In vitro cytotoxicity of bismuth-213 (213Bi)-labeled-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (alpha-PAI-2) on human breast cancer cells

Radioactive Main Group and Rare Earth Metals for Imaging and Therapy

Radiometals possess an exceptional breadth of decay properties and have been applied to medicine with great success for several decades. The majority of current clinical use involves diagnostic procedures, which use either positron-emission tomography (PET) or single-photon imaging to detect anatomic abnormalities that are difficult to visualize using conventional imaging techniques (e.g., MRI and X-ray). The potential of therapeutic radiometals has more recently been realized and relies on ionizing radiation to induce irreversible DNA damage, resulting in cell death. In both cases, radiopharmaceutical development has been largely geared toward the field of oncology; thus, selective tumor targeting is often essential for efficacious drug use. To this end, the rational design of four-component radiopharmaceuticals has become popularized. This Review introduces fundamental concepts of drug design and applications, with particular emphasis on bifunctional chelators (BFCs), which ensure secure consolidation of the radiometal and targeting vector and are integral for optimal drug performance. Also presented are detailed accounts of production, chelation chemistry, and biological use of selected main group and rare earth radiometals.

Tumor suppressor berberine binds VASP to inhibit cell migration in basal-like breast cancer

Berberine is a plant-derived compound used in traditional Chinese medicine, which has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and migration in breast cancer. On the other hand, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) promotes actin filament elongation and cell migration. We previously showed that VASP is overexpressed in high-motility breast cancer cells. Here we investigated whether the anti-tumorigenic effects of berberine are mediated by binding VASP in basal-like breast cancer. Our results show that berberine suppresses proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells as well as tumor growth in MDA-MB-231 nude mouse xenografts. We also show that berberine binds to VASP, inducing changes in its secondary structure and inhibits actin polymerization. Our study reveals the mechanism underlying berberine's inhibition of cell proliferation and migration in basal-like breast cancer, highlighting the use of berberine as a potential adjuvant therapeutic agent.

Orthotopic administration of (213)Bi-bevacizumab inhibits progression of PC3 xenografts in the prostate

AIM

To investigate orthotopic targeted α-radioimmunotherapy for the control of early-stage PC3 prostate cancer nude mouse xenografts using the radiolabeled bevacizumab (BZ) immunoconjugate ((213)Bi-BZ), which emits short-range α-radiation.

MATERIALS & METHODS

10(6) PC3 human prostate cancer cells were injected into the lower capsule of the mouse prostate gland 1 week prior to α-radioimmunotherapy. Mice were euthanized and assessed for tumour growth at 2 (two mice), 4 (two mice) and 6 weeks (three mice) post-therapy. The no-therapy control mice received a saline injection in equal volume to each BZ administration.

RESULTS

(213)Bi-BZ is significantly more efficacious in inhibiting xenograft progression in the prostate gland compared with BZ alone (p = 0.009) and when compared with the 'no therapy' protocol (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Orthotopic administration of (213)Bi-BZ greatly improves the early control of organ-confined prostate cancer compared with BZ alone (p < 0.01).

The CD-loop of PAI-2 (SERPINB2) is redundant in the targeting, inhibition and clearance of cell surface uPA activity

BACKGROUND

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2 (PAI-2, SERPINB2) is an irreversible, specific inhibitor of the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Since overexpression of uPA at the surface of cancer cells is linked to malignancy, targeting of uPA by exogenous recombinant PAI-2 has been proposed as the basis of potential cancer therapies. To this end, reproducible yields of high purity protein that maintains this targeting ability is required. Herein we validate the use in vitro of recombinant 6 x His-tagged-PAI-2 lacking the intrahelical loop between C and D alpha-helices (PAI-2 Delta CD-loop) for these purposes.

RESULTS

We show that PAI-2 Delta CD-loop expressed and purified from the pQE9 vector system presents an easier purification target than the previously used pET15b system. Additionally, PAI-2 Delta CD-loop gave both higher yield and purity than wild-type PAI-2 expressed and purified under identical conditions. Importantly, absence of the CD-loop had no impact on the inhibition of both solution phase and cell surface uPA or on the clearance of receptor bound uPA from the cell surface. Furthermore, uPA:PAI-2 Delta CD-loop complexes had similar binding kinetics (KD approximately 5 nM) with the endocytosis receptor Very Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor (VLDLR) to that previously published for uPA:PAI-2 complexes.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that the CD-loop is redundant for the purposes of cellular uPA inhibition and cell surface clearance (endocytosis) and is thus suitable for the development of anti-uPA targeted cancer therapeutics.

Identification of molecular distinctions between normal breast-associated fibroblasts and breast cancer-associated fibroblasts

Stromal fibroblasts influence the behavior of breast epithelial cells. Fibroblasts derived from normal breast (NAF) inhibit epithelial growth, whereas fibroblasts from breast carcinomas (CAF) have less growth inhibitory capacity and can promote epithelial growth. We sought to identify molecules that are differentially expressed in NAF versus CAF and potentially responsible for their different growth regulatory abilities. To determine the contribution of soluble molecules to fibroblast–epithelial interactions, NAF were grown in 3D, transwell or direct contact co-cultures with MCF10AT epithelial cells. NAF suppressed proliferation of MCF10AT in both direct contact and transwell co-cultures, but this suppression was significantly greater in direct co-cultures, indicating involvement of both soluble and contact factors. Gene expression profiling of early passage fibroblast cultures identified 420 genes that were differentially expressed in NAF versus CAF. Of the eight genes selected for validation by real-time PCR, FIBULIN 1, was overexpressed in NAF, and DICKKOPF 1, NEUREGULIN 1, PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR 2, and TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR were overexpressed in CAF. A higher expression of FIBULIN 1 in normal- than cancer-associated fibroblastic stroma was confirmed by immunohistochemistry of breast tissues. Among breast cancers, stromal expression of Fibulin 1 protein was higher in estrogen receptor α-positive cancers and low stromal expression of Fibulin 1 correlated with a higher proliferation of cancer epithelial cells. In conclusion, expression profiling of NAF and CAF cultures identified many genes with potential relevance to fibroblast–epithelial interactions in breast cancer. Furthermore, these early passage fibroblast cultures can be representative of gene expression in stromal fibroblasts in vivo.

Revisiting the biological roles of PAI2 (SERPINB2) in cancer

Tumour expression of the urokinase plasminogen activator correlates with invasive capacity. Consequently, inhibition of this serine protease by physiological inhibitors should decrease invasion and metastasis. However, of the two main urokinase inhibitors, high tumour levels of the type 1 inhibitor actually promote tumour progression, whereas high levels of the type 2 inhibitor decrease tumour growth and metastasis. We propose that the basis of this apparently paradoxical action of two similar serine protease inhibitors lies in key structural differences controlling interactions with components of the extracellular matrix and endocytosis-signalling co-receptors.

Radioimmunotherapy with alpha-particle emitting 213Bi-C-functionalized trans-cyclohexyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-humanized 3S193 is enhanced by combination with paclitaxel chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Previous experience in solid tumor radioimmunotherapy studies has indicated that greatest therapeutic efficacy is achieved in the treatment of small-volume disease. alpha-Particle-emitting radioisotopes possess several physical characteristics ideally suited to the treatment of minimal residual disease. Therefore, we have investigated the efficacy of the alpha-particle-emitting bismuth-213 (213Bi) radioimmunotherapy using the humanized anti-Lewis Y (Ley) monoclonal antibody humanized 3S193 (hu3S193).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The intracellular localization of hu3S193 in Ley-positive MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells was assessed by confocal microscopy. Cytotoxicity of 213Bi-hu3S193 and apoptosis was assessed using [3H]thymidine incorporation assay and ELISA, respectively. Immunoblotting for gamma-H2AX assessed DNA strand breaks. In vivo efficacy of 213Bi-hu3S193 was assessed using a minimal residual disease model in BALB/c nude mice, with radioconjugate [15, 30, and 60 microCi (9.2 microg)] injected 2 days after s.c. implantation of MCF-7 cells. Radioimmunotherapy was also combined with a single injection of 300 microg paclitaxel to explore improved efficacy. Further, mice with established tumors received 30, 60, or 120 microCi (14.5 microg) of 213Bi-hu3S193 to assess the effect of tumor volume on treatment efficacy.

RESULTS

hu3S193 is internalized via an endosomal and lysosomal trafficking pathway. Treatment with 213Bi-hu3S193 results in >90% cytotoxicity in vitro and induces apoptosis and increased gamma-H2AX expression. 213Bi-hu3S193 causes specific and significant retardation of tumor growth even in established tumors, and efficacy was enhanced by paclitaxel to produce defined complete responses.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show the potency of alpha-particle radioimmunotherapy and warrant its further exploration in the treatment of micrometastatic disease in Ley-positive malignancies.

Preclinical evaluation of 213Bi-labeled plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 in an orthotopic murine xenogenic model of human breast carcinoma

Tumor-associated urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a critical marker of invasion and metastasis, has strong prognostic relevance, and is thus a potential therapeutic target. Experimental data published to date has established the proof-of-principle of uPA targeting by (213)Bi-labeled plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (alpha-PAI-2) in multiple carcinoma models. Here, we present preclinical toxicologic and efficacy assessment of alpha-PAI-2 in mice, using both single and multiple-dose schedules, administered by an i.p. route. We also present novel data showing that human PAI-2 inhibited murine uPA and was specifically endocytosed by murine fibroblast cells. This diminishes potential problems associated with species specificity of the targeting reagent in toxicologic assessments as human alpha-PAI-2 should interact with any uPA-expressing host cells. In this model, single bolus doses up to 36 mCi/kg alpha-PAI-2 did not reach the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The MTD for a multiple fractionated (once daily for 5 days) administration schedule was determined to lie between 4.8 and 6.0 mCi/kg/d x 5. Comparison of the tumor growth rates and survival using sub-MTD single and multiple-dose schedules in an orthotopic human breast carcinoma xenograft murine model indicated that 4.8 mCi/kg/d x 5 was the most efficacious schedule. In conclusion, we have determined a safe dose and schedule of alpha-PAI-2 administration in mice, thus confirming that it is an efficacious therapeutic modality against tumor growth. This will allow detailed safety evaluation in a second species and for the initiation of human studies.

Control of prostate cancer spheroid growth using 213Bi-labeled multiple targeted alpha radioimmunoconjugates

BACKGROUND

Micrometastasis is a major problem for prostate cancer (CaP) patients. Our study investigated the therapeutic potential of multiple targeted alpha-therapy (MTAT) in the treatment of CaP micrometastases (spheroids) using (213)Bi-labeled multiple targeted alpha-radioimmunoconjugates.

METHODS

The expression of multiple tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on frozen sections of human fresh CaP tissues and spheroids cultured from DU 145 and LNCaP-LN3 CaP cell lines was detected by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Targeting vectors were two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI2) that binds to cell surface urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). These vectors were labeled with (213)Bi using standard methodology. DU 145 and LNCaP-LN3 spheroids were incubated with different activities of test and control alpha-conjugates (ACs), and spheroid growth was measured for volume change and growth delay over a 50-day period using light microscopy.

RESULTS

TAAs were expressed heterogeneously on frozen sections from human CaP tissues and CaP spheroids. MTAT combining three ACs (one-third dose of each) with an activity of 6.4 MBq/ml completely targeted small DU 145 and LNCaP-LN3 spheroids (diameter <100 microm) and slightly regressed the growth of medium spheroids (180-200 microm); MTAT with 2.2 or 4.8 MBq/ml activities delayed the growth of tumor spheroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the cytotoxicity of MTAT to CaP spheroids is highly dependent on antigenic expression, concentration of radioactivity and spheroid size. MTAT may be a potent therapeutic agent for micrometastases, effectively targeting small CaP cell clusters, and overcoming the heterogeneous expression of targeted antigens.

Pre-clinical study of 213Bi labeled PAI2 for the control of micrometastatic pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) are expressed by pancreatic cancer cells and can be targeted by the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI2). We have labeled PAI2 with (213)Bi to form the alpha conjugate (AC), and have studied its in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo efficacy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The expression of uPA/uPAR on pancreatic cell lines, human pancreatic cancer tissues, lymph node metastases, and mouse xenografts were detected by immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTS and TUNEL assay. At 2 days post-cancer cell subcutaneous inoculation, mice were injected with AC by local or systemic injection.

RESULTS

uPA/uPAR is strongly expressed on pancreatic cancer cell lines and cancer tissues. The AC can target and kill cancer cells in vitro in a concentration-dependent fashion. Some 90% of TUNEL positive cells were found after incubation with 1.2 MBq/ml of AC. A single local injection of approximately 222 MBq/kg 2 days post-cell inoculation can completely inhibit tumor growth over 12 weeks, and an intraperitoneal injection of 111 MBq/kg causes significant tumor growth delay.

CONCLUSIONS

(213)Bi-PAI2 can specifically target pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and inhibit tumor growth in vivo. (213)Bi-PAI2 may be a useful agent for the treatment of post-surgical pancreatic cancer patients with minimum residual disease.

The urokinase/PAI-2 complex: a new high affinity ligand for the endocytosis receptor low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

The efficient inactivation of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) by plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2) at the surface of carcinoma cells is followed by rapid endocytosis of the uPA-PAI-2 complex. We now show that one pathway of this receptor-mediated endocytosis is mediated via the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) in prostate cancer cells. Detailed biochemical analyses using ligand binding assays and surface plasmon resonance revealed a novel and distinct interaction mechanism between native, human LRP and uPA-PAI-2. As reported previously for PAI-1, inhibition of uPA by PAI-2 significantly increased the affinity of the complex for LRP (K(D) of 36 nm for uPA-PAI-2 versus 200 nm for uPA). This interaction was maintained in the presence of uPAR, confirming the validity of this interaction at the cell surface. However, unlike PAI-1, no interaction was observed between LRP and PAI-2 in either the stressed or the relaxed conformation. This suggests that the uPA-PAI-2-LRP interaction is mediated by site(s) within the uPA molecule alone. Thus, as inhibition of uPA by PAI-2 resulted in accelerated clearance of uPA from the cell surface possibly via its increased affinity for LRP, this represents a mechanism through which PAI-2 can clear proteolytic activity from the cell surface. Furthermore, lack of a direct interaction between PAI-2 and LRP implies that downstream signaling events initiated by PAI-1 may not be activated by PAI-2.

The undecided serpin

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2 (PAI-2) is a nonconventional serine protease inhibitor (serpin) with unique and tantalizing properties that is generally considered to be an authentic and physiological inhibitor of urokinase. However, the fact that only a small percentage of PAI-2 is secreted has been a long-standing argument for alternative roles for this serpin. Indeed, PAI-2 has been shown to have a number of intracellular roles: it can alter gene expression, influence the rate of cell proliferation and differentiation, and inhibit apoptosis in a manner independent of urokinase inhibition. Despite these recent advances in defining the intracellular function of PAI-2, it still remains one of the most mysterious and enigmatic members of the serpin superfamily.

Targeted alpha therapy for cancer

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) offers the potential to inhibit the growth of micrometastases by selectively killing isolated and preangiogenic clusters of cancer cells. The practicality and efficacy of TAT is tested by in vitro and in vivo studies in melanoma, leukaemia, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers, and by a phase 1 trial of intralesional TAT for melanoma. The alpha-emitting radioisotope used is Bi-213, which is eluted from the Ac-225 generator and chelated to a cancer specific monoclonal antibody (mab) or protein (e.g. plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 PAI2) to form the alpha-conjugate (AC). Stable alpha-ACs have been produced which have been tested for specificity and cytotoxicity in vitro against melanoma (9.2.27 mab), leukaemia (WM60), colorectal (C30.6), breast (PAI2, herceptin), ovarian (PAI2, herceptin, C595), prostate (PAI2, J591) and pancreatic (PAI2, C595) cancers. Subcutaneous inoculation of 1-1.5 million human cancer cells into the flanks of nude mice causes tumours to grow in all mice. Tumour growth is compared for untreated controls, nonspecific AC and specific AC, for local (subcutaneous) and systemic (tail vein or intraperitoneal) injection models. The 213Bi-9.2.27 AC is injected into secondary skin melanomas in stage 4 patients in a dose escalation study to determine the effective tolerance dose, and to measure kinematics to obtain the equivalent dose to organs. In vitro studies show that TAT is one to two orders of magnitude more cytotoxic to targeted cells than non-specific ACs, specific beta emitting conjugates or free isotopes. In vivo local TAT at 2 days post-inoculation completely prevents tumour formation for all cancers tested so far. Intra-lesional TAT can completely regress advanced sc melanoma but is less successful for breast and prostate cancers. Systemic TAT inhibits the growth of sc melanoma xenografts and gives almost complete control of breast and prostate cancer tumour growth. Intralesional doses up to 450 microCi in human patients are effective in regressing melanomas, with no concomitant complications. These results point to the application of local and systemic TAT in the management of secondary cancer. Results of the phase 1 clinical trial of TAT of subcutaneous, secondary melanoma indicate proof of the principle that TAT can make tumours in patients regress.

Cytotoxicity of breast cancer cells overexpressing HER2/neu by 213Bi-Herceptin radioimmunoconjugate

HER2 is the target of a new treatment for metastatic breast cancer using the humanized monoclonal antibody (MAb) trastuzumb (Herceptin). A novel alpha-particle emitting (213)Bi-Herceptin construct, targeting the HER2 extracellular domain on breast cancer cells, was produced by chelation and characterized in vitro in this study. We used Western blot and flow cytometry analysis to examine the expression of HER2 in a panel of established human metastatic breast cancer cell lines (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt) MTS assay to evaluate the cytotoxicity and the TUNEL assay to analyze cellular apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that the human breast cancer cell lines BT-474 and SK-BR-3 express high levels of HER2 protein while MDA-231 expresses low levels of HER2. (213)Bi-Herceptin alpha conjugate (AC) was specifically cytotoxic to these cell lines in a HER2 level-dependent fashion, resulting in the cellular death through apoptosis. These results suggest that (231)Bi-Herceptin AC could be a novel agent for the treatment of breast cancer cell clusters or micro-metastases with high levels of HER2 expression.

Antigenic expression of human metastatic prostate cancer cell lines for in vitro multiple-targeted α-therapy with 213Bi-conjugates

PURPOSE

Control of metastatic prostate cancer (CaP) is an elusive objective. Some 30% of patients with clinically localized CaP will develop micrometastatic disease. Defining the expression of tumor-associated antigens on CaP will enable appropriate selection of therapeutic targets.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The expression of tumor-associated antigens on CaP cell lines (PC-3, DU 145, and LNCaP-LN3) was detected by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Test and control alpha-conjugates were prepared using monoclonal antibodies, an inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2, that binds to the cell-membrane-bound protease, urokinase plasminogen activator, and a control protein labeled with (213)Bi using standard methods. These were used singly or together against three different CaP cell lines in vitro. The cytotoxicity of the alpha-conjugates was assessed using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt] (MTS) assay.

RESULTS

The PC-3 and DU 145 cancer cell lines expressed antigens that bind monoclonal antibodies BLCA-38 and #394 (mouse anti-human urokinase plasminogen activator B-chain) but not J591. The LNCaP-LN3 cells bound J591 but not #394 or BLCA-38. For the PC-3, DU 145, and LNCaP-LN3 cell lines, multiple-targeted alpha-therapy combining four alpha-conjugates (one-quarter doses of each) gave D(0) (37% cell survival) values of 15, 17, and 27 microCi/mL compared with those of the controls of 272, 289, and 281 microCi/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Metastatic prostate cancer-associated antigens recognized by multiple monoclonal antibodies are potential targets for alpha-therapy. Multiple-targeted alpha-therapy produced cytotoxicity specific to three CaP cell lines and may form the basis of treatment for micrometastatic CaP, overcoming the heterogeneity of expression of the targeted antigens.

Kinetic analysis of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2: urokinase complex formation and subsequent internalisation by carcinoma cell lines

The overexpression of urokinase (uPA), which plays a key role in tumour invasion and metastasis, is an established prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2), an efficient and specific inhibitor of uPA, has been shown to selectively deliver potent cytotoxins to tumour cells. However, a direct quantitative analysis of both the inhibition kinetics and subsequent fate of PAI-2 upon interaction with cell-surface uPA has not been previously undertaken. In this study, we analysed specific PAI-2 binding to receptor-bound uPA on human breast and prostate cancer cell lines to directly measure inhibition kinetics. Cell-surface uPA:PAI-2 complex formation, which is reflective of complete uPA inhibition, was found to be very efficient (inactivation constant [K(I)] = 60-80 pM, depending on cell line used) and rapid (inactivation rate constant [k(inact)] = 0.32-0.47 min(-1) at 37 degrees C, depending on cell line used). To directly quantify and visualise cellular internalisation and localisation, we developed a novel assay based on the use of PAI-2 labelled with Alexa(488) fluorochrome and a polyclonal antibody to quench Alexa(488) fluorescence. The efficient and rapid formation of uPA:PAI-2 complexes was thus shown to be associated with specific and rapid internalisation of PAI-2, which could be localised within endosomes and lysosomes. PAI-2 was subsequently degraded, presumably within lysosomes. This study is the first to provide definitive evidence for uPA/uPAR-mediated PAI-2 endocytosis.

Preclinical studies of targeted alpha therapy for breast cancer using 213Bi-labelled-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2

The control of micrometastatic breast cancer remains problematic. To this end, we are developing a new adjuvant therapy based on (213)Bi-PAI2, in which an alpha-emitting nuclide ((213)Bi) is chelated to the plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI2). PAI2 targets the cell-surface receptor bound urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), which is involved with the metastatic spread of cancer cells. We have successfully labelled and tested recombinant human PAI2 with the alpha radioisotope (213)Bi to produce (213)Bi-PAI2, which is highly cytotoxic towards breast cancer cell lines. In this study, the 2-day postinoculation model, using MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, was shown to be representative of micrometastatic disease. Our in vivo efficacy experiments show that a single local injection of (213)Bi-PAI2 can completely inhibit the growth of tumour at 2 days postcell inoculation, and a single systemic (i.p.) administration at 2 days causes tumour growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. The specific role of uPA as the target for (213)Bi-PAI2 therapy was determined by PAI2 pretreatment blocking studies. In vivo toxicity studies in nude mice indicate that up to 100 microCi of (213)Bi-PAI2 is well tolerated. Thus, (213)Bi-PAI2 is successful in targeting isolated breast cancer cells and preangiogenic cell clusters. These results indicate the promising potential of (213)Bi-PAI2 as a novel therapeutic agent for micrometastatic breast cancer.

213Bi-PAI2 conjugate selectively induces apoptosis in PC3 metastatic prostate cancer cell line and shows anti-cancer activity in a xenograft animal model

A novel alpha-particle emitting ((213)Bi) plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 construct, which targets the membrane-bound urokinase plasminogen activator on prostate cancer cells, was prepared and evaluated in vitro and in a xenograft animal model. The PC3 prostate cancer cell line expresses urokinase plasminogen activator which binds to its receptor on the cell membrane; plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 is bound to urokinase plasminogen activator/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor to form stable complexes. In vitro, the cytotoxicity of (213)Bi-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 against prostate cancer cells was tested using the MTS assay and apoptosis was documented using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridinetriphosphate nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay. In vivo, antiproliferative effects for tumours and prostate cancer lymph node metastasis were carried out in an athymic nude mouse model with a subcutaneous xenograft of PC3 cells. (213)Bi-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 was specifically cytotoxic to PC3 cells in a concentration-dependent fashion, causing the cells to undergo apoptosis. A single local or i.p. injection of (213)Bi-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 was able to completely regress the growth of tumours and lymph node metastases 2 days post subcutaneous inoculation, and obvious tumour regression was achieved in the therapy groups compared with control groups with (213)Bi-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 when the tumours measured 30-40 mm(3) and 85-100 mm(3). All control animals and one of five (20%) mice treated with 3 mCi kg(-1) (213)Bi-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 developed metastases in the lymph nodes while no lymphatic spread of cancer was found in the 6 mCi kg(-1) treated groups at 2 days and 2 weeks post-cell inoculation. These results demonstrate that this novel (213)Bi-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 conjugate selectively targets prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo, and could be considered for further development for the therapy of prostate cancer, especially for the control of micro-metastases or in minimal residual disease.