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Saadatpour Z, Bjorklund G, Chirumbolo S, Alimohammadi M, Ehsani H, Ebrahiminejad H, Pourghadamyari H, Baghaei B, Mirzaei HR, Sahebkar A, Mirzaei H, Keshavarzi M. Molecular imaging and cancer gene therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2016:cgt201662. [PMID: 27857058 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2016.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is known as one of the most advanced approaches for therapeutic prospects ranging from tackling genetic diseases to combating cancer. In this approach, different viral and nonviral vector systems such as retrovirus, lentivirus, plasmid and transposon have been designed and employed. These vector systems are designed to target different therapeutic genes in various tissues and cells such as tumor cells. Therefore, detection of the vectors containing therapeutic genes and monitoring of response to the treatment are the main issues that are commonly faced by researchers. Imaging techniques have been critical in guiding physicians in the more accurate and precise diagnosis and monitoring of cancer patients in different phases of malignancies. Imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are non-invasive and powerful tools for monitoring of the distribution of transgene expression over time and assessing patients who have received therapeutic genes. Here, we discuss most recent advances in cancer gene therapy and molecular approaches as well as imaging techniques that are utilized to detect cancer gene therapeutics and to monitor the patients' response to these therapies worldwide, particularly in Iranian Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals.Cancer Gene Therapy advance online publication, 18 November 2016; doi:10.1038/cgt.2016.62.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Saadatpour
- Bozorgmehr Imaging Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - G Bjorklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - S Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M Alimohammadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - H Ehsani
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - H Ebrahiminejad
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - H Pourghadamyari
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Baghaei
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - H R Mirzaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - H Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - M Keshavarzi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Saadatpour Z, Rezaei A, Ebrahimnejad H, Baghaei B, Bjorklund G, Chartrand M, Sahebkar A, Morovati H, Mirzaei HR, Mirzaei H. Imaging techniques: new avenues in cancer gene and cell therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2016; 24:1-5. [PMID: 27834357 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2016.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the world's most concerning health problems and poses many challenges in the range of approaches associated with the treatment of cancer. Current understanding of this disease brings to the fore a number of novel therapies that can be useful in the treatment of cancer. Among them, gene and cell therapies have emerged as novel and effective approaches. One of the most important challenges for cancer gene and cell therapies is correct monitoring of the modified genes and cells. In fact, visual tracking of therapeutic cells, immune cells, stem cells and genetic vectors that contain therapeutic genes and the various drugs is important in cancer therapy. Similarly, molecular imaging, such as nanosystems, fluorescence, bioluminescence, positron emission tomography, single photon-emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have also been found to be powerful tools in monitoring cancer patients who have received therapeutic cell and gene therapies or drug therapies. In this review, we focus on these therapies and their molecular imaging techniques in treating and monitoring the progress of the therapies on various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Saadatpour
- Bozorgmehr Imaging Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - A Rezaei
- Khanevadeh Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - H Ebrahimnejad
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - B Baghaei
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - G Bjorklund
- Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - M Chartrand
- DigiCare Behavioral Research, Casa Grande, AZ, USA
| | - A Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - H Morovati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - H R Mirzaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Yaghoubi SS, Campbell DO, Radu CG, Czernin J. Positron emission tomography reporter genes and reporter probes: gene and cell therapy applications. Am J Cancer Res 2012; 2:374-91. [PMID: 22509201 PMCID: PMC3326723 DOI: 10.7150/thno.3677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging reporter genes (IRGs) and PET reporter probes (PRPs) are amongst the most valuable tools for gene and cell therapy. PET IRGs/PRPs can be used to non-invasively monitor all aspects of the kinetics of therapeutic transgenes and cells in all types of living mammals. This technology is generalizable and can allow long-term kinetics monitoring. In gene therapy, PET IRGs/PRPs can be used for whole-body imaging of therapeutic transgene expression, monitoring variations in the magnitude of transgene expression over time. In cell or cellular gene therapy, PET IRGs/PRPs can be used for whole-body monitoring of therapeutic cell locations, quantity at all locations, survival and proliferation over time and also possibly changes in characteristics or function over time. In this review, we have classified PET IRGs/PRPs into two groups based on the source from which they were derived: human or non-human. This classification addresses the important concern of potential immunogenicity in humans, which is important for expansion of PET IRG imaging in clinical trials. We have then discussed the application of this technology in gene/cell therapy and described its use in these fields, including a summary of using PET IRGs/PRPs in gene and cell therapy clinical trials. This review concludes with a discussion of the future direction of PET IRGs/PRPs and recommends cell and gene therapists collaborate with molecular imaging experts early in their investigations to choose a PET IRG/PRP system suitable for progression into clinical trials.
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Human reporter genes: potential use in clinical studies. Nucl Med Biol 2007; 34:791-807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2007.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 05/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Kummer C, Winkeler A, Dittmar C, Bauer B, Rueger MA, Rueckriem B, Heneka MT, Vollmar S, Wienhard K, Fraefel C, Heiss WD, Jacobs AH. Multitracer Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging of Exogenous Gene Expression Mediated by a Universal Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Amplicon Vector. Mol Imaging 2007. [DOI: 10.2310/7290.2007.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Kummer
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandra Winkeler
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Dittmar
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernd Bauer
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Adele Rueger
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Benedikt Rueckriem
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael T. Heneka
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Vollmar
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Klaus Wienhard
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornel Fraefel
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolf-Dieter Heiss
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas H. Jacobs
- From the Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Abstract
Drugs, surgery, and radiation are the traditional modalities of therapy in medicine. To these are being added new therapies based on cells and viruses or their derivatives. In these novel therapies, a cell or viral vector acts as a drug in its own right, altering the host or a disease process to bring about healing. Most of these advances originate from the significant recent advances in molecular medicine, but some have been around for some time. Blood transfusions and cowpox vaccinations are part of the history of medicine...but nevertheless are examples of cell- and viral-based therapies. This article focuses on the modern molecular incarnations of these therapies, and specifically on how imaging is used to track and guide these novel agents. We survey the literature dealing with imaging these new cell and viral particle therapies and provide a framework for understanding publications in this area. Leading technology of gene modifications are the fundamental modifications applied to make these new therapies amenable to imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Schellingerhout
- Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology and Experimental Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Barton KN, Xia X, Yan H, Stricker H, Heisey G, Yin FF, Nagaraja TN, Zhu G, Kolozsvary A, Fenstermacher JD, Lu M, Kim JH, Freytag SO, Brown SL. A quantitative method for measuring gene expression magnitude and volume delivered by gene therapy vectors. Mol Ther 2004; 9:625-31. [PMID: 15093193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2004.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2003] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes a quantitative method to measure the magnitude and distribution of gene expression following local delivery of an adenoviral vector containing the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) reporter gene into the canine prostate. Following systemic administration of Na(99m)TcO(4), autoradiographs of prostate sections depicting hNIS-dependent (99m)TcO(4)(-) uptake were digitized and stacked to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of gene expression. Frequency histograms reflecting hNIS gene expression magnitude and volume were used to quantify hNIS function. The method demonstrated submillimeter resolution allowing for precise measurements of gene expression magnitude and volume in vivo. The method developed here could be applied to other reporter gene systems in which the readout can be digitized from thin tissue sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Barton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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8
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Verwijnen SM, Sillevis Smith PAE, Hoeben RC, Rabelink MJWE, Wiebe L, Curiel DT, Hemminki A, Krenning EP, de Jong M. Molecular imaging and treatment of malignant gliomas following adenoviral transfer of the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene and the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 gene. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2004; 19:111-20. [PMID: 15068619 DOI: 10.1089/108497804773391757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients suffering from malignant glioma have a very poor prognosis. New therapy approaches for gliomas are necessary; these tumors are attractive targets for gene therapy. Our research concentrated on evaluation of the use of the Herpes Simplex Virus-thymidine kinase (tk) enzyme and the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst2). DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate is an analog of somatostatin with high affinity for sst2. It shows rapid internalization in sst2-positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. For gene therapy, we used the adenoviral vector Ad5.tk.sstr, which carries the tk gene and the sst2 gene. The aim of our study was to compare uptake of the tk substrate 1-(2-fluoro-2-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-5-[*I]iodouracil (FIRU) labeled with 125I and the somatostatin analog 111In-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate in several glioma cell lines after infection with Ad5.tk.sstr. Uptake of 125I-FIRU was measured in rat 9L-tk glioma cells without infection with Ad5.tk.sstr. Results showed that the uptake of 125I-FIRU was concentration and time dependent. We also used several rat and human glioma cell lines for infection with Ad5.tk.sstr. Forty-eight hours after infection, uptake studies were performed using 125I-FIRU and 111In-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate. In all cell lines, the uptake of 125I-FIRU and 111In-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate increased with increasing multiplicity of infection of virus and showed that the uptake of 111In-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate was higher than that of 125I-FIRU in all cell lines. We conclude that the sst2 imaging and therapy modality is most promising for glioma gene therapy, either alone or in combination with HSV-tk suicide gene therapy. Therapy can be performed using combinations of DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate radiolabeled with 177Lu or 90Y, 131I-FIRU and/or the prodrug ganciclovir.
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9
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Abstract
Gene therapy of cancer has been one of the most exciting and elusive areas of scientific and clinical research in the past decade. One of the most critical issues for ensuring success of this therapy is the development of technology for noninvasive monitoring of the location, magnitude and duration of vector-mediated gene expression, as well as the distribution and targeting of vector particles in vivo. In recent years many advances have been made in high-resolution, in vivo imaging methods, including: radionuclide imaging, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy, bioluminescence imaging and various fluorescence imaging techniques, including fluorescence-mediated tomography (FMT) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) reflectance imaging. A variety of factors determine the choice of specific imaging system, some of them are the imaging requirements (single or repeated), intended use (animal or human) and spatial requirements (organs versus cellular resolution and depth). This review provides descriptions of modalities applicable to imaging different parameters of vector-mediated gene expression in tumors and stem cell tracking in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shah
- Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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10
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Kirby TO, Curiel DT, Alvarez RD. Gene therapy for ovarian cancer: progress and potential. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2003; 17:1021-50. [PMID: 12959190 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8588(03)00055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy remains a promising therapeutic modality for ovarian cancer. Yet much work remains to be done to see gene therapy realize its full potential in elucidating the complex genetic interactions of delivered genes within target cancer cells and in the development of improved vector systems. Because most neoplasms involve multiple mutations, the targeting of a single mutation is unlikely to achieve total tumor control: gene therapy strategies that target multiple cellular processes or invoke various antitumor approaches need to be investigated. Additionally, current vector systems do not transduce ovarian cancer cells efficiently and are hampered by immune responses that further limit their efficacy. Additionally, limitations in vector specificity lead to transduction of normal cells and subsequent toxicity. Investigators are developing refinements to current gene therapy approaches that would address these limitations and that are soon to be incorporated into clinical trials. It is hoped that these advances will lead to improvements in the therapeutic index for ovarian cancer gene therapy and provide another effective therapeutic tool for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler O Kirby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233-7333, USA
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11
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Chaudhuri TR, Cao Z, Krasnykh VN, Stargel AV, Belousova N, Partridge EE, Zinn KR. Blood-based screening and light based imaging for the early detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer xenografts. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2003; 2:171-80. [PMID: 12680799 DOI: 10.1177/153303460300200214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a novel technology for in vivo early detection, identification, and monitoring of ovarian cancer in live mice leading to better treatment outcome. A genetic dualistic reporter system that uses an adenoviral (Ad) vector to transfer the genetic reporters to the ovarian cancer is described. Infection of the cancer cells leads to expression of one reporter that is detected in blood, namely, secreted human placental alkaline phosphatase (SEAP). A second reporter, namely, enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) is also delivered by the Ad, leading to expression at the site of ovarian cancer. The SEAP gene under control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter element is linked to the GFP gene with an IRES element. A diagnostic adenoviral vector (Ad) encoding the SEAP and GFP (Ad5-SEAP-GFP) is produced. Efficacy of newly developed diagnostic vector is tested in cell culture and animal models. SKOV3ip.1 cells are infected with Ad5-SEAP-GFP. Over time the cells are monitored for fluorescence and SEAP is also measured in the growth media supernatant. For animal experiments, SKOV3ip.1 cells are implanted first in nude mice either subcutaneously (SC) or intraperitoneally (IP) separately. After 4-7 days, the Ad5-SEAP-GFP is administered. Control mice do not receive any Ad vector. All mice are imaged with a fluorescent stereomicroscope after 24 h, and blood is collected for SEAP analyses. Increasing green fluorescence is detected in all SKOV3ip.1 cells infected with Ad5-SEAP-GFP, while SEAP levels in growth media increase over monitoring period. Expression of GFP in both SC and IP tumors is detected by 24 h in the live mice. At this time, the SEAP blood levels are more than 2-3 fold greater than blood levels of control group. GFP fluorescence and SEAP levels continue to increase in all mice that are injected with Ad5-SEAP-GFP until termination. Control mice (both SC and IP) do not express GFP or SEAP throughout the experiment. GFP contrast is necessary to differentiate between micro-sized early stage non-palpable ovarian tumor nodules and surrounding normal tissue. While the studies are conducted in mice, it is envisioned that the dual-based approach will eventually be translated into human applications for routine diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer when an ovarian cancer specific promoter will be available. Due to the thickness of the abdominal wall in human laparoscopy or laparotomy will be necessary. This system will provide gynecologic oncologists with a more effective tool for treating patients. The blood-based screening assay provides a quick test to determine the presence of the ovarian cancer at its earliest stage. The location of the ovarian cancer is afforded by the light-based imaging component, which represents a new and improving technology with tremendous advantages of sensitivity and spatial resolution to localize micro-sized tumor nodules. The novelty of the dualistic system is the linkage of blood-based reporter screening as a selection criteria for subsequent light-based imaging procedures. This combination will lead to an accurate and widely applicable method for the early detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer, especially in high-risk women
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Affiliation(s)
- Tandra R Chaudhuri
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, JT N333, 619 19th St South, Birmingham, AL 35294-6830, USA.
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12
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Auricchio A, Acton PD, Hildinger M, Louboutin JP, Plössl K, O'Connor E, Kung HF, Wilson JM. In vivo quantitative noninvasive imaging of gene transfer by single-photon emission computerized tomography. Hum Gene Ther 2003; 14:255-61. [PMID: 12639305 DOI: 10.1089/10430340360535805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems aimed at detecting gene expression noninvasively in vivo are desirable for evaluating the outcome of gene transfer in clinical trials. Several approaches have been exploited using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy ((31)P MRS), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission tomography (SPECT), and detection of bioluminescent signals. An ideal system is based on transfer of a marker gene, the activity of which can be detected against a background from the target tissue without interfering with normal physiology or eliciting an immune response. The majority of approaches described to date use genes encoding a nonmammalian protein that can elicit immune responses or a transmembrane receptor as a marker gene whose ectopic expression may cause aberrant signaling in the target cell through binding to endogenous ligands. The dopamine transporter (DAT) is normally expressed at high levels, mainly in the dopaminergic neurons of the central nervous system. We previously synthesized a radioactive ligand, [(99m)Tc]TRODAT-1, that binds with high affinity to the dopamine transporter, allowing for SPECT imaging of the striatum in normal control subjects and individuals affected with Parkinson's disease. Here we describe a strategy to monitor gene transfer based on adeno-associated viral vector (AAV)-mediated transduction of DAT in murine muscle followed by [(99m)Tc]TRODAT-1 imaging by SPECT of cells expressing the transgene. We show that quantitative, noninvasive imaging of gene transfer is successfully achieved in vivo, using a single-photon computed tomography camera. This system employs a reporter gene encoding a mammalian protein that is absent in most tissues, has no enzymatic activity, and does not activate intracellular pathways. This should be useful to monitor gene transfer in the settings of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Auricchio
- Department of Medicine, and the Wistar Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Rogers BE, Chaudhuri TR, Reynolds PN, Della Manna D, Zinn KR. Non-invasive gamma camera imaging of gene transfer using an adenoviral vector encoding an epitope-tagged receptor as a reporter. Gene Ther 2003; 10:105-14. [PMID: 12571639 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A model epitope-tagged receptor was constructed by fusing the hemagglutinin (HA) sequence on the extracellular N-terminus of the human somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (hSSTr2) gene. This construct was placed in an adenoviral (Ad-HAhSSTr2) vector. This study evaluated Ad-HAhSSTr2 in vitro and in vivo using FACS, fluorescent microscopy, radioactive binding assays, and gamma camera imaging techniques. Infection of A-427 non-small cell lung cancer cells with Ad-HAhSSTr2 or Ad-hSSTr2 resulted in similar expression of hSSTr2 by FACS analysis and binding assays using a (99m)Tc-labeled somatostatin analogue ((99m)Tc-P2045). HAhSSTr2 expression in A-427 cells was specific for infection with Ad-HAhSSTr2. FITC-labeled anti-HA antibody (FITC-HA) confirmed surface expression in live A-427 cells and the absence of internalization. Gamma camera imaging and gamma counter analysis of normal mice showed significantly greater (P<0.05) liver uptake of (99m)Tc-labeled anti-HA antibody ((99m)Tc-anti-HA) in mice injected i.v. 48 h earlier with Ad-HAhSSTr2 (53.6+/-6.9% ID/g) as compared to mice similarly injected with Ad-hSSTr2 (9.0+/-1.3% ID/g). In a mouse tumor model, imaging detected increased tumor localization of (99m)Tc-anti-HA due to direct intratumor injection Ad-HAhSSTr2. Gamma counter analysis confirmed significantly greater (P<0.05) uptake of (99m)Tc-anti-HA in tumors injected with Ad-HAhSSTr2 (12.5+/-4.1% ID/g) as compared to Ad-hSSTr2-infected tumors (5.1+/-1.5% ID/g). These studies demonstrate the feasibility of using an epitope-tagged reporter receptor for non-invasively imaging gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Rogers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 6th Avenue South, WT1 674, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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14
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Jacobs AH, Dittmar C, Winkeler A, Garlip G, Heiss WD. Molecular Imaging of Gliomas. Mol Imaging 2002; 1:309-35. [PMID: 12926228 DOI: 10.1162/15353500200221392] [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: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common types of brain tumors. Although sophisticated regimens of conventional therapies are being carried out to treat patients with gliomas, the disease invariably leads to death over months or years. Before new and potentially more effective treatment strategies, such as gene- and cell-based therapies, can be effectively implemented in the clinical application, certain prerequisites have to be established. First of all, the exact localization, extent, and metabolic activity of the glioma must be determined to identify the biologically active target tissue for a biological treatment regimen; this is usually performed by imaging the expression of up-regulated endogenous genes coding for glucose or amino acid transporters and cellular hexokinase and thymidine kinase genes, respectively. Second, neuronal function and functional changes within the surrounding brain tissue have to be assessed in order to save this tissue from therapy-induced damage. Third, pathognomonic genetic changes leading to disease have to be explored on the molecular level to serve as specific targets for patient-tailored therapies. Last, a concerted noninvasive analysis of both endogenous and exogenous gene expression in animal models as well as the clinical setting is desirable to effectively translate new treatment strategies from experimental into clinical application. All of these issues can be addressed by multimodal radionuclide and magnetic resonance imaging techniques and fall into the exciting and fast growing field of molecular and functional imaging. Noninvasive imaging of endogenous gene expression by means of positron emission tomography (PET) may reveal insight into the molecular basis of pathogenesis and metabolic activity of the glioma and the extent of treatment response. When exogenous genes are introduced to serve for a therapeutic function, PET imaging may reveal the assessment of the “location,” “magnitude,” and “duration” of therapeutic gene expression and its relation to the therapeutic effect. Detailed reviews on molecular imaging have been published from the perspective of radionuclide imaging (Gambhir et al., 2000; Blasberg and Tjuvajev, 2002) as well as magnetic resonance and optical imaging (Weissleder, 2002). The present review focuses on molecular imaging of gliomas with special reference on the status and perspectives of imaging of endogenous and exogenously introduced gene expression in order to develop improved diagnostics and more effective treatment strategies of gliomas and, in that, to eventually improve the grim prognosis of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Jacobs
- Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, University of Cologne, Germany.
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Jacobs AH, Winkler A, Dittmar C, Gossman A, Deckert M, Kracht L, Thiel A, Garlip G, Hilker R, Sobesky J, Vollmar S, Kummer C, Graf R, Voges J, Wienhard K, Herholz K, Heiss WD. Molecular and functional imaging technology for the development of efficient treatment strategies for gliomas. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2002; 1:187-204. [PMID: 12622512 DOI: 10.1177/153303460200100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common types of brain tumors, which invariably lead to death over months or years. Before new and potentially more effective treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, can be effectively introduced into clinical application the following goals must be reached: (1) the determination of localization, extent and metabolic activity of the glioma; (2) the assessment of functional changes within the surrounding brain tissue; (3) the identification of genetic changes on the molecular level leading to disease; and in addition (4) a detailed non-invasive analysis of both endogenous and exogenous gene expression in animal models and in the clinical setting. Non-invasive imaging of endogenous gene expression by means of positron emission tomography (PET) may reveal insight into the molecular basis of pathogenesis and metabolic activity of the glioma and the extent of treatment response. When exogenous genes are introduced to serve for a therapeutic function, PET imaging techniques may reveal the assessment of the location, magnitude and duration of therapeutic gene expression and its relation to the therapeutic effect. Here, we review the main principles of PET imaging and its key roles in neurooncology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Jacobs
- Max Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Center of Molecular Medicine (ZMMK), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Zinn KR, Chaudhuri TR, Krasnykh VN, Buchsbaum DJ, Belousova N, Grizzle WE, Curiel DT, Rogers BE. Gamma camera dual imaging with a somatostatin receptor and thymidine kinase after gene transfer with a bicistronic adenovirus in mice. Radiology 2002; 223:417-25. [PMID: 11997547 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2232010501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare two systems for assessing gene transfer to cancer cells and xenograft tumors with noninvasive gamma camera imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS A replication-incompetent adenovirus encoding the human type 2 somatostatin receptor (hSSTr2) and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) enzyme (Ad-hSSTr2-TK) was constructed. A-427 human lung cancer cells were infected in vitro and mixed with uninfected cells at different ratios. A-427 tumors in nude mice (n = 23) were injected with 1 x 10(6) to 5 x 10(8) plaque-forming units (pfu) of Ad-hSSTr2-TK. The expressed hSSTr2 and TK proteins were imaged owing to internally bound, or trapped, technetium 99m ((99m)Tc)-labeled hSSTr2-binding peptide (P2045) and radioiodinated 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-5-iodouracil (FIAU), respectively. Iodine 125 ((125)I)-labeled FIAU was used in vitro and iodine 131 ((131)I)-labeled FIAU, in vivo. The (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 and (125)I- or (131)I-labeled FIAU were imaged simultaneously with different window settings with an Anger gamma camera. Treatment effects were tested with analysis of variance. RESULTS Infected cells in culture trapped (125)I-labeled FIAU and (99m)Tc-labeled P2045; uptake correlated with the percentage of Ad-hSSTr2-TK-positive cells. For 100% of infected cells, 24% +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SD) of the added (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 was trapped, which is significantly lower (P <.05) than the 40% +/- 2 of (125)I-labeled FIAU that was trapped. For the highest Ad-hSSTr2-TK tumor dose (5 x 10(8) pfu), the uptake of (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 was 11.1% +/- 2.9 of injected dose per gram of tumor (thereafter, dose per gram), significantly higher (P <.05) than the uptake of (131)I-labeled FIAU at 1.6% +/- 0.4 dose per gram. (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 imaging consistently depicted hSSTr2 gene transfer in tumors at all adenovirus doses. Tumor uptake of (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 positively correlated with Ad-hSSTr2-TK dose; (131)I-labeled FIAU tumor uptake did not correlate with vector dose. CONCLUSION The hSSTr2 and TK proteins were simultaneously imaged following dual gene transfer with an adenovirus vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt R Zinn
- Depts of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Boshell Bldg, BDB 11, 1530 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-0012, USA.
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Chaudhuri TR, Rogers BE, Buchsbaum DJ, Mountz JM, Zinn KR. A noninvasive reporter system to image adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to ovarian cancer xenografts. Gynecol Oncol 2001; 83:432-8. [PMID: 11606113 DOI: 10.1006/gyno.2001.6333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gene therapy trials for ovarian cancer would benefit from a noninvasive imaging modality to detect the location and extent of gene transfer. The human type 2 somatostatin receptor gene (hSSTr2) was evaluated as a reporter gene for imaging adenoviral (Ad) gene transfer to ovarian cancer. METHODS A replication-incompetent Ad vector encoding hSSTr2 (Ad-hSSTr2) was used to infect SKOV3.ip1 cells in vitro and tumors growing in nude mice. Gamma camera imaging detected uptake of 99m-Tc-P2045 (a somatostatin analogue) due to expressed hSSTr2. RESULTS Specific uptake of 99m-Tc-P2045 was imaged in Ad-hSSTr2-infected cells in vitro. Noninvasive in vivo imaging detected gene transfer to intraperitoneal tumors. Uptake of 99m-Tc-P2045 (percentage dose per gram of tumor) averaged 2.2 and 0.18 for Ad-hSSTr2-injected mice and controls, respectively. CONCLUSION This study reports the first noninvasive imaging method for imaging gene transfer to ovarian cancer. A human gene therapy trial is planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Chaudhuri
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0012, USA
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Hemminki A, Belousova N, Zinn KR, Liu B, Wang M, Chaudhuri TR, Rogers BE, Buchsbaum DJ, Siegal GP, Barnes MN, Gomez-Navarro J, Curiel DT, Alvarez RD. An adenovirus with enhanced infectivity mediates molecular chemotherapy of ovarian cancer cells and allows imaging of gene expression. Mol Ther 2001; 4:223-31. [PMID: 11545613 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The adenovirus (Ad) is a useful vector for cancer gene therapy due to its unparalleled gene transfer efficiency to dividing and quiescent cells. Primary cancer cells, however, often have highly variable or low levels of the requisite coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR). Also, assessment of gene transfer and vector persistence has been logistically difficult in human clinical trials. We describe here two novel bicistronic adenoviral (Ad) vectors, AdTKSSTR and RGDTKSSTR, which contain the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (TK) for molecular chemotherapy and bystander effect. In addition, the viruses contain the human somatostatin receptor subtype-2 gene (SSTR2), the expression of which can be noninvasively imaged. We enhanced the infectivity of RGDTKSSTR by genetically incorporating the RGD-4C motif into the HI-loop of the fiber. This allows the virus to circumvent CAR deficiency by binding to alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(v)beta(5) integrins, which are highly expressed on most ovarian cancers. The expanded tropism of RGDTKSSTR results in increased infectivity of purified primary ovarian cancer cells and allows enhanced gene transfer in the presence of malignant ascites containing anti-Ad antibodies. RGDTKSSTR may be a useful agent for treating ovarian cancer in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hemminki
- The Gene Therapy Center, Division of Human Gene Therapy, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Abstract
The delineation of the molecular basis of neoplasia provides the possibility of specific intervention by gene therapy through the introduction of genetic material for therapeutic purposes. In this regard, several gene therapy approaches have been developed for the treatment of cancer: mutation compensation, genetic immunopotentiation, molecular chemotherapy, inhibition of angiogenesis, replicative vector oncolysis, and chemosensitization or radiosensitization. Clinical trials have been initiated to evaluate safety, toxicity, and efficacy of each of these approaches, based on promising preclinical results. Various limitations that have been identified include lack of in vivo selective tumor delivery of vectors, minimal expression of therapeutic genes, immune response against vectors, and normal tissue toxicity. Combined modality therapy with gene therapy and chemotherapy or radiation therapy has shown promising results. It is expected that as new therapeutic targets and approaches are identified, combined with advances in vector design, that gene therapy will play an increasing role in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Buchsbaum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, WTI 674, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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