1
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Georgiev T, Principi L, Galbiati A, Gilardoni E, Neri D, Cazzamalli S. Targeted interleukin-2 enhances the in vivo anti-cancer activity of Pluvicto™. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:2332-2337. [PMID: 38563883 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pluvicto™ ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617), a radioligand therapeutic targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), has been recently approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPR). The drug suffers from salivary gland and kidney uptake that prevents its dose escalation to potentially curative doses. In this work, we sought to potentiate the in vivo anti-cancer activity of Pluvicto™ by combining it with L19-IL2, a clinical-stage investigational medicinal product based on tumor-targeted interleukin-2. METHODS We established a new PSMA-expressing model (HT-1080.hPSMA) and validated it using a fluoresceine analogue of PSMA-617 (compound 1). The HT-1080.hPSMA model was used to study the saturation and tumor retention of Pluvicto™ (compound 2) and to run combination therapy studies with L19-IL2. To complement our understanding of the mechanism of action of this novel combination, we conducted proteomics experiments on tumor samples after therapy with Pluvicto™ alone or in combination with the immunocytokine. RESULTS High, selective, and long-lived tumor uptake was observed for Pluvicto™ (2) in the novel HT-1080.hPSMA model. Therapy studies in HT-1080.hPSMA tumor-bearing mice revealed that the combination of Pluvicto™ (2) plus L19-IL2 mediated curative and durable responses in all animals. Potent in vivo anti-cancer activity was observed solely for the combination modality, at doses that were well tolerated by treated animals. Proteomics studies indicated that L19-IL2 boosts the activation of the immune system in animals pre-treated with Pluvicto™. CONCLUSION The therapeutic efficacy of Pluvicto™ at low radioactive doses can be effectively enhanced by the combination with L19-IL2. Our findings warrant further clinical exploration of this novel combination modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Georgiev
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112, Otelfingen, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Lucrezia Principi
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112, Otelfingen, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112, Otelfingen, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112, Otelfingen, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Philogen S.p.A., I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112, Otelfingen, ZH, Switzerland.
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2
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Zhang J, Hu F, Aras O, Chai Y, An F. Small Molecule-Drug Conjugates: Opportunities for the Development of Targeted Anticancer Drugs. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300720. [PMID: 38396351 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy is insufficient for precise cancer treatment due to its lack of selectivity and inevitable side effects. Targeted drugs have emerged as a promising solution for precise cancer treatment. A common strategy is to conjugate therapeutic agents with ligands that can specifically bind to tumor cells, providing targeted therapy. Similar to the more successful antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) are another promising class of targeted drugs, consisting of three parts: targeting ligand, cleavable linker and payload. Compared to ADCs, SMDCs have the advantages of smaller size, better permeability, simpler preparation process and non-immunogenicity, making them a promising alternative to ADCs. This review describes the characteristics of the targeting ligand, linker and payload of SMDCs and the criteria for selecting a suitable one. We also discuss recently reported SMDCs and list some successful SMDCs that have entered clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Fanchun Hu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Omer Aras
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Yichao Chai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an, Jiaotong University, No.157 Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Feifei An
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
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3
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Chen X, Xia D, Zeng X, Meng L, Wang Y, Li H, Zhang J, Zhao Z, Zhuang R, Fang J, Zhang X, Guo Z. Rational Design and Pharmacomodulation of 18F-Labeled Biotin/FAPI-Conjugated Heterodimers. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8361-8371. [PMID: 38726551 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to the complex heterogeneity in different cancer types, the heterodimeric strategy has been intensively practiced to improve the effectiveness of tumor diagnostics. In this study, we developed a series of novel 18F-labeled biotin/FAPI-conjugated heterobivalent radioligands ([18F]AlF-NSFB, [18F]AlF-NSFBP2, and [18F]AlF-NSFBP4), synergistically targeting both fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and biotin receptor (BR), to enhance specific tumor uptake and retention. The in vitro and in vivo biological properties of these dual-targeting tracers were evaluated, with a particular focus on positron emission tomography imaging in A549 and HT1080-FAP tumor-bearing mice. Notably, in comparison to the corresponding FAP-targeted monomer [18F]AlF-NSF, biotin/FAPI-conjugated heterodimers exhibited a high uptake in tumor and prolong retention. In conclusion, as a proof-of-concept study, the findings validated the superiority of biotin/FAPI-conjugated heterodimers and the positive influence of biotin and linker on pharmacokinetics of radioligands. Within them, the bispecific [18F]AlF-NSFBP4 holds significant promise as a candidate for further clinical translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Dongsheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyuan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Huifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zuoquan Zhao
- Theranostics and Translational Research Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Theranostics and Translational Research Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
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4
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Meng L, Fang J, Zhang J, Li H, Xia D, Zhuang R, Chen H, Huang J, Li Y, Zhang X, Guo Z. Rational Design and Comparison of Novel 99mTc-Labeled FAPI Dimers for Visualization of Multiple Tumor Types. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8460-8472. [PMID: 38717104 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Recognizing the significance of SPECT in nuclear medicine and the pivotal role of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in cancer diagnosis and therapy, this study focuses on the development of 99mTc-labeled dimeric HF2 with high tumor uptake and image contrast. The dimeric HF2 was synthesized and radiolabeled with 99mTc in one pot using various coligands (tricine, TPPTS, EDDA, and TPPMS) to yield [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2, [99mTc]Tc-EDDA-HF2, and [99mTc]Tc-TPPMS-HF2 dimers. SPECT imaging results indicated that [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 exhibited higher tumor uptake and tumor-to-normal tissue (T/NT) ratio than [99mTc]Tc-EDDA-HF2 and [99mTc]Tc-TPPMS-HF2. Notably, [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 exhibited remarkable tumor accumulation and retention in HT-1080-FAP and U87-MG tumor-bearing mice, thereby surpassing the monomeric [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF. Moreover, [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 achieved acceptable T/NT ratios in the hepatocellular carcinoma patient-derived xenograft (HCC-PDX) model, which provided identifiable contrast and imaging quality. In conclusion, this study presents proof-of-concept research on 99mTc-labeled FAP inhibitor dimers for the visualization of multiple tumor types. Among these candidate compounds, [99mTc]Tc-TPPTS-HF2 showed excellent clinical potential, thereby enriching the SPECT tracer toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Huifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Dongsheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Haojun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Jinxiong Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Yesen Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Theranostics and Translational Research Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
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5
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Qian H, Deng C, Chen S, Zhang X, He Y, Lan J, Wang A, Shi G, Liu Y. Targeting pathogenic fibroblast-like synoviocyte subsets in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:103. [PMID: 38783357 PMCID: PMC11112866 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a central role in RA pathogenesis and are the main cellular component in the inflamed synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FLSs are emerging as promising new therapeutic targets in RA. However, fibroblasts perform many essential functions that are required for sustaining tissue homeostasis. Direct targeting of general fibroblast markers on FLSs is challenging because fibroblasts in other tissues might be altered and side effects such as reduced wound healing or fibrosis can occur. To date, no FLS-specific targeted therapies have been applied in the clinical management of RA. With the help of high-throughput technologies such as scRNA-seq in recent years, several specific pathogenic FLS subsets in RA have been identified. Understanding the characteristics of these pathogenic FLS clusters and the mechanisms that drive their differentiation can provide new insights into the development of novel FLS-targeting strategies for RA. Here, we discuss the pathogenic FLS subsets in RA that have been elucidated in recent years and potential strategies for targeting pathogenic FLSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Qian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Chaoqiong Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Shiju Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Xinwei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Jingying Lan
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Aodi Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Guixiu Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
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6
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Bocci M, Zana A, Principi L, Lucaroni L, Prati L, Gilardoni E, Neri D, Cazzamalli S, Galbiati A. In vivo activation of FAP-cleavable small molecule-drug conjugates for the targeted delivery of camptothecins and tubulin poisons to the tumor microenvironment. J Control Release 2024; 367:779-790. [PMID: 38346501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs) are increasingly considered as a therapeutic alternative to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy. OncoFAP is an ultra-high affinity ligand of Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP), a stromal tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in a wide variety of solid human malignancies. We have recently reported the development of non-internalizing OncoFAP-based SMDCs, which are activated by FAP thanks to selective proteolytic cleavage of the -GlyPro- linker with consequent release of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) in the tumor microenvironment. In this article, we describe the generation and the in vivo characterization of FAP-cleavable OncoFAP-drug conjugates based on potent topoisomerase I inhibitors (DXd, SN-38, and exatecan) and an anti-tubulin payload (MMAE), which are already exploited in clinical-stage and approved ADCs. The Glycine-Proline FAP-cleavable technology was directly benchmarked against linkers found in Adcetris™, Enhertu™, and Trodelvy™ structures by means of in vivo therapeutic experiments in mice bearing tumors with cellular or stromal FAP expression. OncoFAP-GlyPro-Exatecan and OncoFAP-GlyPro-MMAE emerged as the most efficacious anti-cancer therapeutics against FAP-positive cellular models. OncoFAP-GlyPro-MMAE exhibited a potent antitumor activity also against stromal models, and was therefore selected for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Bocci
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland.
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Lucaroni
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Luca Prati
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland; Philogen S.p.A., Siena 53100, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Galbiati
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland.
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Du X, Gu B, Wang X, Wang X, Ji M, Zhang J, He S, Xu X, Yang Z, Song S. Preclinical Evaluation and a Pilot Clinical Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Study of [ 68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:904-915. [PMID: 38179677 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a type II integral membrane serine protease, is a promising target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. OncoFAP has been recently discovered for PET imaging procedures for various solid malignancies. In this study, we presented the development of manual radiolabeling procedures for the preparation of OncoFAP-based radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging. A novel series of [68Ga/177Lu]Ga/Lu-FAPI-FUSCC-I/II were produced with high radiochemical yields. [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-I/II and [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-FUSCC-I/II were stable in phosphate-buffered saline, fetal bovine serum, and human serum for at least 3 h. In vitro cellular uptake and blocking experiments implied that they had specificity to FAP. Additionally, the low nanomolar IC50 values of FAPI-FUSCC-II indicated that it had a high target affinity to FAP. The in vivo biodistribution and blocking study in mice bearing HT-1080-FAP tumors showed that both exhibited specific tumor uptake. [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II showed a higher tumor uptake and a higher tumor/nontarget ratio than [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-I and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04. The results of ex vivo biodistribution were in accordance with the biodistribution results. Clinical [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II-PET/CT imaging further demonstrated its favorable biodistribution and kinetics with elevated and reliable uptake by primary tumors (maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), 12.17 ± 6.67) and distant metastases (SUVmax, 9.24 ± 4.28). In summary, [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FUSCC-II displayed increased tumor uptake and retention compared to [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04, giving it potential as a promising tracer for the diagnostic imaging of malignant tumors with positive FAP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Du
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Bingxin Gu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, P. R. China
| | - Xiangwei Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Mengjing Ji
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Simin He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhongyi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Shaoli Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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8
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Gu Y, Chen Q, Yin H, Zeng M, Gao S, Wang X. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in neoadjuvant setting for solid cancers. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104226. [PMID: 38056580 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches for cancer have become increasingly diverse in recent times. A comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) holds great potential for enhancing the precision of tumor therapies. Neoadjuvant therapy offers the possibility of alleviating patient symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Additionally, it may facilitate the reduction of inoperable tumors and prevent potential preoperative micrometastases. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a prominent role as they generate various elements that contribute to tumor progression. Particularly, extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by CAFs prevents immune cell infiltration into the TME, hampers drug penetration, and diminishes therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, this review provides a summary of the heterogeneity and interactions of CAFs within the TME, with a specific focus on the influence of neoadjuvant therapy on the microenvironment, particularly CAFs. Finally, we propose several potential and promising therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs, which may efficiently eliminate CAFs to decrease stroma density and impair their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Gu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiangda Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mengsu Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai, 200032, China.
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9
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Gehris J, Ervin C, Hawkins C, Womack S, Churillo AM, Doyle J, Sinusas AJ, Spinale FG. Fibroblast activation protein: Pivoting cancer/chemotherapeutic insight towards heart failure. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115914. [PMID: 37956895 PMCID: PMC10824141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
An important mechanism for cancer progression is degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is accompanied by the emergence and proliferation of an activated fibroblast, termed the cancer associated fibroblast (CAF). More specifically, an enzyme pathway identified to be amplified with local cancer progression and proliferation of the CAF, is fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The development and progression of heart failure (HF) irrespective of the etiology is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and changes in ECM structure and function. As with cancer, HF progression is associated with a change in LV myocardial fibroblast growth and function, and expresses a protein signature not dissimilar to the CAF. The overall goal of this review is to put forward the postulate that scientific discoveries regarding FAP in cancer as well as the development of specific chemotherapeutics could be pivoted to target the emergence of FAP in the activated fibroblast subtype and thus hold translationally relevant diagnostic and therapeutic targets in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gehris
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlie Ervin
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlotte Hawkins
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sydney Womack
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Amelia M Churillo
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jonathan Doyle
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Yale University Cardiovascular Imaging Center, New Haven CT, United States
| | - Francis G Spinale
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States.
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10
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Galbiati A, Dorten P, Gilardoni E, Gierse F, Bocci M, Zana A, Mock J, Claesener M, Cufe J, Büther F, Schäfers K, Hermann S, Schäfers M, Neri D, Cazzamalli S, Backhaus P. Tumor-Targeted Interleukin 2 Boosts the Anticancer Activity of FAP-Directed Radioligand Therapeutics. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1934-1940. [PMID: 37734838 PMCID: PMC10690118 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.266007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the antitumor efficacy of a combination of 177Lu-labeled radioligand therapeutics targeting the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) (OncoFAP and BiOncoFAP) with the antibody-cytokine fusion protein L19-interleukin 2 (L19-IL2) providing targeted delivery of interleukin 2 to tumors. Methods: The biodistribution of 177Lu-OncoFAP and 177Lu-BiOncoFAP at different molar amounts (3 vs. 250 nmol/kg) of injected ligand was studied via SPECT/CT in mice bearing subcutaneous HT-1080.hFAP tumors, and self-absorbed tumor and organ doses were calculated. The in vivo anticancer effect of 5 MBq of the radiolabeled preparations was evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with L19-IL2 in subcutaneously implanted HT-1080.hFAP and SK-RC-52.hFAP tumors. Tumor samples from animals treated with 177Lu-BiOncoFAP, L19-IL2, or both were analyzed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify therapeutic signatures on cellular and stromal markers of cancer and on immunomodulatory targets. Results: 177Lu-BiOncoFAP led to a significantly higher self-absorbed dose in FAP-positive tumors (0.293 ± 0.123 Gy/MBq) than did 177Lu-OncoFAP (0.157 ± 0.047 Gy/MBq, P = 0.01) and demonstrated favorable tumor-to-organ ratios at high molar amounts of injected ligand. Administration of L19-IL2 or 177Lu-BiOncoFAP as single agents led to cancer cures in only a limited number of treated animals. In 177Lu-BiOncoFAP-plus-L19-IL2 combination therapy, complete remissions were observed in all injected mice (7/7 complete remissions for the HT-1080.hFAP model, and 4/4 complete remissions for the SK-RC-52.hFAP model), suggesting therapeutic synergy. Proteomic studies revealed a mechanism of action based on the activation of natural killer cells, with a significant enhancement of the expression of granzymes and perforin 1 in the tumor microenvironment after combination treatment. Conclusion: The combination of OncoFAP-based radioligand therapeutics with concurrent targeting of interleukin 2 shows synergistic anticancer effects in the treatment of FAP-positive tumors. This experimental finding should be corroborated by future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galbiati
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Dorten
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Florian Gierse
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matilde Bocci
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Claesener
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Juela Cufe
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Büther
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Schäfers
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Hermann
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Schäfers
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- West German Cancer Centre, Münster, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland; and
- Philogen S.p.A., Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland;
| | - Philipp Backhaus
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- West German Cancer Centre, Münster, Germany
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11
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Yu Z, Huang Y, Chen H, Jiang Z, Li C, Xie Y, Li Z, Cheng X, Liu Y, Li S, Liang Y, Wu Z. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of 18F-Labeled Tracers Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein for Brain Imaging. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1745-1757. [PMID: 37974629 PMCID: PMC10644484 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is closely related to central nervous system diseases such as stroke and brain tumors, but PET tracers that can be used for brain imaging have not been reported. Here, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated 18F-labeled UAMC1110 derivatives suitable for brain imaging targeting FAP. By substituting the F atom for the H atom on the aromatic ring of compound UAMC1110, 1a-c were designed and prepared. 1a-c were confirmed to have a high affinity for FAP through molecular docking and enzyme assay. [18F]1a-c were successfully prepared and confirmed to have high affinity. The stability in vivo indicates that no obvious metabolites of [18F]1a,b were found in the plasma 1 h after injection, which is beneficial for brain imaging. In vitro cell uptake experiments showed that [18F]1a,b and [68Ga]FAPI04 exhibited similar uptake and internalization rates. PET imaging of U87MG subcutaneous tumor showed that [18F]1a,b could penetrate the blood-brain barrier with higher uptake and longer retention time than [68Ga]FAPI04 (uptake at 62.5 min, 1.06 ± 0.23, 1.09 ± 0.25% ID/g vs 0.21 ± 0.10% ID/g, respectively). The brain-to-blood ratios of [18F]1a,b were better than [68Ga]FAPI04. Biodistribution and PET imaging showed that [18F]1a had better uptake on tumors and a higher tumor-to-muscle ratio than [18F]1b and [68Ga]FAPI04. Further imaging of U87MG intracranial glioma showed that [18F]1a outlined high-contrast gliomas in a short period of time compared to [18F]1b. Therefore, [18F]1a is expected to be useful in the diagnosis of FAP-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Yu
- Beijing
Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry
of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain
Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research
Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Hualong Chen
- Beijing
Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry
of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain
Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zeng Jiang
- Beijing
Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry
of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain
Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Chengze Li
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research
Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Beijing
Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry
of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain
Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhongjing Li
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research
Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Xuebo Cheng
- Beijing
Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry
of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain
Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science, Capital Medical
University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shengli Li
- Department
of Laboratory Animal Science, Capital Medical
University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research
Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Zehui Wu
- Beijing
Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry
of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain
Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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12
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Hartmann KP, van Gogh M, Freitag PC, Kast F, Nagy-Davidescu G, Borsig L, Plückthun A. FAP-retargeted Ad5 enables in vivo gene delivery to stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2914-2928. [PMID: 37641405 PMCID: PMC10556229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell surface serine protease that is highly expressed on reactive stromal fibroblasts, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and generally absent in healthy adult tissues. FAP expression in the tumor stroma has been detected in more than 90% of all carcinomas, rendering CAFs excellent target cells for a tumor site-specific adenoviral delivery of cancer therapeutics. Here, we present a tropism-modified human adenovirus 5 (Ad5) vector that targets FAP through trivalent, designed ankyrin repeat protein-based retargeting adapters. We describe the development and validation of these adapters via cell-based screening assays and demonstrate adapter-mediated Ad5 retargeting to FAP+ fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. We further show efficient in vivo delivery and in situ production of a therapeutic payload by CAFs in the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in attenuated tumor growth. We thus propose using our FAP-Ad5 vector to convert CAFs into a "biofactory," secreting encoded cancer therapeutics into the TME to enable a safe and effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Patricia Hartmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Merel van Gogh
- Department of Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C Freitag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Kast
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela Nagy-Davidescu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lubor Borsig
- Department of Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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13
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Rezaei S, Gharapapagh E, Dabiri S, Heidari P, Aghanejad A. Theranostics in targeting fibroblast activation protein bearing cells: Progress and challenges. Life Sci 2023; 329:121970. [PMID: 37481033 PMCID: PMC10773987 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells are surrounded by a complex and highly dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a critical component of TME, contribute to cancer cell proliferation as well as metastatic spread. CAFs express a variety of biomarkers, which can be targeted for detection and therapy. Most importantly, CAFs express high levels of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) which contributes to progression of cancer, invasion, metastasis, migration, immunosuppression, and drug resistance. As a consequence, FAP is an attractive theranostic target. In this review, we discuss the latest advancement in targeting FAP in oncology using theranostic biomarkers and imaging modalities such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), fluorescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Rezaei
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Gharapapagh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Dabiri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pedram Heidari
- Departments of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Ayuob Aghanejad
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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14
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Lerchen HG, Stelte-Ludwig B, Heroult M, Zubov D, Gericke KM, Wong H, Frigault MM, Johnson AJ, Izumi R, Hamdy A. Discovery of VIP236, an αvβ3-Targeted Small-Molecule-Drug Conjugate with Neutrophil Elastase-Mediated Activation of 7-Ethyl Camptothecin Payload for Treatment of Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4381. [PMID: 37686656 PMCID: PMC10486604 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging field of small-molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs) using small-molecule biomarker-targeted compounds for tumor homing may provide new perspectives for targeted delivery. Here, for the first time, we disclose the structure and the synthesis of VIP236, an SMDC designed for the treatment of metastatic solid tumors by targeting αvβ3 integrins and extracellular cleavage of the 7-ethyl camptothecin payload by neutrophil elastase in the tumor microenvironment. Imaging studies in the Lewis lung mouse model using an elastase cleavable quenched substrate showed pronounced elastase activity in the tumor. Pharmacokinetics studies of VIP236 in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated high stability of the SMDC in plasma and high tumor accumulation of the cleaved payload. Studies in bile-duct-cannulated rats showed that biliary excretion of the unmodified conjugate is the primary route of elimination. Treatment- and time-dependent phosphorylation of H2AX, a marker of DNA damage downstream of topoisomerase 1 inhibition, verified the on-target activity of the payload cleaved from VIP236 in vivo. Treatment with VIP236 resulted in long-lasting tumor regression in subcutaneous patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from patients with non-small-cell lung, colon, and renal cancer as well as in two orthotopic metastatic triple-negative breast cancer PDX models. In these models, a significant reduction of brain and lung metastases also was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dmitry Zubov
- Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; (D.Z.); (K.M.G.)
| | | | - Harvey Wong
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Melanie M. Frigault
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Amy J. Johnson
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Raquel Izumi
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Ahmed Hamdy
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
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15
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Mortensen M, Bertolini M, Mock J, Scheuermann J, Oehler S. Site-Specific Chemical Modification of a Cytokine Mimic for Small Molecule-Based Tumor Targeting. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1374-1379. [PMID: 37462264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00194] [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: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The targeted delivery of bioactive proteins, such as cytokines, for cancer immunotherapy approaches mostly relies on antibodies or antibody fragments. However, fusion proteins may display low tissue penetration due to a large molecular size. Small molecule ligands with high affinity toward tumor-associated antigens provide a promising alternative for the selective delivery of cytokines to tumor lesions. We developed a one-pot procedure for the site-specific thiazolidine formation between an aldehyde bearing small molecule and the in situ generated N-terminal cysteine of a bioactive protein. Thereby, neoleukin-2/15 (Neo-2/15), a computationally engineered interleukin-2 and -15 mimic, was chemically conjugated to acetazolamide plus, a potent carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) ligand. The conjugate retained the biological activity of Neo-2/15 and revealed its ability to accumulate in renal cell carcinoma (SK-RC-52) xenografts upon systemic intravenous administration. The results highlight the potential of small molecule targeting moieties to drive the accumulation of a protein cargo to the respective disease site while conserving the small construct size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mortensen
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), 8112 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Bertolini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), 8112 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), 8112 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), 8112 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Oehler
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), 8112 Zürich, Switzerland
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16
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Bassi G, Cazzamalli S, Oehler S, Lucaroni L, Georgiev T, Favalli N, Neri D. Response to: GCP III is not the "off-target" for urea-based PSMA-ligands. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:2947-2949. [PMID: 37341746 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06302-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bassi
- Small Molecule Therapeutics Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Small Molecule Therapeutics Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
| | - Sebastian Oehler
- Small Molecule Therapeutics Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Laura Lucaroni
- Small Molecule Therapeutics Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Tony Georgiev
- Small Molecule Therapeutics Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas Favalli
- Small Molecule Therapeutics Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Small Molecule Therapeutics Department, Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
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17
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Torng W, Biancofiore I, Oehler S, Xu J, Xu J, Watson I, Masina B, Prati L, Favalli N, Bassi G, Neri D, Cazzamalli S, Feng JA. Deep Learning Approach for the Discovery of Tumor-Targeting Small Organic Ligands from DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:25090-25100. [PMID: 37483198 PMCID: PMC10357458 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries (DELs) have emerged as efficient and cost-effective ligand discovery tools, which enable the generation of protein-ligand interaction data of unprecedented size. In this article, we present an approach that combines DEL screening and instance-level deep learning modeling to identify tumor-targeting ligands against carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a clinically validated marker of hypoxia and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We present a new ligand identification and hit-to-lead strategy driven by machine learning models trained on DELs, which expand the scope of DEL-derived chemical motifs. CAIX-screening datasets obtained from three different DELs were used to train machine learning models for generating novel hits, dissimilar to elements present in the original DELs. Out of the 152 novel potential hits that were identified with our approach and screened in an in vitro enzymatic inhibition assay, 70% displayed submicromolar activities (IC50 < 1 μM). To generate lead compounds that are functionalized with anticancer payloads, analogues of top hits were prioritized for synthesis based on the predicted CAIX affinity and synthetic feasibility. Three lead candidates showed accumulation on the surface of CAIX-expressing tumor cells in cellular binding assays. The best compound displayed an in vitro KD of 5.7 nM and selectively targeted tumors in mice bearing human renal cell carcinoma lesions. Our results demonstrate the synergy between DEL and machine learning for the identification of novel hits and for the successful translation of lead candidates for in vivo targeting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Torng
- Google
Research, 1600 Amphitheatre
Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
| | | | - Sebastian Oehler
- R&D
Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zürich 8112, Switzerland
| | - Jin Xu
- Google
Research, 1600 Amphitheatre
Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
| | - Jessica Xu
- Google
Research, 1600 Amphitheatre
Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
| | - Ian Watson
- Google
Research, 1600 Amphitheatre
Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
| | - Brenno Masina
- R&D
Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zürich 8112, Switzerland
| | - Luca Prati
- R&D
Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zürich 8112, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas Favalli
- R&D
Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zürich 8112, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Bassi
- R&D
Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zürich 8112, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- R&D
Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zürich 8112, Switzerland
- Philogen
S.p.A., Siena 53100, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | | | - Jianwen A. Feng
- Google
Research, 1600 Amphitheatre
Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
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18
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Zana A, Puig-Moreno C, Bocci M, Gilardoni E, Di Nitto C, Principi L, Ravazza D, Rotta G, Prodi E, De Luca R, Neri D, Cazzamalli S. A Comparative Analysis of Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Small Molecule-Drug, Antibody-Drug, and Peptide-Drug Conjugates. Bioconjug Chem 2023. [PMID: 37399501 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
We present the first in vivo comparative evaluation of chemically defined antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), small molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs), and peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) targeting and activated by fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in solid tumors. Both the SMDC (OncoFAP-Gly-Pro-MMAE) and the ADC (7NP2-Gly-Pro-MMAE) candidates delivered high amounts of active payload (i.e., MMAE) selectively at the tumor site, thus producing a potent antitumor activity in a preclinical cancer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aureliano Zana
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Puig-Moreno
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matilde Bocci
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cesare Di Nitto
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lucrezia Principi
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Ravazza
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Prodi
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto De Luca
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Philogen S.p.A., 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
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19
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Wang Y, Yuan H, Liu N, Tang S, Feng Y, Liu Y, Cai P, Xia L, Zheng W, Chen Y, Zhou Z. High Affinity and FAP-Targeted Radiotracers: A Potential Design Strategy to Improve the Pharmacokinetics and Tumor Uptake for FAP Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37390480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts, making it an attractive target for both imaging and therapy of malignancy. This study presents a range of novel FAP inhibitors derived from amino derivatives of UAMC1110, incorporating polyethylene glycol and bulky groups containing bifunctional DOTA chelators. The compounds labeled with gallium-68 were developed and characterized to study biodistribution properties and tumor-targeting performance in nude mice bearing U87MG tumor xenografts. Several tracers of interest were screened due to the advantages in imaging and tumor-specific uptake. Positron emission tomography scans revealed that polyethylene glycol-modified 68Ga-3-3 had a rapid penetration within the neoplastic tissue and excellent tumor-to-background contrast. In a comparative biodistribution study, naphthalene-modified 68Ga-6-3 exhibited more significant tumor uptake (∼50% ID/g, 1 h p.i.) than 68Ga-3-3 and 10-fold higher than 68Ga-FAPI-04 under the same conditions. Remarkably, 68Ga-8-1, combining the two structural design strategies, obtains superior imaging performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinwen Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Hongmei Yuan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Sufan Tang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Ping Cai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Li Xia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Wenlu Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
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20
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Kalaei Z, Manafi-Farid R, Rashidi B, Kiani FK, Zarei A, Fathi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The Prognostic and therapeutic value and clinical implications of fibroblast activation protein-α as a novel biomarker in colorectal cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:139. [PMID: 37316886 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of contributing factors leading to the development of Colorectal Cancer (CRC), as the third fatal malignancy, is crucial. Today, the tumor microenvironment has been shown to play a key role in CRC progression. Fibroblast-Activation Protein-α (FAP) is a type II transmembrane cell surface proteinase expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor stroma. As an enzyme, FAP has di- and endoprolylpeptidase, endoprotease, and gelatinase/collagenase activities in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). According to recent reports, FAP overexpression in CRC contributes to adverse clinical outcomes such as increased lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence, and angiogenesis, as well as decreased overall survival. In this review, studies about the expression level of FAP and its associations with CRC patients' prognosis are reviewed. High expression levels of FAP and its association with clinicopathological factors have made as a potential target. In many studies, FAP has been evaluated as a therapeutic target and diagnostic factor into which the current review tries to provide a comprehensive insight. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kalaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Manafi-Farid
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bentolhoda Rashidi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Karoon Kiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asieh Zarei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Fathi
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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21
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Lepareur N, Ramée B, Mougin-Degraef M, Bourgeois M. Clinical Advances and Perspectives in Targeted Radionuclide Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1733. [PMID: 37376181 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide therapy has become increasingly prominent as a nuclear medicine subspecialty. For many decades, treatment with radionuclides has been mainly restricted to the use of iodine-131 in thyroid disorders. Currently, radiopharmaceuticals, consisting of a radionuclide coupled to a vector that binds to a desired biological target with high specificity, are being developed. The objective is to be as selective as possible at the tumor level, while limiting the dose received at the healthy tissue level. In recent years, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of cancer, as well as the appearance of innovative targeting agents (antibodies, peptides, and small molecules) and the availability of new radioisotopes, have enabled considerable advances in the field of vectorized internal radiotherapy with a better therapeutic efficacy, radiation safety and personalized treatments. For instance, targeting the tumor microenvironment, instead of the cancer cells, now appears particularly attractive. Several radiopharmaceuticals for therapeutic targeting have shown clinical value in several types of tumors and have been or will soon be approved and authorized for clinical use. Following their clinical and commercial success, research in that domain is particularly growing, with the clinical pipeline appearing as a promising target. This review aims to provide an overview of current research on targeting radionuclide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lepareur
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Eugène Marquis, 35000 Rennes, France
- Inserm, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Métabolismes et Cancer)-UMR 1317, Univ Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Barthélémy Ramée
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Nantes University Hospital, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Marie Mougin-Degraef
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Nantes University Hospital, 44000 Nantes, France
- Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA (Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Intégrée Nantes-Angers)-UMR 1307, Université de Nantes, ERL 6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Mickaël Bourgeois
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Nantes University Hospital, 44000 Nantes, France
- Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA (Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Intégrée Nantes-Angers)-UMR 1307, Université de Nantes, ERL 6001, 44000 Nantes, France
- Groupement d'Intérêt Public ARRONAX, 1 Rue Aronnax, 44817 Saint Herblain, France
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22
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Chandekar KR, Prashanth A, Vinjamuri S, Kumar R. FAPI PET/CT Imaging-An Updated Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2018. [PMID: 37370912 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13122018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite revolutionizing the field of oncological imaging, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as its workhorse is limited by a lack of specificity and low sensitivity in certain tumor subtypes. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a type II transmembrane glycoprotein, is expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that form a major component of the tumor stroma. FAP holds the promise to be a pan-cancer target, owing to its selective over-expression in a vast majority of neoplasms, particularly epithelial cancers. Several radiolabeled FAP inhibitors (FAPI) have been developed for molecular imaging and potential theranostic applications. Preliminary data on FAPI PET/CT remains encouraging, with extensive multi-disciplinary clinical research currently underway. This review summarizes the existing literature on FAPI PET/CT imaging with an emphasis on diagnostic applications, comparison with FDG, pitfalls, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Ramesh Chandekar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Arun Prashanth
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, MIOT International Hospital, Chennai 600089, India
| | - Sobhan Vinjamuri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool L7-8YE, UK
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
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23
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Prodi E, Comacchio C, Gilardoni E, Di Nitto C, Puca E, Neri D, De Luca R. An Antibody Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein Simultaneously Fused to Interleukin-2 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Selectively Localizes to Neoplastic Lesions. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12020029. [PMID: 37092450 PMCID: PMC10123652 DOI: 10.3390/antib12020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The delivery of specific cytokine payloads to a neoplastic environment employing antibodies able to selectively accumulate at the tumor site represents an attractive strategy to stimulate an immune response to cancer. Whilst conventional antibody-cytokine fusions based on a single payload have shown potent anticancer activity, the concomitant delivery of two cytokine payloads may further improve the therapeutic outcome as the immune system typically adopts multiple signals to reinforce an antitumor strategy. We here describe a potency-matched dual-cytokine antibody fusion protein containing a tumor-targeting antibody fragment specific to human fibroblast activation protein (FAP), simultaneously linked to both interleukin-2 (IL2) and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mutant. The resulting fusion protein, termed IL2-7NP2-TNFmut, formed stable non-covalent trimers driven by the interaction of the tumor necrosis factor subunits. Both cytokine payloads retained their biological activity within the fusion protein, as shown by in vitro cellular assays. The tumor-targeting properties and the anticancer activity of IL2-7NP2-TNFmut were investigated in vivo in immunocompromised mice bearing SKRC52 cells transduced with human FAP. The fusion protein preferentially localized to the cancer site and induced partial tumor retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Prodi
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
- CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
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24
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Kaneda-Nakashima K, Shirakami Y, Kadonaga Y, Watabe T. Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor Theranostics. PET Clin 2023:S1556-8598(23)00018-4. [PMID: 36997365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) was first reported in 1986. However, FAP is not expressed in normal fibroblasts, normal or malignant epithelial cells, or the stroma of benign epithelial tumors. FAP is a cell membrane-bound serine peptidase overexpressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts and, as such, is a novel target for molecular imaging of several tumors. FAP inhibitors (FAPI) are potential theranostic molecular probes for various cancers. A tumor model expressing FAP was used to verify or confirm the usefulness of FAPI experimentally.
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25
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Mori Y, Dendl K, Cardinale J, Kratochwil C, Giesel FL, Haberkorn U. FAPI PET: Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor Use in Oncologic and Nononcologic Disease. Radiology 2023; 306:e220749. [PMID: 36594838 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.220749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Gallium 68 (68Ga)-labeled fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor (FAPI) PET is based on the molecular targeting of the FAP, which is known to be highly expressed in the major cell population in tumor stroma, termed cancer-associated fibroblasts. Among many FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals developed so far, 68Ga-FAPI exhibits rapid tracer accumulation in target lesions and low background signal, which results in excellent imaging features. FAPI PET can be integrated in the clinical workflow and enables the detection of small primary or metastatic lesions, especially in the brain, liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract due to the low tracer accumulation in these organs. Moreover, the DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacylclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetrayl tetraacetic acid) chelator in the molecular structure allows coupling of the FAPI molecules with therapeutic emitters such as yttrium 90 for theranostic applications. This review provides an overview of the state of the art in FAP imaging, summarizes the current knowledge of relevant cancer biology, and highlights the latest findings in the clinical use of 68Ga-FAPI PET and other current FAPI tracers. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Mori
- From the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Y.M., K.D., J.C., F.L.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (K.D., J.C., C.K., F.L.G., U.H.); and Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany (F.L.G., U.H.)
| | - Katharina Dendl
- From the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Y.M., K.D., J.C., F.L.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (K.D., J.C., C.K., F.L.G., U.H.); and Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany (F.L.G., U.H.)
| | - Jens Cardinale
- From the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Y.M., K.D., J.C., F.L.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (K.D., J.C., C.K., F.L.G., U.H.); and Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany (F.L.G., U.H.)
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- From the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Y.M., K.D., J.C., F.L.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (K.D., J.C., C.K., F.L.G., U.H.); and Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany (F.L.G., U.H.)
| | - Frederik L Giesel
- From the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Y.M., K.D., J.C., F.L.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (K.D., J.C., C.K., F.L.G., U.H.); and Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany (F.L.G., U.H.)
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- From the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Y.M., K.D., J.C., F.L.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (K.D., J.C., C.K., F.L.G., U.H.); and Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany (F.L.G., U.H.)
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26
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Zana A, Galbiati A, Gilardoni E, Bocci M, Millul J, Sturm T, Stucchi R, Elsayed A, Nadal L, Cirillo M, Roll W, Stegger L, Asmus I, Backhaus P, Schäfers M, Neri D, Cazzamalli S. Fibroblast Activation Protein Triggers Release of Drug Payload from Non-internalizing Small Molecule Drug Conjugates in Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5440-5454. [PMID: 36215129 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Small molecule drug conjugates (SMDC) are modular anticancer prodrugs that include a tumor-targeting small organic ligand, a cleavable linker, and a potent cytotoxic agent. Most of the SMDC products that have been developed for clinical applications target internalizing tumor-associated antigens on the surface of tumor cells. We have recently described a novel non-internalizing small organic ligand (named OncoFAP) of fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a tumor-associated antigen highly expressed in the stroma of most solid human malignancies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In this article, we describe a new series of OncoFAP-Drug derivatives based on monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE; a potent cytotoxic tubulin poison) and dipeptide linkers that are selectively cleaved by FAP in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS The tumor-targeting potential of OncoFAP was confirmed in patients with cancer using nuclear medicine procedures. We used mass spectrometry methodologies to quantify the amount of prodrug delivered to tumors and normal organs, as well as the efficiency of the drug release process. Linkers previously exploited for anticancer drug conjugates were used as benchmark. We identified OncoFAP-Gly-Pro-MMAE as the best performing SMDC, which has now been prioritized for further clinical development. OncoFAP-Gly-Pro-MMAE selectively delivered more than 10% injected dose per gram of MMAE to FAP-positive tumors, with a tumor-to-kidney ratio of 16:1 at 24 hours post-injection. CONCLUSIONS The FAP-specific drug conjugates described in this article promise to be efficacious for the targeting of human malignancies. The extracellular release of potent anticancer payloads mediates durable complete remission in difficult-to-treat animal models of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aureliano Zana
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Matilde Bocci
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacopo Millul
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theo Sturm
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Abdullah Elsayed
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Nadal
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Cirillo
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician," University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Roll
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lars Stegger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Inga Asmus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp Backhaus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Schäfers
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland.,Philogen S.p.A., Siena, Italy
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27
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Weber WA, Varasteh Z, Fritschle K, Morath V. A Theranostic Approach for CAR-T Cell Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5241-5243. [PMID: 36250927 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is frequently expressed in the tumor stroma, whereas expression by normal organs is highly restricted. Despite these promising features, FAP-targeted therapies have shown limited success so far. FAP imaging offers new opportunities to select patients for FAP-targeted therapies and monitor tumor response. See related article by Lee et al., p. 5330.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Zohreh Varasteh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katja Fritschle
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Morath
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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28
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Galbiati A, Zana A, Bocci M, Millul J, Elsayed A, Mock J, Neri D, Cazzamalli S. A Dimeric FAP-Targeting Small-Molecule Radioconjugate with High and Prolonged Tumor Uptake. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:1852-1858. [PMID: 35589404 PMCID: PMC9730928 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.264036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging procedures based on small-molecule radioconjugates targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) have recently emerged as a powerful tool for the diagnosis of a wide variety of tumors. However, the therapeutic potential of radiolabeled FAP-targeting agents is limited by their short residence time in neoplastic lesions. In this work, we present the development and in vivo characterization of BiOncoFAP, a new dimeric FAP-binding motif with an extended tumor residence time and favorable tumor-to-organ ratio. Methods: The binding properties of BiOncoFAP and its monovalent OncoFAP analog were assayed against recombinant human FAP. Preclinical experiments with 177Lu-OncoFAP-DOTAGA (177Lu-OncoFAP) and 177Lu-BiOncoFAP-DOTAGA (177Lu-BiOncoFAP) were performed on mice bearing FAP-positive HT-1080 tumors. Results: OncoFAP and BiOncoFAP displayed comparable subnanomolar dissociation constants toward recombinant human FAP in solution, but the bivalent BiOncoFAP bound more avidly to the target immobilized on solid supports. In a comparative biodistribution study, 177Lu-BiOncoFAP exhibited a more stable and prolonged tumor uptake than 177Lu-OncoFAP (∼20 vs. ∼4 percentage injected dose/g, respectively, at 24 h after injection). Notably, 177Lu-BiOncoFAP showed favorable tumor-to-organ ratios with low kidney uptake. Both 177Lu-OncoFAP and 177Lu-BiOncoFAP displayed potent antitumor efficacy when administered at therapeutic doses to tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion: 177Lu-BiOncoFAP is a promising candidate for radioligand therapy of cancer, with favorable in vivo tumor-to-organ ratios, a long tumor residence time, and potent anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galbiati
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Matilde Bocci
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Jacopo Millul
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland;,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland; and,Philogen S.p.A., Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
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Puglioli S, Schmidt E, Pellegrino C, Prati L, Oehler S, De Luca R, Galbiati A, Comacchio C, Nadal L, Scheuermann J, Manz MG, Neri D, Cazzamalli S, Bassi G, Favalli N. Selective tumor targeting enabled by picomolar fibroblast activation protein inhibitors isolated from a DNA-encoded affinity maturation library. Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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30
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Sun J, Huangfu Z, Yang J, Wang G, Hu K, Gao M, Zhong Z. Imaging-guided targeted radionuclide tumor therapy: From concept to clinical translation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114538. [PMID: 36162696 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Since the first introduction of sodium iodide I-131 for use with thyroid patients almost 80 years ago, more than 50 radiopharmaceuticals have reached the markets for a wide range of diseases, especially cancers. The nuclear medicine paradigm also shifts from solely molecular imaging or radionuclide therapy to imaging-guided radionuclide therapy, which is deemed a vital component of precision cancer therapy and an emerging medical modality for personalized medicine. The imaging-guided radionuclide therapy highlights the systematic integration of targeted nuclear diagnostics and radionuclide therapeutics. Regarding this, nuclear imaging serves to "visualize" the lesions and guide the therapeutic strategy, followed by administration of a precise patient specific dose of radiotherapeutics for treatment according to the absorbed dose to different organs and tumors calculated by dosimetry tools, and finally repeated imaging to predict the prognosis. This strategy leads to significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy, improved patient outcomes, and manageable adverse events. In this review, we provide an overview of imaging-guided targeted radionuclide therapy for different tumors such as advanced prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, with a focus on development of new radioligands and their preclinical and clinical results, and further discuss about challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China; Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyuan Huangfu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China; Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangtao Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China; Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kuan Hu
- Department of Advanced Nuclear Medicine Sciences, Institute for Quantum Medical Sciences, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Mingyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China; Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Toyohara J, Al-Qahtani M, Huang YY, Cazzola E, Todde S, Furumoto S, Mikolajczak R, Decristoforo C, Gillings N, Yang M, Reilly R, Duatti A, Denkova A, Schirrmacher R, Carlucci G, Seimbille Y, Liu Z, Ellis B, Cornelissen BT, Kopka K, Bernardes E. Highlight selection of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy developments by editorial board. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2022; 7:25. [PMID: 36182995 PMCID: PMC9526771 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-022-00177-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
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. MAIN BODY This commentary of highlights has resulted in 21 different topics selected by each coauthoring Editorial Board member addressing a variety of aspects ranging from novel radiochemistry to first in man application of novel radiopharmaceuticals. CONCLUSION Trends in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy are highlighted demonstrating the progress in the research field in various topics including new PET-labelling methods, FAPI-tracers and imaging, and radionuclide therapy being the scope of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Toyohara
- PET Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Research Team for Neuroimaging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammed Al-Qahtani
- Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ya-Yao Huang
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Emiliano Cazzola
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Ospedale Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria, Negrar (Vr), Italia
| | - Sergio Todde
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Tecnomed Foundation, Monza, Italy
| | - Shozo Furumoto
- Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center (CYRIC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Renata Mikolajczak
- Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Otwock, Poland
- Ośrodek Radioizotopów POLATOM, NARODOWE CENTRUM BADAŃ JĄDROWYCH (NCBJ), Otwock, Poland
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nic Gillings
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Min Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu China
| | - Raymond Reilly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Adriano Duatti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Farmaceutiche e Agrarie Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italia
| | - Antonia Denkova
- Department of Radiation Science and Technology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ralf Schirrmacher
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Giuseppe Carlucci
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Yann Seimbille
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zhaofei Liu
- Medical Isotopes Research Center, Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Beverley Ellis
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Bart T. Cornelissen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Groningen (UMCG), University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Emerson Bernardes
- Energy and Nuclear Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN/SP), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brasil
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32
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Nadal L, Peissert F, Elsayed A, Weiss T, Look T, Weller M, Piro G, Carbone C, Tortora G, Matasci M, Favalli N, Corbellari R, Di Nitto C, Prodi E, Libbra C, Galeazzi S, Carotenuto C, Halin C, Puca E, Neri D, De Luca R. Generation and in vivo validation of an IL-12 fusion protein based on a novel anti-human FAP monoclonal antibody. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005282. [PMID: 36104101 PMCID: PMC9476130 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we describe the generation of a fully human monoclonal antibody (named '7NP2') targeting human fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an antigen expressed in the microenvironment of different types of solid neoplasms. METHODS 7NP2 was isolated from a synthetic antibody phage display library and was improved by one round of mutagenesis-based affinity maturation. The tumor recognition properties of the antibody were validated by immunofluorescence procedures performed on cancer biopsies from human patients. A fusion protein consisting of the 7NP2 antibody linked to interleukin (IL)-12 was generated and the anticancer activity of the murine surrogate product (named mIL12-7NP2) was evaluated in mouse models. Furthermore, the safety of the fully human product (named IL12-7NP2) was evaluated in Cynomolgus monkeys. RESULTS Biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice confirmed the ability of the product to selectively localize to solid tumors while sparing healthy organs. Encouraged by these results, therapy studies were conducted in vivo, showing a potent antitumor activity in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mouse models of cancer, both as single agent and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The fully human product was tolerated when administered to non-human primates. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in this work provided a rationale for future clinical translation activities using IL12-7NP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nadal
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frederik Peissert
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Look
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Geny Piro
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas Favalli
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Cesare Di Nitto
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Prodi
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Cornelia Halin
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Puca
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Roberto De Luca
- Antibody Therapeutics, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Zurich, Switzerland
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33
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Dakhel S, Galbiati A, Migliorini F, Comacchio C, Oehler S, Prati L, Scheuermann J, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Bassi G, Favalli N. Isolation of a Natural Killer Group 2D Small-Molecule Ligand from DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200350. [PMID: 35929380 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer Group 2D (NKG2D) is a homo-dimeric transmembrane protein which is typically expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, gamma delta T (γδT) cells, activated CD8 positive T-cells and activated macrophages. Bispecific molecules, capable of bridging NKG2D with a target protein expressed on the surface of tumor cells, may be used to redirect the cytotoxic activity of NK-cells towards antigen-positive malignanT-cells. In this work, we report the discovery of a novel NKG2D small molecule binder [K D = (410±60) nM], isolated from a DNA-Encoded Chemical Library (DEL). The discovery of small organic NKG2D ligands may facilitate the generation of fully synthetic bispecific adaptors, which may serve as an alternative to bispecific antibody products and which may benefit from better tumor targeting properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Luca Prati
- Philogen SpA, R&D (Philochem), SWITZERLAND
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- ETH Zürich: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich, chemistry and applied biosciences, SWITZERLAND
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas Favalli
- Philogen SpA, R&D (Philochem), Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, SWITZERLAND
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34
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Bartoli F, Elsinga P, Nazario LR, Zana A, Galbiati A, Millul J, Migliorini F, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Slart RHJA, Erba PA. Automated Radiosynthesis, Preliminary In Vitro/In Vivo Characterization of OncoFAP-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancer Imaging and Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080958. [PMID: 36015106 PMCID: PMC9416253 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals represent a breakthrough in cancer imaging and a viable option for therapeutic applications. OncoFAP is an ultra-high-affinity ligand of FAP with a dissociation constant of 680 pM. OncoFAP has been recently discovered and clinically validated for PET imaging procedures in patients with solid malignancies. While more and more clinical validation is becoming available, the need for scalable and robust procedures for the preparation of this new class of radiopharmaceuticals continues to increase. In this article, we present the development of automated radiolabeling procedures for the preparation of OncoFAP-based radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging and therapy. A new series of [68Ga]Ga-OncoFAP, [177Lu]Lu-OncoFAP and [18F]AlF-OncoFAP was produced with high radiochemical yields. Chemical and biochemical characterization after radiolabeling confirmed its excellent stability, retention of high affinity for FAP and absence of radiolysis by-products. The in vivo biodistribution of [18F]AlF-NOTA-OncoFAP, a candidate for PET imaging procedures in patients, was assessed in mice bearing FAP-positive solid tumors. The product showed rapid accumulation in solid tumors, with an average of 6.6% ID/g one hour after systemic administration and excellent tumor-to-healthy organs ratio. We have developed simple, quick, safe and robust synthetic procedures for the preparation of theranostic OncoFAP-compounds based on Gallium-68, Lutetium-177 and Fluorine-18 using the commercially available FASTlab synthesis module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bartoli
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Translational Research and Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Philip Elsinga
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
| | - Luiza Reali Nazario
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Jacopo Millul
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Francesca Migliorini
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Philochem AG, R&D Department, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (A.Z.); (A.G.); (J.M.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Philogen S.p.A., 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Riemer H. J. A. Slart
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Anna Erba
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Translational Research and Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; (P.E.); (L.R.N.); (R.H.J.A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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35
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Gilardoni E, Zana A, Galbiati A, Sturm T, Millul J, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Stucchi R. Mass Spectrometry-Based Method for the Determination of the Biodistribution of Tumor-Targeting Small Molecule-Metal Conjugates. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10715-10721. [PMID: 35820828 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear medicine plays a key role in modern diagnosis and cancer therapy. The development of tumor-targeting radionuclide conjugates (also named small molecule-radio conjugates (SMRCs)) represents a significant improvement over the clinical use of metabolic radiotracers (e.g., [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose) for imaging and over the application of biocidal external beam radiations for therapy. During the discovery of SMRCs, molecular candidates must be carefully evaluated typically by performing biodistribution assays in preclinical tumor models. Quantification methodologies based on radioactive counts are typically demanding due to safety concerns, availability of radioactive materials, and infrastructures. In this article, we report the development of a mass spectrometry (MS)-based method for the detection and quantification of small molecule-metal conjugates (SMMCs) as cold surrogates of SMRCs. We applied this methodology for the evaluation of the biodistribution of a particular class of tumor-targeting drug candidates based on natLu, natGa, and natF and directed against fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The reliability of the liquid chromatography-MS (LC-MS) analysis was validated by a direct comparison of MS-based and radioactivity-based biodistribution data. The results show that MS biodistribution of stable isotope metal conjugates is an orthogonal tool for the preclinical characterization of different classes of radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Gilardoni
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Theo Sturm
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jacopo Millul
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Philogen S.P.A., Via Bellaria 35, I-53018 Sovicille, Siena, Italy.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Stucchi
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Zürich, Switzerland
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Abstract
The term "molecular ZIP (or area) codes" refers to an originally hypothetical system of cell adhesion molecules that would control cell trafficking in the body. Subsequent discovery of the integrins, cadherins, and other cell adhesion molecules confirmed this hypothesis. The recognition system encompassing integrins and their ligands came particularly close to fulfilling the original ZIP code hypothesis, as multiple integrins with closely related specificities mediate cell adhesion by binding to an RGD or related sequence in various extracellular matrix proteins. Diseased tissues have their own molecular addresses that, although not necessarily involved in cell trafficking, can be made use of in targeted drug delivery. This article discusses the molecular basis of ZIP codes and the extensive effort under way to harness them for drug delivery purposes.
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37
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Meng L, Fang J, Zhao L, Wang T, Yuan P, Zhao Z, Zhuang R, Lin Q, Chen H, Chen X, Zhang X, Guo Z. Rational Design and Pharmacomodulation of Protein-Binding Theranostic Radioligands for Targeting the Fibroblast Activation Protein. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8245-8257. [PMID: 35658448 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fibroblast activation protein (FAP), overexpressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), has become a valuable target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. However, most FAP-based radioligands show insufficient tumor uptake and retention. In this study, three novel albumin-binding FAP ligands (denoted as FSDD0I, FSDD1I, and FSDD3I) were labeled with 68Ga and 177Lu to overcome these limitations. Cell-based studies and molecular docking assays were performed to identify the specificity and protein-binding properties for FAP. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans in human hepatocellular carcinoma patient-derived xenografts (HCC-PDXs) animal models revealed longer blood retention of 68Ga-FSDD0I than 68Ga-FAPI-04, 68Ga-FSDD1I, and 68Ga-FSDD3I. Remarkably, 68Ga-FSDD3I had prominent tumor-to-nontarget (T/NT) ratios. The prominent tumor retention properties of 177Lu-FSDD0I in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and biodistribution studies were demonstrated. In summary, this study reports a proof-of-concept study of albumin-binding radioligands for FAP-targeted imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Pu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zuoquan Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute and FuWai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qin Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Haojun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.,Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.,Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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Zboralski D, Hoehne A, Bredenbeck A, Schumann A, Nguyen M, Schneider E, Ungewiss J, Paschke M, Haase C, von Hacht JL, Kwan T, Lin KK, Lenore J, Harding TC, Xiao J, Simmons AD, Mohan AM, Beindorff N, Reineke U, Smerling C, Osterkamp F. Preclinical evaluation of FAP-2286 for fibroblast activation protein targeted radionuclide imaging and therapy. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:3651-3667. [PMID: 35608703 PMCID: PMC9399058 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a membrane-bound protease that has limited expression in normal adult tissues but is highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment of many solid cancers. FAP-2286 is a FAP-binding peptide coupled to a radionuclide chelator that is currently being investigated in patients as an imaging and therapeutic agent. The potency, selectivity, and efficacy of FAP-2286 were evaluated in preclinical studies. METHODS FAP expression analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry and autoradiography on primary human cancer specimens. FAP-2286 was assessed in biochemical and cellular assays and in in vivo imaging and efficacy studies, and was further evaluated against FAPI-46, a small molecule-based FAP-targeting agent. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry confirmed elevated levels of FAP expression in multiple tumor types including pancreatic, breast, and sarcoma, which correlated with FAP binding by FAP-2286 autoradiography. FAP-2286 and its metal complexes demonstrated high affinity to FAP recombinant protein and cell surface FAP expressed on fibroblasts. Biodistribution studies in mice showed rapid and persistent uptake of 68Ga-FAP-2286, 111In-FAP-2286, and 177Lu-FAP-2286 in FAP-positive tumors, with renal clearance and minimal uptake in normal tissues. 177Lu-FAP-2286 exhibited antitumor activity in FAP-expressing HEK293 tumors and sarcoma patient-derived xenografts, with no significant weight loss. In addition, FAP-2286 maintained longer tumor retention and suppression in comparison to FAPI-46. CONCLUSION In preclinical models, radiolabeled FAP-2286 demonstrated high tumor uptake and retention, as well as potent efficacy in FAP-positive tumors. These results support clinical development of 68Ga-FAP-2286 for imaging and 177Lu-FAP-2286 for therapeutic use in a broad spectrum of FAP-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Zboralski
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Aileen Hoehne
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Bredenbeck
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Schumann
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Jan Ungewiss
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Paschke
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Haase
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan L von Hacht
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jim Xiao
- Clovis Oncology, Inc, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Ajay-Mohan Mohan
- Berlin Experimental Radionuclide Imaging Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicola Beindorff
- Berlin Experimental Radionuclide Imaging Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Reineke
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Frank Osterkamp
- 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Magnusstraße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
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Rosenkrans ZT, Massey CF, Bernau K, Ferreira CA, Jeffery JJ, Schulte JJ, Moore M, Valla F, Batterton JM, Drake CR, McMillan AB, Sandbo N, Pirasteh A, Hernandez R. [ 68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET for non-invasive detection of pulmonary fibrosis disease activity. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:3705-3716. [PMID: 35556159 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The lack of effective molecular biomarkers to monitor idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) activity or treatment response remains an unmet clinical need. Herein, we determined the utility of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor for positron emission tomography (FAPI PET) imaging in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal administration of bleomycin (1 U/kg) while intratracheal saline was administered to control mice. Subgroups from each cohort (n = 3-5) underwent dynamic 1 h PET/CT after intravenously injecting FAPI-46 radiolabeled with gallium-68 ([68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46) at 7 days and 14 days following disease induction. Animals were sacrificed following imaging for ex vivo gamma counting and histologic correlation. [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 uptake was quantified and reported as percent injected activity per cc (%IA/cc) or percent injected activity (%IA). Lung CT density in Hounsfield units (HU) was also correlated with histologic examinations of lung fibrosis. RESULTS CT only detected differences in the fibrotic response at 14 days post-bleomycin administration. [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 lung uptake was significantly higher in the bleomycin group than in control subjects at 7 days and 14 days. Significantly (P = 0.0012) increased [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 lung uptake in the bleomycin groups at 14 days (1.01 ± 0.12%IA/cc) vs. 7 days (0.33 ± 0.09%IA/cc) at 60 min post-injection of the tracer was observed. These findings were consistent with an increase in both fibrinogenesis and FAP expression as seen in histology. CONCLUSION CT was unable to assess disease activity in a murine model of IPF. Conversely, FAPI PET detected both the presence and activity of lung fibrogenesis, making it a promising tool for assessing early disease activity and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in lung fibrosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Rosenkrans
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 7137, WI, 53705, Madison, USA
| | - Christopher F Massey
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 7137, WI, 53705, Madison, USA
| | - Ksenija Bernau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carolina A Ferreira
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 7137, WI, 53705, Madison, USA
| | - Justin J Jeffery
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jefree J Schulte
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Jeanine M Batterton
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 7137, WI, 53705, Madison, USA
| | | | - Alan B McMillan
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 7137, WI, 53705, Madison, USA
| | - Nathan Sandbo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ali Pirasteh
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 7137, WI, 53705, Madison, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 2423, WI, 53705, Madison, USA.
| | - Reinier Hernandez
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 7137, WI, 53705, Madison, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Room 2423, WI, 53705, Madison, USA.
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Napoleon JV, Zhang B, Luo Q, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Design, Synthesis, and Targeted Delivery of an Immune Stimulant that Selectively Reactivates Exhausted CAR T Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202113341. [PMID: 35088497 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202113341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated significant promise in suppressing hematopoietic cancers, their applications in treating solid tumors have been limited by onset of CAR T cell exhaustion that accompanies continuous CAR T cell exposure to tumor antigen. To address this limitation, we have exploited the abilities of recently designed universal CARs to bind fluorescein and internalize a fluorescein-TLR7 agonist conjugate by CAR-mediated endocytosis. We demonstrate here that anti-fluorescein CAR-mediated uptake of a fluorescein-TLR7-3 conjugate can reactivate exhausted CAR T cells, leading to dramatic reduction in T cell exhaustion markers (PD-1+ Tim-3+ ) and shrinkage of otherwise resistant tumors without inducing systemic activation of the immune system. We conclude that CAR T cell exhaustion can be reversed by administration of a CAR-targeted TLR7 agonist, thereby enabling the CAR T cells to successfully treat solid tumors without incurring the systemic toxicity that commonly accompanies administration of nontargeted TLR7 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Victor Napoleon
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Boning Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Qian Luo
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Rigamonti N, Veitonmäki N, Domke C, Barsin S, Jetzer S, Abdelmotaleb O, Bessey R, Lekishvili T, Malvezzi F, Gachechiladze M, Behe M, Levitsky V, Trail PA. A multispecific anti-CD40 DARPin® construct induces tumor-selective CD40 activation and tumor regression. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:626-640. [PMID: 35319751 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The CD40 receptor is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Although a modest pharmacodynamic effect is seen in patients following administration of CD40-targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAb), the doses that could be safely administered do not result in a meaningful clinical response, most likely due to the limited therapeutic window associated with systemic CD40 activation. To overcome this issue, we developed a multispecific DARPin® construct, α-FAPxCD40, which has conditional activity at the site of disease. α-FAPxCD40 activation of CD40 depends on binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a cell surface protease overexpressed in the stroma of solid tumors. In vitro studies demonstrated that α-FAPxCD40 potently activates human antigen-presenting cells in the presence, but not in the absence, of FAP-positive cells. After intravenous injection, a murine surrogate construct (α-mFAPxCD40) accumulated in FAP-positive tumors, elicited rejection of 88% of these tumors and induced memory anti-tumor immunity. Importantly, in contrast to the mouse anti-CD40 tested in parallel, the in vivo anti-tumor activity of α-mFAPxCD40 was neither associated with elevated blood cytokines nor with hepatotoxicity, both of which contribute to the clinical dose-limiting toxicities of several CD40 mAb. This study demonstrates that α-(m)FAPxCD40 engages CD40 in an FAP-restricted manner leading to tumor eradication without signs of peripheral toxicity. This distinct preclinical profile indicates that a favorable therapeutic index may be achieved in humans. It further supports the development of α-FAPxCD40, currently tested in a first-in-human clinical study in patients with solid tumors (NCT05098405).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clara Domke
- Molecular Partners AG, Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Barsin
- Molecular Partners AG, Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Jetzer
- Molecular Partners AG, Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Ralph Bessey
- Molecular Partners AG, Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Martin Behe
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
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Clinical summary of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-based radiopharmaceuticals: cancer and beyond. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2844-2868. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05706-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Napoleon JV, Zhang B, Luo Q, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Design, Synthesis, and Targeted Delivery of an Immune Stimulant that Selectively Reactivates Exhausted CAR T Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202113341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Victor Napoleon
- Purdue University Department of Chemistry Purdue University Institute for Drug Discovery720 Clinic Dr, 47907 West lafayette UNITED STATES
| | - Boning Zhang
- Purdue University Chemistry Purdue University Institute for Drug Discovery720 Clinic Dr, 47907 West Lafayette, UNITED STATES
| | - Qian Luo
- Purdue University Chemistry Purdue University Institute for Drug Discovery720 Clinic Dr, 47907 West lafayette UNITED STATES
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Purdue University Chemistry Purdue University Institute for Drug Discovery720 Clinic Dr, 47907 West Lafayette UNITED STATES
| | - Philip S. Low
- Purdue University Department of Chemistry 720 clinic Dr 47907 West Lafayette UNITED STATES
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Thiery J. Modulation of the antitumor immune response by cancer-associated fibroblasts: mechanisms and targeting strategies to hamper their immunosuppressive functions. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:598-629. [PMID: 36338519 PMCID: PMC9630350 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly heterogeneous players that shape the tumor microenvironment and influence tumor progression, metastasis formation, and response to conventional therapies. During the past years, some CAFs subsets have also been involved in the modulation of immune cell functions, affecting the efficacy of both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Consequently, the implication of these stromal cells in the response to immunotherapeutic strategies raised major concerns. In this review, current knowledge of CAFs origins and heterogeneity in the tumor stroma, as well as their effects on several immune cell populations that explain their immunosuppressive capabilities are summarized. The current development of therapeutic strategies for targeting this population and their implication in the field of cancer immunotherapy is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Thiery
- INSERM, UMR 1186, 94800 Villejuif, France,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94805 Villejuif, France,University Paris Saclay, Faculty of Medicine, 94270 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France,Correspondence: Jerome Thiery, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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Translational imaging of the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) using the new ligand [ 68Ga]Ga-OncoFAP-DOTAGA. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 49:1822-1832. [PMID: 34957527 PMCID: PMC9016025 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is an emerging target for molecular imaging and therapy in cancer. OncoFAP is a novel small organic ligand for FAP with very high affinity. In this translational study, we establish [68Ga]Ga-OncoFAP-DOTAGA (68Ga-OncoFAP) radiolabeling, benchmark its properties in preclinical imaging, and evaluate its application in clinical PET scanning. METHODS 68Ga-OncoFAP was synthesized in a cassette-based fully automated labeling module. Lipophilicity, affinity, and serum stability of 68Ga-OncoFAP were assessed by determining logD7.4, IC50 values, and radiochemical purity. 68Ga-OncoFAP tumor uptake and imaging properties were assessed in preclinical dynamic PET/MRI in murine subcutaneous tumor models. Finally, biodistribution and uptake in a variety of tumor types were analyzed in 12 patients based on individual clinical indications that received 163 ± 50 MBq 68Ga-OncoFAP combined with PET/CT and PET/MRI. RESULTS 68Ga-OncoFAP radiosynthesis was accomplished with high radiochemical yields. Affinity for FAP, lipophilicity, and stability of 68Ga-OncoFAP measured are ideally suited for PET imaging. PET and gamma counting-based biodistribution demonstrated beneficial tracer kinetics and high uptake in murine FAP-expressing tumor models with high tumor-to-blood ratios of 8.6 ± 5.1 at 1 h and 38.1 ± 33.1 at 3 h p.i. Clinical 68Ga-OncoFAP-PET/CT and PET/MRI demonstrated favorable biodistribution and kinetics with high and reliable uptake in primary cancers (SUVmax 12.3 ± 2.3), lymph nodes (SUVmax 9.7 ± 8.3), and distant metastases (SUVmax up to 20.0). CONCLUSION Favorable radiochemical properties, rapid clearance from organs and soft tissues, and intense tumor uptake validate 68Ga-OncoFAP as a powerful alternative to currently available FAP tracers.
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Lindner T, Giesel FL, Kratochwil C, Serfling SE. Radioligands Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225744. [PMID: 34830898 PMCID: PMC8616197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary FAP-targeted radiotracers, recently introduced in cancer treatment, accumulate in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are present in tumor lesions but do not correspond to genuine cancer cells, although they behave in an abnormal and disease-promoting manner. One of their characteristic features, the expression of the surface protein FAP, can be utilized to discriminate between cancerous and healthy tissues. By the choice of an appropriate radionuclide, FAP-targeted tracers can be used for imaging or therapy in many cancer types. Therefore, the first successful application of FAP-targeted imaging has led to an enormous and growing interest in nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy. Abstract Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has attracted significant attention in nuclear medicine. Since these cells are present in most cancerous tissues and FAP is rarely expressed in healthy tissues, anti-FAP tracers have a potential as pan-tumor agents. Compared to the standard tumor tracer [18F]FDG, these tracers show better tumor-to-background ratios (TBR) in many indications. Unlike [18F]FDG, FAP-targeted tracers do not require exhausting preparations, such as dietary restrictions on the part of the patient, and offer the possibility of radioligand therapy (RLT) in a theragnostic approach. Although a radiolabeled antibody was clinically investigated as early as the 1990s, the breakthrough event for FAP-targeting in nuclear medicine was the introduction and clinical application of the so-called FAPI-tracers in 2018. From then, the development and application of FAP-targeted tracers became hot topics for the radiopharmaceutical and nuclear medicine community, and attracted the interest of pharmaceutical companies. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals and their application in nuclear medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Frederik L. Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Sebastian E. Serfling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
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Bassi G, Favalli N, Pellegrino C, Onda Y, Scheuermann J, Cazzamalli S, Manz MG, Neri D. Specific Inhibitor of Placental Alkaline Phosphatase Isolated from a DNA-Encoded Chemical Library Targets Tumor of the Female Reproductive Tract. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15799-15809. [PMID: 34709820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) is an abundant surface antigen in the malignancies of the female reproductive tract. Nevertheless, the discovery of PLAP-specific small organic ligands for targeting applications has been hindered by ligand cross-reactivity with the ubiquitous tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). In this study, we used DNA-encoded chemical libraries to discover a potent (IC50 = 32 nM) and selective PLAP inhibitor, with no detectable inhibition of TNAP activity. Subsequently, the PLAP ligand was conjugated to fluorescein; it specifically bound to PLAP-positive tumors in vitro and targeted cervical cancer in vivo in a mouse model of the disease. Ultimately, the fluorescent derivative of the PLAP inhibitor functioned as a bispecific engager redirecting the killing of chimeric antigen receptor-T cells specific to fluorescein on PLAP-positive tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bassi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas Favalli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Pellegrino
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich and University of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Yuichi Onda
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich and University of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Imlimthan S, Moon ES, Rathke H, Afshar-Oromieh A, Rösch F, Rominger A, Gourni E. New Frontiers in Cancer Imaging and Therapy Based on Radiolabeled Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors: A Rational Review and Current Progress. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1023. [PMID: 34681246 PMCID: PMC8540221 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a new paradigm of cancer diagnosis and therapy due to its unique biological features, mainly the interconnection between cancer and stromal cells. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) demonstrate as one of the most critical stromal cells that regulate tumor cell growth, progression, immunosuppression, and metastasis. CAFs are identified by various biomarkers that are expressed on their surfaces, such as fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which could be utilized as a useful target for diagnostic imaging and treatment. One of the advantages of targeting FAP-expressing CAFs is the absence of FAP expression in quiescent fibroblasts, leading to a controlled targetability of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds to the malignant tumor stromal area using radiolabeled FAP-based ligands. FAP-based radiopharmaceuticals have been investigated strenuously for the visualization of malignancies and delivery of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals to the TME. This review provides an overview of the state of the art in TME compositions, particularly CAFs and FAP, and their roles in cancer biology. Moreover, relevant reports on radiolabeled FAP inhibitors until the year 2021 are highlighted-as well as the current limitations, challenges, and requirements for those radiolabeled FAP inhibitors in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachet Imlimthan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Euy Sung Moon
- Department of Chemistry—TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (E.S.M.); (F.R.)
| | - Hendrik Rathke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Ali Afshar-Oromieh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Frank Rösch
- Department of Chemistry—TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (E.S.M.); (F.R.)
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
| | - Eleni Gourni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.I.); (H.R.); (A.A.-O.); (A.R.)
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Xin L, Gao J, Zheng Z, Chen Y, Lv S, Zhao Z, Yu C, Yang X, Zhang R. Fibroblast Activation Protein-α as a Target in the Bench-to-Bedside Diagnosis and Treatment of Tumors: A Narrative Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:648187. [PMID: 34490078 PMCID: PMC8416977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.648187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a type II integral serine protease that is specifically expressed by activated fibroblasts. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor stroma have an abundant and stable expression of FAP, which plays an important role in promoting tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression. For example, in females with a high incidence of breast cancer, CAFs account for 50–70% of the cells in the tumor’s microenvironment. CAF overexpression of FAP promotes tumor development and metastasis by influencing extracellular matrix remodeling, intracellular signaling, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression. This review discusses the basic biological characteristics of FAP and its applications in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. We review the emerging basic and clinical research data regarding the use of nanomaterials that target FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xin
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jinfang Gao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ziliang Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yiyou Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuxin Lv
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhikai Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chunhai Yu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaotang Yang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruiping Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Chen PY, Wei WF, Wu HZ, Fan LS, Wang W. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity: A Factor That Cannot Be Ignored in Immune Microenvironment Remodeling. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671595. [PMID: 34305902 PMCID: PMC8297463 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important, highly heterogeneous components of the tumor extracellular matrix that have different origins and express a diverse set of biomarkers. Different subtypes of CAFs participate in the immune regulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition to their role in supporting stromal cells, CAFs have multiple immunosuppressive functions, via membrane and secretory patterns, against anti-tumor immunity. The inhibition of CAFs function and anti-TME therapy targeting CAFs provides new adjuvant means for immunotherapy. In this review, we outline the emerging understanding of CAFs with a particular emphasis on their origin and heterogeneity, different mechanisms of their regulation, as well as their direct or indirect effect on immune cells that leads to immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang-Sheng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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