/nmol at ≥ 98% radiochemical purity. AR42J cell viability was reduced in an activity-dependent manner, with [149Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 being slightly more potent than [149Tb]Tb-DOTATATE (EC50: 0.5 vs. 1.2 kBq/mL). Both radiopeptides induced a similar number of γ-H2A.X and 53BP1 foci per nuclei, which indicated DNA damage in AR42J tumor cells. Injection of tumor-bearing mice with 1 × 5 MBq radiopeptide resulted in median survival times of 16.5 days and 19 days for [149Tb]Tb-DOTATATE and [149Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3, respectively, as compared to only 8 days for untreated control mice. Application of 2 × 5 MBq of the radiopeptides further extended the median survival times to 30 days and 29 days, respectively. The blood cell counts and values for blood plasma biomarkers of treated mice without tumors were similar to those of untreated controls. Renal accumulation of [99mTc]Tc-DMSA was similar in all mice, indicating normal kidney function.

CONCLUSION

149Tb-based radiopeptides effectively reduced the viability of tumor cells in vitro as well as the tumor growth in mice without causing relevant adverse events, irrespective of whether the SSTR agonist or antagonist was employed. These data encourage further preclinical application of terbium-149 to evaluate its potential in combination with other tumor-targeting agents.

Preclinical comparison of (radio)lanthanides using mass spectrometry and nuclear imaging techniques: biodistribution of lanthanide-based tumor-targeting agents and lanthanides in ionic form

PURPOSE

With the growing interest in exploring radiolanthanides for nuclear medicine applications, the question arises as to whether they are generally interchangeable without affecting a biomolecule's pharmacokinetic properties. The goal of this study was to investigate similarities and differences of four (radio)lanthanides simultaneously applied as complexes of biomolecules or in ionic form.

METHODS

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for the simultaneous detection of four lanthanides (Ln = lutetium, terbium, gadolinium and europium) in biological samples. In vitro tumor cell uptake and in vivo biodistribution studies were performed with Ln-DOTATATE, Ln-DOTA-LM3, Ln-PSMA-617 and Ln-OxFol-1. AR42J cells, PC-3 PIP cells and KB cells expressing the somatostatin receptor, the prostate-specific membrane antigen and the folate receptor, respectively, were used in vitro as well as to obtain the respective tumor mouse models for in vivo studies. The distribution of lanthanides in ionic form was investigated in immunocompetent mice. Dual-isotope SPECT/CT imaging studies were performed with mice administered with the radiolabeled biomolecules or chloride salts of lutetium-177 and terbium-161.

RESULTS

Similar in vitro cell uptake was observed for all four lanthanide complexes of each biomolecule into the respective tumor cell lines. AR42J tumor uptake of Ln-DOTATATE and Ln-DOTA-LM3 in mice showed similar values for all lanthanide complexes (3.8‒5.1% ID/g and 4.5‒5.0% ID/g; 1 h p.i., respectively). Accumulation of Ln-PSMA-617 in PC-3 PIP tumors (24-25% ID/g; 1 h p.i.) and of Ln-OxFol-1 in KB tumors (28-31% ID/g; 24 h p.i.) were also equal for the four lanthanide complexes of each biomolecule. After injection of lanthanide chloride salts (LnCl3; Ln = natLu, natTb, natGd, natEu), the liver uptake was different for each metal (~ 12% ID/g, ~ 22% ID/g, ~ 31% ID/g and ~ 37% ID/g; 24 h p.i., respectively) which could be ascribed to the radii of the respective lanthanide ions. In the bones, accumulation was considerably higher for lutetium than for other lanthanides (25 ± 5% ID/g vs. 14‒15% ID/g; 24 h p.i.). These data were confirmed visually by 177Lu/161Tb-based dual-isotope SPECT/CT images.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented study confirmed similar properties of Ln-complexes, suggesting that lutetium-177 can be replaced by other radiolanthanides, most probably without affecting the tissue distribution profile of the resultant radiopharmaceuticals. On the other hand, the different radii of the lanthanide ions affected their uptake and resorption mechanisms in liver and bones when injected in uncomplexed form.

Terbium-161 in nuclear medicine: Preclinical and clinical progress in comparison with lutetium-177

The use of new radiopharmaceuticals labeled with lutetium-177 represents a successful translation of experimental results into clinical practice. Recent experimental data suggests that terbium-161 might well follow the example of lutetium-177 regarding applicability in nuclear medicine. Similarly to lutetium-177, the terbium-161 emits beta particles and gamma-radiation, although terbium-161 emits short-ranged conversion and Auger electrons, creating an effect that may eliminate smaller tumor metastases more effectively than lutetium-177. Terbium-161 may exert a higher radiobiological effect in the target tissues in comparison with lutetium-177, a difference which makes possible a reduction in the doses of radioactivity administered. Further, due to the similar chemical properties of lutetium-177 and terbium-161, similar radiolabeling techniques can be used. The differences found in preclinical experiments on radiotoxicity of the counterparts seem to be minor. Despite intensive progress, the number of preclinical studies on 161Tb-labeled agents is still not comparable to studies on lutetium-177. Clinical trials with 161Tb-labeled radiopharmaceuticals focused on the treatment of prostate cancer and selected neuroendocrine tumors have already begun, although none of them have been completed yet.

Biodistribution and dosimetry of [177Lu]Lu-SibuDAB in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Several prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radiopharmaceuticals have been used for the treatment of metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In an attempt to improve the tumour accumulation, new PSMA ligands were developed with an albumin-binding entity to enhance the blood circulation and, hence, tumour accumulation. In preclinical studies, [177Lu]Lu-SibuDAB, a radiopharmaceutical with moderate albumin-binding properties, outperformed [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dosimetry of [177Lu]Lu-SibuDAB in patients diagnosed mCRPC.

METHODS

Seventeen patients (median age 72 years, range 63‒83) diagnosed with progressive disease of mCRPC were included in this prospective study after exhausting all available treatment options. They were injected with 5.3 ± 0.5 GBq (mean ± standard deviation) [177Lu]Lu-SibuDAB as a first treatment cycle. Sixteen of these patients underwent sequential whole-body SPECT/CT and activity determination in venous blood samples for dosimetry purposes. Absorbed doses to the salivary glands, liver, spleen, kidneys, and red marrow as well as selected tumour lesions were calculated in OLINDA/EXM™ and compared to published values for previously established PSMA radiopharmaceuticals.

RESULTS

Absorbed dose coefficients (ADC) to tumours (9.9 ± 5.4 Gy/GBq) were about 2-fold higher than those reported for clinically approved PSMA radiopharmaceuticals. ADC to salivary glands, liver, spleen, kidneys and red marrow were higher (0.5 ± 0.2, 0.2 ± 0.05, 0.2 ± 0.1, 1.8 ± 0.6, 0.1 ± 0.04 Gy/GBq, respectively) than for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T, but lower than for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-ALB-56, a previously investigated long-circulating PSMA radiopharmaceutical. The tumour-to-kidneys, tumour-to-red marrow, tumour-to-salivary glands ADC ratio were 6.6, 102, 33.1. These ratios were comparable to those of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T for kidneys and red-marrow, but higher for salivary glands.

CONCLUSION

[177Lu]Lu-SibuDAB showed a prolonged blood circulation time and, hence, a significantly increased absorbed tumour dose, while tumour-to-organ ADC ratios were similar to conventional PSMA radiopharmaceuticals. Further clinical investigations to evaluate the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-SibuDAB are, thus, warranted.

PSMA and Sigma-1 receptor dual-targeted peptide mediates superior radionuclide imaging and therapy of prostate cancer

Radionuclide therapy, in particular peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), has emerged as a valuable means to combat malignant tumors. The specific affinity of ACUPA peptide toward prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) renders the successful development of PRRT for prostate cancer. The clinical outcome of PRRT is, however, generally challenged by moderate tumor uptake and off-target toxicity. Here, we report on a novel design of Sigma-1 receptor and PSMA dual-receptor targeted peptide (S1R/PSMA-P) for superior radionuclide imaging and therapy of prostate cancer. S1R/PSMA-P was acquired with good purity and could efficiently be labeled with 177Lu to yield 177Lu-S1R/PSMA-P with high specific activity and radiostability. Interestingly, 177Lu-S1R/PSMA-P revealed greatly enhanced affinity to LNCaP cells over single-targeted control 177Lu-PSMA-617. The single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging demonstrated exceptional uptake and retention of 177Lu-S1R/PSMA-P in LNCaP tumor, affording about 2-fold better tumor accumulation while largely reduced uptake by most normal tissues compared to 177Lu-PSMA-617. The selective uptake in LNCaP tumor was also visualized by positron emission tomography (PET) with 68Ga-S1R/PSMA-P. In accordance, a single and low dosage of 177Lu-S1R/PSMA-P at 11.1 MBq effectively suppressed tumor growth without causing apparent side effects. This dual-targeting strategy presents an appealing radionuclide therapy for malignant tumors.

Albumin-Binding Lutetium-177-Labeled LLP2A Derivatives as Theranostics for Melanoma

Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) is a transmembrane integrin protein that is highly expressed in aggressive forms of metastatic melanoma. A small-molecule peptidomimetic, LLP2A, was found to have a low pM affinity binding to VLA-4. Because LLP2A itself does not inhibit cancer cell proliferation and survival, it is an ideal candidate for the imaging and delivery of therapeutic payloads. An analog of [177Lu]Lu-labeled-LLP2A was previously investigated as a therapeutic agent in melanoma tumor-bearing mice, resulting in only a modest improvement in tumor growth inhibition, likely due to rapid clearance of the agent from the tumor. To improve the pharmacokinetic profile, DOTAGA-PEG4-LLP2A with a 4-(p-iodophenyl)butyric acid (pIBA) albumin binding moiety was synthesized. We demonstrate the feasibility of this albumin binding strategy by comparing in vitro cell binding assays and in vivo biodistribution performance of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-PEG4-LLP2A ([177Lu]Lu-1) to the albumin binding [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-pIBA-PEG4-LLP2A ([177Lu]Lu-2). In vitro cell binding assay results for [177Lu]Lu-1 and [177Lu]Lu-2 showed Kd values of 0.40 ± 0.07 and 1.75 ± 0.40 nM, with similar Bmax values of 200 ± 6 and 315 ± 15 fmol/mg, respectively. In vivo biodistribution data for both tracers exhibited specific uptake in the tumor, spleen, thymus, and bone due to endogenous expression of VLA-4. Compound [177Lu]Lu-2 exhibited a much longer blood circulation time compared to [177Lu]Lu-1. The tumor uptake for [177Lu]Lu-1 was highest at 1 h (∼15%ID/g) and that for [177Lu]Lu-2 was highest at 4 h (∼23%ID/g). Significant clearance of [177Lu]Lu-1 from the tumor occurs at 24 h (<5%ID/g) while[177Lu]Lu-2 is retained for greater than 96 h (∼10%ID/g). An efficacy study showed that melanoma tumor-bearing mice receiving compound [177Lu]Lu-2 given in two fractions (2 × 14.8 MBq, 14 days apart) had a greater median survival time than mice administered a single 29.6 MBq dose of compound [177Lu]Lu-1, while a single 29.6 MBq dose of [177Lu]Lu-2 imparted hematopoietic toxicity. The in vitro and in vivo data show addition of pIBA to [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-PEG4-LLP2A slows blood clearance for a higher tumor uptake, and there is potential of [177Lu]Lu-2 as a theranostic in fractionated administered doses.

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Targeted Therapies for Prostate Cancer: Towards Improving Therapeutic Outcomes

CONTEXT

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in most prostate cancers and exploited as a target for PSMA-targeted therapies. Different approaches to target PSMA-expressing cancer cells have been developed, showing promising results in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the regulation of PSMA expression and the main PSMA-targeted therapeutic concepts illustrating their clinical development and rationalizing combination approaches with examples.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a detailed literature search using PubMed and reviewed the American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society of Medical Oncology annual meeting abstracts up to September 2023.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We present an overarching description of the different strategies to target PSMA. The outcomes of PSMA-targeted therapies strongly rely on surface-bound PSMA expression. However, PSMA heterogeneity at different levels (interpatient and inter/intratumoral) limits the efficacy of PSMA-targeted therapies. We highlight the molecular mechanisms governing PSMA regulation, the understanding of which is crucial to designing therapeutic strategies aimed at upregulating PSMA expression. Thus far, homeobox B13 (HOXB13) and androgen receptor (AR) have emerged as critical transcription factors positively and negatively regulating PSMA expression, respectively. Furthermore, epigenetic regulation of PSMA has been also reported recently. In addition, many established therapeutic approaches harbor the potential to upregulate PSMA levels as well as potentiate DNA damage mediated by current radioligands.

CONCLUSIONS

PSMA-targeted therapies are rapidly advancing, but their efficacy is strongly limited by the heterogeneous expression of the target. A thorough comprehension of how PSMA is regulated will help improve the outcomes through increasing PSMA expression and will provide the basis for synergistic combination therapies.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is overexpressed in most prostate cancers. PSMA-targeted therapies have shown promising results, but the heterogeneous expression of PSMA limits their efficacy. We propose to better elucidate the regulation of PSMA expression to increase the levels of the target and improve the therapeutic outcomes.