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Vettorato E, Verona M, Bellio G, Croci S, Filadi R, Bisio A, Spessot E, Andrighetto A, Maniglio D, Asti M, Marzaro G, Mastrotto F. Development and Validation of Novel Z-360-Based Macromolecules for the Active Targeting of CCK2-R. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3848-3865. [PMID: 38959127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00124] [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: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The cholecystokinin type 2 receptor (CCK2-R) represents an ideal target for cancer therapy since it is overexpressed in several tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. Nastorazepide (Z-360), a selective CCK2-R antagonist, has been widely investigated as a CCK2-R ligand for targeted therapy; however, its high hydrophobicity may represent a limit to cell selectivity and optimal in vivo biodistribution. Here, we present three new fluorescent Z-360 derivatives (IP-002G-Rho, IP-002L-Rho, and IP-002M-Rho) in which nastorazepide was linked, through spacers bearing different saccharides (glucose (G), lactose (L), and maltotriose (M)), to sulforhodamine B. A fourth compound (IP-002H-Rho) with no pendant sugar was also synthesized as a control. Through two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) in vitro studies, we evaluated the compound association with and selectivity for CCK2-R-overexpressing cells (A431-CCK2-R+) vs CCK2-R-underexpressing cells (A431 WT). 2D in vitro studies highlighted a progressive increase of IP-002x-Rho association with A431-CCK2-R+ cells according to the linker hydrophilicity, that is, maltotriose > lactose > glucose > hydrogen, with IP-002M-Rho showing a 2.4- and a 1.36-fold higher uptake than IP-002G-Rho and IP-002L-Rho, respectively. Unexpectedly, IP-002H-Rho showed a similar cell association to that of IP-002L-Rho but with no difference between the two tested cell lines. On the contrary, association with A431-CCK2-R+ cells as compared to the A431 WT was found to be 1.08-, 1.14-, and 1.37-fold higher for IP-002G-Rho, IP-002L-Rho, and IP-002M-Rho, respectively, proving IP-002M-Rho to be the best-performing compound, as also confirmed by competition studies. Trafficking studies on A431-CCK2-R+ cells incubated with IP-002M-Rho suggested the coexistence of receptor-mediated endocytosis and simple diffusion. On the contrary, a high and selective uptake of IP-002M-Rho by A431-CCK2-R+ cells only was observed on 3D scaffolds embedded with cells, underlining the importance of 3D models in in vitro preliminary evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Vettorato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Legnaro National Laboratories, Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), viale dell'Università, 2, 35020 Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Marco Verona
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Greta Bellio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Croci
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Filadi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Eugenia Spessot
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech Research Center, University of Trento, via Delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alberto Andrighetto
- Legnaro National Laboratories, Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), viale dell'Università, 2, 35020 Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Devid Maniglio
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech Research Center, University of Trento, via Delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Asti
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Section, Nuclear Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Abraham T, Armold M, McGovern C, Harms JF, Darok MC, Gigliotti C, Adair B, Gray JL, Kelly DF, Adair JH, Matters GL. CCK Receptor Inhibition Reduces Pancreatic Tumor Fibrosis and Promotes Nanoparticle Delivery. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1024. [PMID: 38790986 PMCID: PMC11118934 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051024] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients is due in part to the highly fibrotic nature of the tumors that impedes delivery of therapeutics, including nanoparticles (NPs). Our prior studies demonstrated that proglumide, a cholecystokinin receptor (CCKR) antagonist, reduced fibrosis pervading PanIN lesions in mice. Here, we further detail how the reduced fibrosis elicited by proglumide achieves the normalization of the desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) and improves nanoparticle uptake. One week following the orthotopic injection of PDAC cells, mice were randomized to normal or proglumide-treated water for 3-6 weeks. Tumors were analyzed ex vivo for fibrosis, vascularity, stellate cell activation, vascular patency, and nanoparticle distribution. The histological staining and three-dimensional imaging of tumors each indicated a reduction in stromal collagen in proglumide-treated mice. Proglumide treatment increased tumor vascularity and decreased the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Additionally, PANC-1 cells with the shRNA-mediated knockdown of the CCK2 receptor showed an even greater reduction in collagen, indicating the CCK2 receptors on tumor cells contribute to the desmoplastic TME. Proglumide-mediated reduction in fibrosis also led to functional changes in the TME as evidenced by the enhanced intra-tumoral distribution of small (<12 nm) Rhodamine-loaded nanoparticles. The documented in vivo, tumor cell-intrinsic anti-fibrotic effects of CCK2R blockade in both an immunocompetent syngeneic murine PDAC model as well as a human PDAC xenograft model demonstrates that CCK2R antagonists, such as proglumide, can improve the delivery of nano-encapsulated therapeutics or imaging agents to pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Abraham
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - Michael Armold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - Christopher McGovern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - John F. Harms
- Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA
| | - Matthew C. Darok
- Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA
| | - Christopher Gigliotti
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 407 Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bernadette Adair
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 407 Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Gray
- N-022 Millennium Science Complex, Materials Research Institute, Pollock Road, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Deborah F. Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Structural Oncology, 506 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | - James H. Adair
- Departments of Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Gail L. Matters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
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Lawal IO, Abubakar SO, Ndlovu H, Mokoala KMG, More SS, Sathekge MM. Advances in Radioligand Theranostics in Oncology. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:265-289. [PMID: 38555542 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00702-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Theranostics with radioligands (radiotheranostics) has played a pivotal role in oncology. Radiotheranostics explores the molecular targets expressed on tumor cells to target them for imaging and therapy. In this way, radiotheranostics entails non-invasive demonstration of the in vivo expression of a molecular target of interest through imaging followed by the administration of therapeutic radioligand targeting the tumor-expressed molecular target. Therefore, radiotheranostics ensures that only patients with a high likelihood of response are treated with a particular radiotheranostic agent, ensuring the delivery of personalized care to cancer patients. Within the last decades, a couple of radiotheranostics agents, including Lutetium-177 DOTATATE (177Lu-DOTATATE) and Lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (177Lu-PSMA), were shown to prolong the survival of cancer patients compared to the current standard of care leading to the regulatory approval of these agents for routine use in oncology care. This recent string of successful approvals has broadened the interest in the development of different radiotheranostic agents and their investigation for clinical translation. In this work, we present an updated appraisal of the literature, reviewing the recent advances in the use of established radiotheranostic agents such as radioiodine for differentiated thyroid carcinoma and Iodine-131-labeled meta-iodobenzylguanidine therapy of tumors of the sympathoadrenal axis as well as the recently approved 177Lu-DOTATATE and 177Lu-PSMA for differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and advanced prostate cancer, respectively. We also discuss the radiotheranostic agents that have been comprehensively characterized in preclinical studies and have shown some clinical evidence supporting their safety and efficacy, especially those targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and those still being investigated in preclinical studies such as those targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismaheel O Lawal
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
| | - Sofiullah O Abubakar
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman
| | - Honest Ndlovu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Kgomotso M G Mokoala
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Stuart S More
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Mike M Sathekge
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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Rahimi MN, Corlett A, Van Zuylekom J, Sani MA, Blyth B, Thompson P, Roselt PD, Haskali MB. Precision peptide theranostics: developing N- to C-terminus optimized theranostics targeting cholecystokinin-2 receptor. Theranostics 2024; 14:1815-1828. [PMID: 38505611 PMCID: PMC10945332 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides are ideal for theranostic development as they afford rapid target accumulation, fast clearance from background tissue, and exhibit good tissue penetration. Previously, we developed a novel series of peptides that presented discreet folding propensity leading to an optimal candidate [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GA1 ([D-Glu]6-Ala-Tyr-NMeGly-Trp-NMeNle-Asp-Nal-NH2) with 50 pM binding affinity against cholecystokinin-2 receptors (CCK2R). However, we were confronted with challenges of unfavorably high renal uptake. Methods: A structure activity relationship study was undertaken of the lead theranostic candidate. Prudent structural modifications were made to the peptide scaffold to evaluate the contributions of specific N-terminal residues to the overall biological activity. Optimal candidates were then evaluated in nude mice bearing transfected A431-CCK2 tumors, and their biodistribution was quantitated ex vivo. Results: We identified and confirmed that D-Glu3 to D-Ala3 substitution produced 2 optimal candidates, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GA12 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GA13. These radiopeptides presented with high target/background ratios, enhanced tumor retention, excellent metabolic stability in plasma and mice organ homogenates, and a 4-fold reduction in renal uptake, significantly outperforming their non-alanine counterparts. Conclusions: Our study identified novel radiopharmaceutical candidates that target the CCK2R. Their high tumor uptake and reduced renal accumulation warrant clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa N. Rahimi
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Imaging, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Alicia Corlett
- Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jessica Van Zuylekom
- Models of Cancer Translational Research Centre, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Marc Antoine Sani
- The Bio21 Institute, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010 Australia
| | - Benjamin Blyth
- Models of Cancer Translational Research Centre, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Philip Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Peter D. Roselt
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Imaging, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mohammad B. Haskali
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Imaging, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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5
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Rizvi SF, Zhang L, Zhang H, Fang Q. Peptide-Drug Conjugates: Design, Chemistry, and Drug Delivery System as a Novel Cancer Theranostic. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:309-334. [PMID: 38357281 PMCID: PMC10863443 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00269] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) that utilize target-oriented peptide moieties as carriers of cytotoxic payloads, interconnected with various cleavable/noncleavable linkers, resulted in the key-foundation of the new era of targeted therapeutics. They are capable of retaining the integrity of conjugates in the blood circulatory system as well as releasing the drugs at the tumor microenvironment. Other valuable advantages are specificity and selectivity toward targeted-receptors, higher penetration ability, and drug-loading capacity, making them a suitable candidate to play their vital role as promising carrier agents. In this review, we summarized the types of cell-targeting (CTPs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that have broad applications in the advancement of targeted drug-delivery systems (DDS). Moreover, the techniques to overcome the limitations of peptide-chemistry for their extensive implementation to construct the PDCs. Besides this, the diversified breakthrough of linker chemistry, and ample knowledge of various cytotoxic payloads used in PDCs in recent years, as well as the mechanism of action of PDCs was critically discussed. The principal aim is to provide scattered and diversified knowledge in one place and to help researchers understand the pinching knots in the science of PDC development, also their progression toward a bright future for PDCs as novel theranostics in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faheem
Askari Rizvi
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and
Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Linjie Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and
Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
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6
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Pekeč T, Venkatachalapathy S, Shim AR, Paysan D, Grzmil M, Schibli R, Béhé M, Shivashankar GV. Detecting radio- and chemoresistant cells in 3D cancer co-cultures using chromatin biomarkers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20662. [PMID: 38001169 PMCID: PMC10673941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47287-2] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogenous treatment response of tumor cells limits the effectiveness of cancer therapy. While this heterogeneity has been linked to cell-to-cell variability within the complex tumor microenvironment, a quantitative biomarker that identifies and characterizes treatment-resistant cell populations is still missing. Herein, we use chromatin organization as a cost-efficient readout of the cells' states to identify subpopulations that exhibit distinct responses to radiotherapy. To this end, we developed a 3D co-culture model of cancer spheroids and patient-derived fibroblasts treated with radiotherapy. Using the model we identified treatment-resistant cells that bypassed DNA damage checkpoints and exhibited an aggressive growth phenotype. Importantly, these cells featured more condensed chromatin which primed them for treatment evasion, as inhibiting chromatin condensation and DNA damage repair mechanisms improved the efficacy of not only radio- but also chemotherapy. Collectively, our work shows the potential of using chromatin organization to cost-effectively study the heterogeneous treatment susceptibility of cells and guide therapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Pekeč
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | | | - Anne R Shim
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Paysan
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michal Grzmil
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Roger Schibli
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Béhé
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - G V Shivashankar
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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7
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Corlett A, Pinson JA, Rahimi MN, Zuylekom JV, Cullinane C, Blyth B, Thompson PE, Hutton CA, Roselt PD, Haskali MB. Development of Highly Potent Clinical Candidates for Theranostic Applications against Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Positive Cancers. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10289-10303. [PMID: 37493526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a promising form of systemic radiation therapy designed to eradicate cancer. Cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) is an important molecular target that is highly expressed in a range of cancers. This study describes the synthesis and in vivo characterization of a novel series of 177Lu-labeled peptides ([177Lu]Lu-2b-4b) in comparison with the reference CCK2R-targeting peptide CP04 ([177Lu]Lu-1b). [177Lu]Lu-1b-4b showed high chemical purity (HPLC ≥ 94%), low Log D7.4 (-4.09 to -4.55) with strong binding affinity to CCK2R (KD 0.097-1.61 nM), and relatively high protein binding (55.6-80.2%) and internalization (40-67%). Biodistribution studies of the novel 177Lu-labeled peptides in tumors (AR42J and A431-CCK2R) showed uptake one- to eight-fold greater than the reference compound CP04 at 1, 24, and 48 h. Rapid clearance and high tumor uptake and retention were established for [177Lu]Lu-2b-4b, making these compounds excellent candidates for theranostic applications against CCK2R-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Corlett
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne Pinson
- The Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marwa N Rahimi
- The Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jessica Van Zuylekom
- Models of Cancer Translational Research Centre, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Carleen Cullinane
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- The Centre for Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Benjamin Blyth
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Models of Cancer Translational Research Centre, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Philip E Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Craig A Hutton
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter D Roselt
- Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- The Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Mohammad B Haskali
- Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- The Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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8
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Funeh CN, Bridoux J, Ertveldt T, De Groof TWM, Chigoho DM, Asiabi P, Covens P, D'Huyvetter M, Devoogdt N. Optimizing the Safety and Efficacy of Bio-Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051378. [PMID: 37242621 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051378] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise delivery of cytotoxic radiation to cancer cells through the combination of a specific targeting vector with a radionuclide for targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) has proven valuable for cancer care. TRT is increasingly being considered a relevant treatment method in fighting micro-metastases in the case of relapsed and disseminated disease. While antibodies were the first vectors applied in TRT, increasing research data has cited antibody fragments and peptides with superior properties and thus a growing interest in application. As further studies are completed and the need for novel radiopharmaceuticals nurtures, rigorous considerations in the design, laboratory analysis, pre-clinical evaluation, and clinical translation must be considered to ensure improved safety and effectiveness. Here, we assess the status and recent development of biological-based radiopharmaceuticals, with a focus on peptides and antibody fragments. Challenges in radiopharmaceutical design range from target selection, vector design, choice of radionuclides and associated radiochemistry. Dosimetry estimation, and the assessment of mechanisms to increase tumor uptake while reducing off-target exposure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyprine Neba Funeh
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jessica Bridoux
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dora Mugoli Chigoho
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Parinaz Asiabi
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Covens
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K.001, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Zavvar TS, Hörmann AA, Klingler M, Summer D, Rangger C, Desrues L, Castel H, Gandolfo P, von Guggenberg E. Effects of Side Chain and Peptide Bond Modifications on the Targeting Properties of Stabilized Minigastrin Analogs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:278. [PMID: 37052226 PMCID: PMC9959130 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Different attempts have been made in the past two decades to develop radiolabeled peptide conjugates with enhanced pharmacokinetic properties in order to improve the application for tumor imaging and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), which targets the cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R). In this paper, the influence of different side chain and peptide bond modifications has been explored for the minigastrin analog DOTA-DGlu-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-(N-Me)Nle-Asp-1Nal-NH2 (DOTA-MGS5). Based on this lead structure, five new derivatives were synthesized for radiolabeling with trivalent radiometals. Different chemical and biological properties of the new derivatives were analyzed. Receptor interaction of the peptide derivatives and cell internalization of the radiolabeled peptides were studied in A431-CCK2R cells. The stability of the radiolabeled peptides in vivo was investigated using BALB/c mice. Tumor targeting of all 111In-labeled peptide conjugates, and of a selected compound radiolabeled with gallium-68 and lutetium-177, was evaluated in BALB/c nude mice xenografted with A431-CCK2R and A431-mock cells. All 111In-labeled conjugates, except [111In]In-DOTA-[Phe8]MGS5, showed a high resistance against enzymatic degradation. A high receptor affinity with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range was confirmed for most of the peptide derivatives. The specific cell internalization over time was 35.3-47.3% for all radiopeptides 4 h after incubation. Only [111In]In-DOTA-MGS5[NHCH3] exhibited a lower cell internalization of 6.6 ± 2.8%. An overall improved resistance against enzymatic degradation was confirmed in vivo. Of the radiopeptides studied, [111In]In-DOTA-[(N-Me)1Nal8]MGS5 showed the most promising targeting properties, with significantly increased accumulation of radioactivity in A431-CCK2R xenografts (48.1 ± 9.2% IA/g) and reduced accumulation of radioactivity in stomach (4.2 ± 0.5% IA/g). However, in comparison with DOTA-MGS5, a higher influence on the targeting properties was observed for the change of radiometal, resulting in a tumor uptake of 15.67 ± 2.21% IA/g for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-[(N-Me)1Nal8]MGS5 and 35.13 ± 6.32% IA/g for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-[(N-Me)1Nal8]MGS5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taraneh Sadat Zavvar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anton Amadeus Hörmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maximilian Klingler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Summer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christine Rangger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laurence Desrues
- Inserm U1245, University Rouen Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Hélène Castel
- Inserm U1245, University Rouen Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Pierrick Gandolfo
- Inserm U1245, University Rouen Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
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10
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Hörmann AA, Plhak E, Klingler M, Rangger C, Pfister J, Schwach G, Kvaternik H, von Guggenberg E. Automated Synthesis of 68Ga-Labeled DOTA-MGS8 and Preclinical Characterization of Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27062034. [PMID: 35335396 PMCID: PMC8949806 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27062034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The new minigastrin analog DOTA-MGS8 targeting the cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) used in this study displays the combination of two site-specific modifications within the C-terminal receptor binding sequence together with an additional N-terminal amino acid substitution preventing fast metabolic degradation. Within this study, the preparation of 68Ga-labeled DOTA-MGS8 was validated using an automated synthesis module, describing the specifications and analytical methods for quality control for possible clinical use. In addition, preclinical studies were carried out to characterize the targeting potential. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-MGS8 showed a high receptor-specific cell internalization into AR42J rat pancreatic cells (~40%) with physiological expression of rat CCK2R as well as A431-CCK2R cells transfected to stably express human CCK2R (~47%). A favorable biodistribution profile was observed in BALB/c nude mice xenografted with A431-CCK2R cells and mock-transfected A431 cells as control. The high tumor uptake of ~27% IA/g together with low background activity and limited uptake in non-target tissue confirms the potential for high-sensitivity positron emission tomography of stabilized MG analogs in patients with MTC and other CCK2R-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Amadeus Hörmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Elisabeth Plhak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Maximilian Klingler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Christine Rangger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Joachim Pfister
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Gert Schwach
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Herbert Kvaternik
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Elisabeth von Guggenberg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-504-80960
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11
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Identification of Dysregulated Expression of G Protein Coupled Receptors in Endocrine Tumors by Bioinformatics Analysis: Potential Drug Targets? Cells 2022; 11:cells11040703. [PMID: 35203352 PMCID: PMC8870215 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many studies link G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to cancer. Some endocrine tumors are unresponsive to standard treatment and/or require long-term and poorly tolerated treatment. This study explored, by bioinformatics analysis, the tumoral profiling of the GPCR transcriptome to identify potential targets in these tumors aiming at drug repurposing. Methods: We explored the GPCR differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from public datasets (Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)). The GEO datasets were available for two medullary thyroid cancers (MTCs), eighty-seven pheochromocytomas (PHEOs), sixty-one paragangliomas (PGLs), forty-seven pituitary adenomas and one-hundred-fifty adrenocortical cancers (ACCs). The TCGA dataset covered 92 ACCs. We identified GPCRs targeted by approved drugs from pharmacological databases (ChEMBL and DrugBank). Results: The profiling of dysregulated GPCRs was tumor specific. In MTC, we found 14 GPCR DEGs, including an upregulation of the dopamine receptor (DRD2) and adenosine receptor (ADORA2B), which were the target of many drugs. In PGL, seven GPCR genes were downregulated, including vasopressin receptor (AVPR1A) and PTH receptor (PTH1R), which were targeted by approved drugs. In ACC, PTH1R was also downregulated in both the GEO and TCGA datasets and was the target of osteoporosis drugs. Conclusions: We highlight specific GPCR signatures across the major endocrine tumors. These data could help to identify new opportunities for drug repurposing.
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12
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Fersing C, Masurier N, Rubira L, Deshayes E, Lisowski V. AAZTA-Derived Chelators for the Design of Innovative Radiopharmaceuticals with Theranostic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:234. [PMID: 35215346 PMCID: PMC8879111 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020234] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of 68Ga and 177Lu radiochemistry, theranostic approaches in modern nuclear medicine enabling patient-centered personalized medicine applications have been growing in the last decade. In conjunction with the search for new relevant molecular targets, the design of innovative chelating agents to easily form stable complexes with various radiometals for theranostic applications has gained evident momentum. Initially conceived for magnetic resonance imaging applications, the chelating agent AAZTA features a mesocyclic seven-membered diazepane ring, conferring some of the properties of both acyclic and macrocyclic chelating agents. Described in the early 2000s, AAZTA and its derivatives exhibited interesting properties once complexed with metals and radiometals, combining a fast kinetic of formation with a slow kinetic of dissociation. Importantly, the extremely short coordination reaction times allowed by AAZTA derivatives were particularly suitable for short half-life radioelements (i.e., 68Ga). In view of these particular characteristics, the scope of this review is to provide a survey on the design, synthesis, and applications in the nuclear medicine/radiopharmacy field of AAZTA-derived chelators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Fersing
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), University Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (E.D.)
- IBMM, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France; (N.M.); (V.L.)
| | - Nicolas Masurier
- IBMM, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France; (N.M.); (V.L.)
| | - Léa Rubira
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), University Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (E.D.)
| | - Emmanuel Deshayes
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), University Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (E.D.)
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), INSERM U1194, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), University of Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Lisowski
- IBMM, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France; (N.M.); (V.L.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier, 191 Av. du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
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13
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Update on Preclinical Development and Clinical Translation of Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting Radiopharmaceuticals. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225776. [PMID: 34830930 PMCID: PMC8616406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Peptide analogs, derived from the natural peptide hormone gastrin, are promising candidates for improving the visualization and treatment of tumors. Gastrin specifically binds to the cholecystokinin-2 receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on the cell surface of different tumors. This enables specific targeting of tumor cells using gastrin analogs, labeled with radioisotopes. The receptor is expressed at high incidence in medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare form of thyroid cancer lacking effective treatments at an advanced stage. Different radiolabeled gastrin analogs as well as nonpeptidic compounds targeting CCK2R have been developed. Specific modifications have been introduced in order to safely deliver the radiation to the tumor site. In this review, recent strategies applied to improve the targeting properties are described. These developments enabled the introduction of new radiolabeled peptide analogs for imaging and therapy in cancer patients. In addition to highlighting the current clinical trials, the perspectives for future applications are given. Abstract The cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) has been a target of interest for molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy for two decades. However, so far CCK2R targeted imaging and therapy has not been introduced in clinical practice. Within this review the recent radiopharmaceutical development of CCK2R targeting compounds and the ongoing clinical trials are presented. Currently, new gastrin derivatives as well as nonpeptidic substances are being developed to improve the properties for clinical use. A team of specialists from the field of radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine reviewed the available literature and summarized their own experiences in the development and clinical testing of CCK2R targeting radiopharmaceuticals. The recent clinical trials with novel radiolabeled minigastrin analogs demonstrate the potential for both applications, imaging as well as targeted radiotherapy, and reinforce the clinical applicability within a theranostic concept. The intense efforts in optimizing CCK2R targeting radiopharmaceuticals has led to new substances for clinical use, as shown in first imaging studies in patients with advanced medullary thyroid cancer. The first clinical results suggest that the wider clinical implication of CCK2R-targeted radiopharmaceuticals is reasonable.
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14
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Jin Y, Liu B, Younis MH, Huang G, Liu J, Cai W, Wei W. Next-Generation Molecular Imaging of Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3188. [PMID: 34202358 PMCID: PMC8268517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential aspect of thyroid cancer (TC) management is personalized and precision medicine. Functional imaging of TC with radioiodine and [18F]FDG has been frequently used in disease evaluation for several decades now. Recently, advances in molecular imaging have led to the development of novel tracers based on aptamer, peptide, antibody, nanobody, antibody fragment, and nanoparticle platforms. The emerging targets-including HER2, CD54, SHP2, CD33, and more-are promising targets for clinical translation soon. The significance of these tracers may be realized by outlining the way they support the management of TC. The provided examples focus on where preclinical investigations can be translated. Furthermore, advances in the molecular imaging of TC may inspire the development of novel therapeutic or theranostic tracers. In this review, we summarize TC-targeting probes which include transporter-based and immuno-based imaging moieties. We summarize the most recent evidence in this field and outline how these emerging strategies may potentially optimize clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Jin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Beibei Liu
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliatede to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China;
| | - Muhsin H. Younis
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA;
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA;
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
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15
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Radiopharmaceutical Formulation and Preclinical Testing of 68Ga-Labeled DOTA-MGS5 for the Regulatory Approval of a First Exploratory Clinical Trial. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060575. [PMID: 34208516 PMCID: PMC8235783 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The new minigastrin analog DOTA-MGS5 is a promising new candidate for targeting cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R)-expressing tumors. To enable the clinical translation of PET/CT imaging using 68Ga-labeled DOTA-MGS5, different quality and safety aspects need to be considered to comply with the regulatory framework for clinical trial application. The preparation of the radiopharmaceutical was established using a cassette-based automated synthesis unit. Product specifications, including analytical procedures and acceptance criteria, were adopted from Ph. Eur. monographs for other 68Ga-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. Non-clinical studies included receptor affinity and cell uptake studies using two different CCK2R-expressing cell lines, as well as pharmacokinetic biodistribution studies in BALB/c mice for dosimetry calculations and toxicological studies in Wistar rats. The produced masterbatches fulfilled the defined acceptance criteria. DOTA-MGS5, with confirmed affinity to the CCK2R, showed a high specific cell uptake and no interaction with other receptors in vitro when radiolabeled with gallium-68. Favorable in vivo properties were observed in biodistribution and dosimetry studies. An effective dose of ~0.01 mSv/MBq was estimated for humans utilizing OLINDA/EXM software. A maximum peptide dose of 50 µg was established for the initial clinical dose based on the toxicity study in rats. The standardized production of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-MGS5 using an automated synthesis module and the performed non-clinical safety studies support a first exploratory clinical trial with this new PET imaging agent.
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16
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Corlett A, Sani MA, Van Zuylekom J, Ang CS, von Guggenberg E, Cullinane C, Blyth B, Hicks RJ, Roselt PD, Thompson PE, Hutton CA, Haskali MB. A New Turn in Peptide-Based Imaging Agents: Foldamers Afford Improved Theranostics Targeting Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor-Positive Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4841-4856. [PMID: 33826325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins adopt unique folded secondary and tertiary structures that are responsible for their remarkable biological properties. This structural complexity is key in designing efficacious peptides that can mimic the three-dimensional structure needed for biological function. In this study, we employ different chemical strategies to induce and stabilize a β-hairpin fold of peptides targeting cholecystokinin-2 receptors for theranostic application (combination of a targeted therapeutic and a diagnostic companion). The newly developed peptides exhibited enhanced folding capacity as demonstrated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, ion-mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry, and two-dimensional (2D) NMR experiments. Enhanced folding characteristics of the peptides led to increased biological potency, affording four optimal Ga-68 labeled radiotracers ([68Ga]Ga-4b, [68Ga]Ga-11b-13b) targeting CCK-2R. In particular, [68Ga]Ga-12b and [68Ga]Ga-13b presented improved metabolic stability, enhanced cell internalization, and up to 6 fold increase in tumor uptake. These peptides hold great promise as next-generation theranostic radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Corlett
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | | | - Jessica Van Zuylekom
- The Centre for Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- The Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | | | - Carleen Cullinane
- The Centre for Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Benjamin Blyth
- The Centre for Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Rodney J Hicks
- The Centre for Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Peter D Roselt
- The Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Philip E Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
| | | | - Mohammad B Haskali
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.,The Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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17
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Hosseinimehr SJ. Radiolabeled Peptides in Imaging and Therapy: Basic and Clinical Perspectives. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:6966-6967. [DOI: 10.2174/092986732741201103122538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr
- Department of Radiopharmacy Faculty of Pharmacy Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari, Iran
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18
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Hörmann AA, Klingler M, Rezaeianpour M, Hörmann N, Gust R, Shahhosseini S, von Guggenberg E. Initial In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel CCK2R Targeting Peptide Analog Labeled with Lutetium-177. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194585. [PMID: 33049999 PMCID: PMC7583830 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) expressing tumors using radiolabeled minigastrin (MG) analogs is hampered by rapid digestion of the linear peptide in vivo. In this study, a new MG analog stabilized against enzymatic degradation was investigated in preclinical studies to characterize the metabolites formed in vivo. The new MG analog DOTA-DGlu-Pro-Tyr-Gly-Trp-(N-Me)Nle-Asp-1Nal-NH2 comprising site-specific amino acid substitutions in position 2, 6 and 8 and different possible metabolites thereof were synthesized. The receptor interaction of the peptide and selected metabolites was evaluated in a CCK2R-expressing cell line. The enzymatic stability of the 177Lu-labeled peptide analog was evaluated in vitro in different media as well as in BALB/c mice up to 1 h after injection and the metabolites were identified based on radio-HPLC analysis. The new radiopeptide showed a highly increased stability in vivo with >56% intact radiopeptide in the blood of BALB/c mice 1 h after injection. High CCK2R affinity and cell uptake was confirmed only for the intact peptide, whereas enzymatic cleavage within the receptor specific C-terminal amino acid sequence resulted in complete loss of affinity and cell uptake. A favorable biodistribution profile was observed in BALB/c mice with low background activity, preferential renal excretion and prolonged uptake in CCK2R-expressing tissues. The novel stabilized MG analog shows high potential for diagnostic and therapeutic use. The radiometabolites characterized give new insights into the enzymatic degradation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Amadeus Hörmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Maximilian Klingler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Maliheh Rezaeianpour
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (M.R.)
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Radiopharmacy Department, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1991953381 Tehran, Iran;
| | - Nikolas Hörmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.H.); (R.G.)
| | - Ronald Gust
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.H.); (R.G.)
| | - Soraya Shahhosseini
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Radiopharmacy Department, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1991953381 Tehran, Iran;
| | - Elisabeth von Guggenberg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-504-80960
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