1
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Mukkamala R, Carlson DJ, Miller NK, Lindeman SD, Bowen ER, Tudi P, Schleinkofer T, Booth OC, Cox A, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Design of a Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Therapy with High Tumor-to-Healthy-Tissue Ratios. J Nucl Med 2024; 65:1257-1263. [PMID: 38871387 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.124.267756] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Because of upregulated expression on cancer-associated fibroblasts, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has emerged as an attractive biomarker for the imaging and therapy of solid tumors. Although many FAP ligands have already been developed for radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs), most suffer from inadequate tumor uptake, insufficient tumor residence times, or off-target accumulation in healthy tissues, suggesting a need for further improvements. Methods: A new FAP-targeted RPT with a novel ligand (FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA) was designed by combining the desirable features of several previous ligand-targeted RPTs. Uptake and retention of [111In]In or [177Lu]Lu-FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA were assessed in KB, HT29, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1 murine tumor models by radioimaging or ex vivo biodistribution analyses. Radiotherapeutic potencies and gross toxicities were also investigated by monitoring tumor growth, body weight, and tissue damage in tumor-bearing mice. Results: FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA exhibited high affinity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, 1.6 nM) and good selectivity for FAP relative to its closest homologs, prolyl oligopeptidase (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, ∼14.0 nM) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, ∼860 nM). SPECT/CT scans exhibited high retention in 2 different solid tumor models and minimal uptake in healthy tissues. Quantitative biodistribution analyses revealed tumor-to-healthy-tissue ratios of more than 5 times for all major organs, and live animal studies demonstrated 65%-93% suppression of tumor growth in all 4 models tested, with minimal or no evidence of systemic toxicity. Conclusion: We conclude that [177Lu]Lu-FAP8-PEG3-IP-DOTA constitutes a promising and safe RPT candidate for FAPα-targeted radionuclide therapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Daniel J Carlson
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Nicholas Kaine Miller
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Emily Renee Bowen
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Pooja Tudi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Taylor Schleinkofer
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Owen C Booth
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Abigail Cox
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
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2
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Hadzima M, Faucher FF, Blažková K, Yim JJ, Guerra M, Chen S, Woods EC, Park KW, Šácha P, Šubr V, Kostka L, Etrych T, Majer P, Konvalinka J, Bogyo M. Polymer-Tethered Quenched Fluorescent Probes for Enhanced Imaging of Tumor-Associated Proteases. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3720-3729. [PMID: 38941307 PMCID: PMC11287742 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00912] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence-based contrast agents enable real-time detection of solid tumors and their neovasculature, making them ideal for use in image-guided surgery. Several agents have entered late-stage clinical trials or secured FDA approval, suggesting they are likely to become the standard of care in cancer surgeries. One of the key parameters to optimize in contrast agents is molecular size, which dictates much of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the agent. Here, we describe the development of a class of protease-activated quenched fluorescent probes in which a N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer is used as the primary scaffold. This copolymer core provides a high degree of probe modularity to generate structures that cannot be achieved with small molecules and peptide probes. We used a previously validated cathepsin substrate and evaluated the effects of length and type of linker, as well as the positioning of the fluorophore/quencher pair on the polymer core. We found that the polymeric probes could be optimized to achieve increased overall signal and tumor-to-background ratios compared to the reference small molecule probe. Our results also revealed multiple structure-activity relationship trends that can be used to design and optimize future optical imaging probes. Furthermore, they confirm that a hydrophilic polymer is an ideal scaffold for use in optical imaging contrast probes, allowing a highly modular design that enables efficient optimization to maximize probe accumulation and overall biodistribution properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hadzima
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Praha 6 16610, Czech Republic
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Praha 2 12800, Czech Republic
| | - Franco F. Faucher
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Kristýna Blažková
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Joshua J. Yim
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Matteo Guerra
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Emily C. Woods
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ki Wan Park
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Pavel Šácha
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Praha 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Šubr
- Institute
of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy
of Sciences, Heyrovského
n. 2, Praha 6 16206, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Kostka
- Institute
of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy
of Sciences, Heyrovského
n. 2, Praha 6 16206, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute
of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy
of Sciences, Heyrovského
n. 2, Praha 6 16206, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Majer
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Praha 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konvalinka
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Praha 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Matthew Bogyo
- Department
of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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3
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Lindeman SD, Booth OC, Tudi P, Schleinkofer TC, Moss JN, Kearney NB, Mukkamala R, Thompson LK, Modany MA, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. FAP Radioligand Linker Optimization Improves Tumor Dose and Tumor-to-Healthy Organ Ratios in 4T1 Syngeneic Model. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11827-11840. [PMID: 39013156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00448] [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: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has attracted considerable attention as a possible target for the radiotherapy of solid tumors. Unfortunately, initial efforts to treat solid tumors with FAP-targeted radionuclides have yielded only modest clinical responses, suggesting that further improvements in the molecular design of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPT) are warranted. In this study, we report several advances on the previously described FAP6 radioligand that increase tumor retention and accelerate healthy tissue clearance. Seven FAP6 derivatives with different linkers or albumin binders were synthesized, radiolabeled, and investigated for their effects on binding and cellular uptake. The radioligands were then characterized in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice using both single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and ex vivo biodistribution analyses to identify the conjugate with the best tumor retention and tumor-to-healthy organ ratios. The results reveal an optimized FAP6 radioligand that exhibits efficacy and safety properties that potentially justify its translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Owen C Booth
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Pooja Tudi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Taylor C Schleinkofer
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jackson N Moss
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nicholas B Kearney
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Lauren K Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mollie A Modany
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
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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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Hadzima M, Faucher F, Blažková K, Yim JJ, Guerra M, Chen S, Woods EC, Park KW, Šácha P, Šubr V, Kostka L, Etrych T, Majer P, Konvalinka J, Bogyo M. Polymer-tethered quenched fluorescent probes for enhanced imaging of tumor associated proteases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592849. [PMID: 38766164 PMCID: PMC11100723 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence-based contrast agents enable real-time detection of solid tumors and their neovasculature, making them ideal for use in image-guided surgery. Several agents have entered late-stage clinical trials or secured FDA approval, suggesting they are likely to become standard of care in cancer surgeries. One of the key parameters to optimize in contrast agent is molecular size, which dictates much of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the agent. Here, we describe the development of a class of protease-activated quenched fluorescent probes in which a N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer is used as the primary scaffold. This copolymer core provides a high degree of probe modularity to generate structures that cannot be achieved with small molecules and peptide probes. We used a previously validated cathepsin substrate and evaluated the effects of length and type of linker as well as positioning of the fluorophore/quencher pair on the polymer core. We found that the polymeric probes could be optimized to achieve increased over-all signal and tumor-to-background ratios compared to the reference small molecule probe. Our results also revealed multiple structure-activity relationship trends that can be used to design and optimize future optical imaging probes. Furthermore, they confirm that a hydrophilic polymer is an ideal scaffold for use in optical imaging contrast probes, allowing a highly modular design that enables efficient optimization to maximize probe accumulation and overall biodistribution properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hadzima
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610, Praha 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 12800, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Franco Faucher
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
| | - Kristýna Blažková
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
| | - Joshua J. Yim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
| | - Matteo Guerra
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
| | - Emily C. Woods
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
| | - Ki Wan Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
| | - Pavel Šácha
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Šubr
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského n. 2, 16206, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Kostka
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského n. 2, 16206, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského n. 2, 16206, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Majer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konvalinka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Matthew Bogyo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, United States
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6
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Boschi A, Urso L, Uccelli L, Martini P, Filippi L. 99mTc-labeled FAPI compounds for cancer and inflammation: from radiochemistry to the first clinical applications. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:36. [PMID: 38695960 PMCID: PMC11065808 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-024-00264-0] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, fibroblast activating protein (FAP), a biomarker overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts, has emerged as one of the most promising biomarkers in oncology. Similarly, FAP overexpression has been detected in various fibroblast-mediated inflammatory conditions such as liver cirrhosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Along this trajectory, FAP-targeted positron emission tomography (PET), utilizing FAP inhibitors (FAPi) labeled with positron emitters, has gained traction as a powerful imaging approach in both cancer and inflammation. However, PET represents a high-cost technology, and its widespread adoption is still limited compared to the availability of gamma cameras. To address this issue, several efforts have been made to explore the potential of [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers as molecular probes for imaging with gamma cameras and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). MAIN BODY Several approaches have been investigated for labeling FAPi-based compounds with 99mTc. Specifically, the mono-oxo, tricarbonyl, isonitrile, and HYNIC strategies have been applied to produce [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers, which have been tested in vitro and in animal models. Overall, these labeling approaches have demonstrated high efficiency and strong binding. The resulting [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers have shown high specificity for FAP-positive cells and xenografts in both in vitro and animal model studies, respectively. However, the majority of [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers have exhibited variable levels of lipophilicity, leading to preferential excretion through the hepatobiliary route and undesirable binding to lipoproteins. Consequently, efforts have been made to synthesize more hydrophilic FAPi-based compounds to improve pharmacokinetic properties and achieve a more favorable biodistribution, particularly in the abdominal region. SPECT imaging with [99mTc]Tc-FAPi has yielded promising results in patients with gastrointestinal tumors, demonstrating comparable or superior diagnostic performance compared to other imaging modalities. Similarly, encouraging outcomes have been observed in subjects with gliomas, lung cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. Beyond oncological applications, [99mTc]Tc-FAPi-based imaging has been successfully employed in myocardial and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS This overview focuses on the various radiochemical strategies for obtaining [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers, highlighting the main challenges encountered and possible solutions when applying each distinct approach. Additionally, it covers the preclinical and initial clinical applications of [99mTc]Tc-FAPi in cancer and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Boschi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Urso
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70 c/o viale Eliporto, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Ferrara Hospital, Via A. Moro, 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Licia Uccelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70 c/o viale Eliporto, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Ferrara Hospital, Via A. Moro, 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Petra Martini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari, 46 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Luca Filippi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Oncohaematology, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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7
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Zhang X, Huang J, Gong F, Cai Z, Liu Y, Tang G, Hu K. Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a novel PET/fluorescence dual-modality probe targeting fibroblast activation protein. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107275. [PMID: 38493637 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107275] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and precise surgical intervention are crucial for cancer patients. We aimed to develop a novel positron emission tomography (PET)/fluorescence dual-modality probe for preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative monitoring of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-positive tumors. FAPI-FAM was synthesized and labeled with gallium-68. [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FAM showed favorable in vivo and in vitro characteristics, specific binding affinity, and excellent tumor accumulation in FAP-positive cells and mice xenografts. Excellent tumor-to-background contrast was found owing to high tumor uptake, prolonged retention, and rapid renal clearance of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-FAM. Moreover, a specific fluorescence signal was detected in FAP-positive tumors during ex vivo fluorescence imaging, demonstrating the feasibility of whole-body tumor detection and intraoperative tumor delineation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Zhang
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Jiawen Huang
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Fengping Gong
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Zhikai Cai
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Yang Liu
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Ganghua Tang
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
| | - Kongzhen Hu
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
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8
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Zhang XL, Xiao W, Qian JP, Yang WJ, Xu H, Xu XD, Zhang GW. The Role and Application of Fibroblast Activating Protein. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:1097-1110. [PMID: 37259211 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230530095305] [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: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP), a type-II transmembrane serine protease, is rarely expressed in normal tissues but highly abundant in pathological diseases, including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. Ever since its discovery, we have deciphered its structure and biological properties and continue to investigate its roles in various diseases while attempting to utilize it for targeted therapy. To date, no significant breakthroughs have been made in terms of efficacy. However, in recent years, several practical applications in the realm of imaging diagnosis have been discovered. Given its unique expression in a diverse array of pathological tissues, the fundamental biological characteristics of FAP render it a crucial target for disease diagnosis and immunotherapy. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the research progress of FAP, its biological characteristics, involvement in diseases, and recent targeted application research have been reviewed. Moreover, we explored its development trend in the direction of clinical diagnoses and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lou Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wang Xiao
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ping Qian
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jun Yang
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing-da Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Wei Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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10
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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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11
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Beer P, Pauli C, Haberecker M, Grest P, Beebe E, Fuchs D, Markkanen E, Krudewig C, Nolff MC. Cross-species evaluation of fibroblast activation protein alpha as potential imaging target for soft tissue sarcoma: a comparative immunohistochemical study in humans, dogs, and cats. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1210004. [PMID: 37727209 PMCID: PMC10505752 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1210004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Complete surgical tumor resection is paramount in the management of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in humans, dogs, and cats alike. Near-infrared targeted tracers for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) could facilitate intraoperative visualization of the tumor and improve resection accuracy. Target identification is complicated in STS due to the rarity and heterogeneity of the disease. This study aims to validate the expression of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) in selected human, canine, and feline STS subtypes to assess the value of FAP as a target for FGS and to validate companion animals as a translational model. Methods Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 53 canine STSs (perivascular wall tumor (PWT), canine fibrosarcoma (cFS), and STS not further specified (NOS)), 24 feline fibrosarcomas, and 39 human STSs (myxofibrosarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor) as well as six canine and seven feline healthy controls and 10 inflamed tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained for their FAP expression. FAP labeling in tumor, peritumoral, healthy skin, and inflamed tissue samples was quantified using a visually assessed semiquantitative expression score and digital image analysis. Target selection criteria (TASC) scoring was subsequently performed as previously described. Results Eighty-five percent (85%) of human (33/39), 76% of canine (40/53), and 92% of feline (22/24) STSs showed FAP positivity in over 10% of the tumor cells. A high expression was determined in 53% canine (28/53), 67% feline (16/24), and 44% human STSs (17/39). The average FAP-labeled area of canine, feline, and human STSs was 31%, 33%, and 42%, respectively (p > 0.8990). The FAP-positive tumor area was larger in STS compared to healthy and peritumoral tissue samples (p < 0.0001). TASC scores were above 18 for all feline and human STS subtypes and canine PWTs but not for canine STS NOS and cFS. Conclusion This study represents the first cross-species target evaluation of FAP for STS. Our results demonstrate that FAP expression is increased in various STS subtypes compared to non-cancerous tissues across species, thereby validating dogs and cats as suitable animal models. Based on a TASC score, FAP could be considered a target for FGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Beer
- Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pauli
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Haberecker
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paula Grest
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erin Beebe
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Fuchs
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enni Markkanen
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Krudewig
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mirja Christine Nolff
- Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Dorst D, Smeets EMM, Klein C, Frielink C, Geijs D, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Cheung PFY, Stommel MWJ, Gotthardt M, Siveke JT, Aarntzen EHJG, van Lith SAM. Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Murine Models for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4319-4330. [PMID: 37485886 PMCID: PMC10410663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00453] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a dismal 5 year survival of 9%. One important limiting factor for treatment efficacy is the dense tumor-supporting stroma. The cancer-associated fibroblasts in this stroma deposit excessive amounts of extracellular matrix components and anti-inflammatory mediators, which hampers the efficacy of chemo- and immunotherapies. Systemic depletion of all activated fibroblasts is, however, not feasible nor desirable and therefore a local approach should be pursued. Here, we provide a proof-of-principle of using fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted photodynamic therapy (tPDT) to treat PDAC. FAP-targeting antibody 28H1 and irrelevant control antibody DP47GS were conjugated to the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (700DX) and the chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. In vitro binding and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the fibroblast cell-line NIH-3T3 stably transfected with FAP. Biodistribution of 111In-labeled antibody-700DX constructs was determined in mice carrying syngeneic tumors of the murine PDAC cell line PDAC299, and in a genetically engineered PDAC mouse model (CKP). Then, tPDT was performed by exposing the subcutaneous or the spontaneous PDAC tumors to 690 nm light. Induction of apoptosis after treatment was assessed using automated analyses of immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3. 28H1-700DX effectively bound to 3T3-FAP cells and induced cytotoxicity upon exposure to 690 nm light, whereas no binding or cytotoxic effects were observed for DP47GS-700DX. Although both 28H1-700DX and DP47GS-700DX accumulated in subcutaneous PDAC299 tumors, autoradiography demonstrated that only 28H1-700DX reached the tumor core. On the contrary, control antibody DP47GS-700DX was only present at the tumor rim. In CKP mice, both antibodies accumulated in the tumor, but tumor-to-blood ratios of 28H1-700DX were higher than that of the control. Notably, in vivo FAP-tPDT caused upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 staining in both subcutaneous and in spontaneous tumors. In conclusion, we have shown that tPDT is a feasible approach for local depletion of FAP-expressing stromal cells in murine models for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne
N. Dorst
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther M. M. Smeets
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development, Innovation
Center Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Cathelijne Frielink
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Geijs
- Department
of Pathology, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Phyllis F. Y. Cheung
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martijn W. J. Stommel
- Department
of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Gotthardt
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik H. J. G. Aarntzen
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne A. M. van Lith
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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13
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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: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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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14
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Smeets EMM, Dorst DN, Franssen GM, van Essen MS, Frielink C, Stommel MWJ, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Cheung PF, Siveke JT, Wilson I, Mascioni A, Aarntzen EHJG, van Lith SAM. Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeting Minibody-IRDye700DX for Ablation of the Cancer-Associated Fibroblast with Photodynamic Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:1420. [PMID: 37408254 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101420] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts, is a target for diagnosis and therapy in multiple tumour types. Strategies to systemically deplete FAP-expressing cells show efficacy; however, these induce toxicities, as FAP-expressing cells are found in normal tissues. FAP-targeted photodynamic therapy offers a solution, as it acts only locally and upon activation. Here, a FAP-binding minibody was conjugated to the chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (DTPA-700DX-MB). DTPA-700DX-MB showed efficient binding to FAP-overexpressing 3T3 murine fibroblasts (3T3-FAP) and induced the protein's dose-dependent cytotoxicity upon light exposure. Biodistribution of DTPA-700DX-MB in mice carrying either subcutaneous or orthotopic tumours of murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDAC299) showed maximal tumour uptake of 111In-labelled DTPA-700DX-MB at 24 h post injection. Co-injection with an excess DTPA-700DX-MB reduced uptake, and autoradiography correlated with FAP expression in the stromal tumour region. Finally, in vivo therapeutic efficacy was determined in two simultaneous subcutaneous PDAC299 tumours; only one was treated with 690 nm light. Upregulation of an apoptosis marker was only observed in the treated tumours. In conclusion, DTPA-700DX-MB binds to FAP-expressing cells and targets PDAC299 tumours in mice with good signal-to-background ratios. Furthermore, the induced apoptosis indicates the feasibility of targeted depletion of FAP-expressing cells with photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M M Smeets
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne N Dorst
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben M Franssen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Merijn S van Essen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cathelijne Frielink
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W J Stommel
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Phyllis F Cheung
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Erik H J G Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne A M van Lith
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Dmochowska N, Milanova V, Mukkamala R, Chow KK, Pham NTH, Srinivasarao M, Ebert LM, Stait-Gardner T, Le H, Shetty A, Nelson M, Low PS, Thierry B. Nanoparticles Targeted to Fibroblast Activation Protein Outperform PSMA for MRI Delineation of Primary Prostate Tumors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204956. [PMID: 36840671 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Accurate delineation of gross tumor volumes remains a barrier to radiotherapy dose escalation and boost dosing in the treatment of solid tumors, such as prostate cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of tumor targets has the power to enable focal dose boosting, particularly when combined with technological advances such as MRI-linear accelerator. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed in stromal components of >90% of epithelial carcinomas. Herein, the authors compare targeted MRI of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) with FAP in the delineation of orthotopic prostate tumors. Control, FAP, and PSMA-targeting iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared with modification of a lymphotropic MRI agent (FerroTrace, Ferronova). Mice with orthotopic LNCaP tumors underwent MRI 24 h after intravenous injection of nanoparticles. FAP and PSMA nanoparticles produced contrast enhancement on MRI when compared to control nanoparticles. FAP-targeted MRI increased the proportion of tumor contrast-enhancing black pixels by 13%, compared to PSMA. Analysis of changes in R2 values between healthy prostates and LNCaP tumors indicated an increase in contrast-enhancing pixels in the tumor border of 15% when targeting FAP, compared to PSMA. This study demonstrates the preclinical feasibility of PSMA and FAP-targeted MRI which can enable targeted image-guided focal therapy of localized prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Dmochowska
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Valentina Milanova
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kwok Keung Chow
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Nguyen T H Pham
- Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Lisa M Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia; SA Pathology; Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Timothy Stait-Gardner
- Nanoscale Organisation and Dynamics Group, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2560, Australia
| | - Hien Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Anil Shetty
- Ferronova Pty Ltd, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Melanie Nelson
- Ferronova Pty Ltd, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5095, Australia
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16
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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17
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Martin M, Ballal S, Yadav MP, Bal C, Van Rymenant Y, De Loose J, Verhulst E, De Meester I, Van Der Veken P, Roesch F. Novel Generation of FAP Inhibitor-Based Homodimers for Improved Application in Radiotheranostics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061889. [PMID: 36980775 PMCID: PMC10047490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiopharmaceuticals based on the highly potent FAP inhibitor (FAPi) UAMC-1110 have shown great potential in molecular imaging, but the short tumor retention time of the monomers do not match the physical half-lives of the important therapeutic radionuclides 177Lu and 225Ac. This was improved with the dimer DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2, but pharmacological and radiolabeling properties still need optimization. Therefore, the novel FAPi homodimers DO3A.Glu.(FAPi)2 and DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2. were synthesized and quantitatively radiolabeled with 68Ga, 90Y, 177Lu and 225Ac. The radiolabeled complexes showed high hydrophilicity and were generally stable in human serum (HS) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C over two half-lives, except for [225Ac]Ac-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 in PBS. In vitro affinity studies resulted in subnanomolar IC50 values for FAP and high selectivity for FAP over the related proteases PREP and DPP4 for both compounds as well as for [natLu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2. In a first proof-of-principle patient study (medullary thyroid cancer), [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 was compared to [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2. High uptake and long tumor retention was observed in both cases, but [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 significantly reduces uptake in non-target and critical organs (liver, colon). Overall, the novel FAPi homodimer DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 showed improved radiolabeling in vitro and pharmacological properties in vivo compared to DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2. [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 and [225Ac]Ac-DOTAGA.Glu.(FAPi)2 appear promising for translational application in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Martin
- Department of Chemistry-TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sanjana Ballal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Madhav Prasad Yadav
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Chandrasekhar Bal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Yentl Van Rymenant
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Joni De Loose
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Emile Verhulst
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ingrid De Meester
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Der Veken
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Frank Roesch
- Department of Chemistry-TRIGA Site, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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18
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Wang Z, Wang J, Lan T, Zhang L, Yan Z, Zhang N, Xu Y, Tao Q. Role and mechanism of fibroblast-activated protein-α expression on the surface of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135384. [PMID: 37006278 PMCID: PMC10064071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-activated protein-α (FAP) is a type II integrated serine protease expressed by activated fibroblasts during fibrosis or inflammation. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial sites abundantly and stably overexpress FAP and play important roles in regulating the cellular immune, inflammatory, invasion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis responses in the synovial region. Overexpression of FAP is regulated by the initial inflammatory microenvironment of the disease and epigenetic signaling, which promotes RA development by regulating FLSs or affecting the signaling cross-linking FLSs with other cells at the local synovium and inflammatory stimulation. At present, several treatment options targeting FAP are in the process of development. This review discusses the basic features of FAP expressed on the surface of FLSs and its role in RA pathophysiology and advances in targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Lan
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Liubo Zhang
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zeran Yan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Xu, ; Qingwen Tao,
| | - Qingwen Tao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Xu, ; Qingwen Tao,
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19
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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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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20
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Cheng CS, Yang PW, Sun Y, Song SL, Chen Z. Fibroblast activation protein-based theranostics in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:969731. [PMID: 36263225 PMCID: PMC9574192 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.969731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a type II transmembrane serine protease that has specific endopeptidase activity. Given its well-established selective expression in the activated stromal fibroblasts of epithelial cancers, although not in quiescent fibroblasts, FAP has received substantial research attention as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an abundant fibrotic or desmoplastic stroma, leading to rapid progression, therapeutic resistance, and poor clinical outcomes. Numerous studies have revealed that the abundant expression of FAP in cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, stromal cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is implicated in diverse cancer-related signaling pathways, contributing to cancer progression, invasion, migration, metastasis, immunosuppression, and resistance to treatment. In this article, we aim to systematically review the recent advances in research on FAP in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, including its utility as a diagnostic marker, therapeutic potential, and correlation with prognosis. We also describe the functional role of FAP-overexpressing stromal cells, particulary CAFs, in tumor immuno- and metabolic microenvironments, and summarize the mechanisms underlying the contribution of FAP-overexpressing CAFs in pancreatic cancer progression and treatment resistance. Furthermore, we discuss whether targeting FAP-overexpressing CAFs could represent a potential therapeutic strategy and describe the development of FAP-targeted probes for diagnostic imaging. Finally, we assess the emerging basic and clinical studies regarding the bench-to-bedside translation of FAP in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-shan Cheng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-wen Yang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Research and Development, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-li Song
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen Chen,
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21
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Wang D, Chen H, Lei L, Chen J, Gao J, Liu J, Li Q, Xie Y, Hu Y, Ni Y. Biofabricated macrophage and fibroblast membranes synergistically promote skin wound healing. BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 7:e10344. [PMID: 36176601 PMCID: PMC9472019 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Effective skin wound healing is a complex process involving anti‐inflammation, fibrosis, matrix reconstruction, and angiogenesis. This work aimed to integrate the macrophage‐mediated anti‐inflammation and fibroblast‐assisted matrix reconstruction for enhanced skin wound healing. Herein, we utilized the cytomembranes derived from repolarized M2 macrophages and fibroblasts to prepare the natural biologics. Results showed that the inflammatory M1 macrophages were repolarized to M2 phenotype by the M2 macrophage cytomembranes. As a consequence, the cytomembranes of M2 macrophage could facilitate the wound closure in mice. Furthermore, the addition of fibroblast membranes to the macrophage cytomembranes contributed to a better matrix reconstruction, neovascularization and angiogenesis. Next, we used a transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) inhibitor to attenuate cutaneous scar formation. Therefore, our modality could promote skin wound healing and effectively suppress scar formation in the preclinical murine skin wounds. The cytomembrane biologics might provide a biocompatible and versatile tool for wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Wang
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing Medical University Yuzhong District, Chongqing China
| | - Heying Chen
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing Medical University Yuzhong District, Chongqing China
| | - Li Lei
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing Medical University Yuzhong District, Chongqing China
| | - Jun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Beijing China
| | - Jimin Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology & Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science Wenzhou Medical University, University Town Wenzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Jiahe Liu
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing Medical University Yuzhong District, Chongqing China
| | - Qianyin Li
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing Medical University Yuzhong District, Chongqing China
| | - Yajun Xie
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing Medical University Yuzhong District, Chongqing China
| | - Yi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Beijing China
| | - Yilu Ni
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing Medical University Yuzhong District, Chongqing China
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22
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Mukkamala R, Lindeman SD, Kragness KA, Shahriar I, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Design and Characterization of Fibroblast Activation Protein Targeted Pan-Cancer Imaging Agent for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery of Solid Tumors. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:2038-2046. [PMID: 35255116 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02651h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted fluorescent dyes have been shown to significantly improve a surgeon's ability to locate and resect occult malignant lesions, thereby enhancing a patient’s chances of long term survival. Although several...
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Kate A Kragness
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Imrul Shahriar
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
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23
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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: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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24
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Zhou C, Hu X, Liu Q, Wang L, Zhou Y, Jin Y, Ma Y, Liu Y. Stromal Barrier-Dismantled Nanodrill-Like and Cancer Cell-Targeted pH-Responsive Polymeric Micelles for Further Enhancing the Anticancer Efficacy of Doxorubicin. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:5690-5705. [PMID: 34761919 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were believed to establish a tight physical barrier and a dense scaffold for tumor cells to make them maintain immunosuppression and drug resistance, strongly hindering nanoparticles to penetrate into the core of tumor tissues and limiting the performance of tumor cell-targeted nanoparticles. Here, we fabricated the substrate Z-Gly-Pro of fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) and folic acid-codecorated pH-responsive polymeric micelles (dual ligand-modified PEOz-PLA polymeric micelles, DL-PP-PMs) that possessed nanodrill and tumor cell-targeted functions based on Z-Gly-pro-conjugated poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-poly(D,l-lactide) (ZGP-PEOz-PLA), folic acid (FA)-conjugated PEOz-PLA (FA-PEOz-PLA), and PEOz-PLA for cancer therapy. The micelles with about 40 nm particle size and a narrow distribution exhibited favorable pH-activated endo/lysosome escape induced by their pH responsibility. In addition, the enhancement of in vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity to folate receptors or FAPα-positive cells for doxorubicin (DOX)/DL-PP-PMs compared with DOX/PP-PMs evidenced the dual target ability of DOX/DL-PP-PMs, which was further supported by in vivo biodistribution results. As expected, in the human oral epidermal carcinoma (KB) cells xenograft nude mice model, the remarkable enhancement of antitumor efficacy for DOX/DL-PP-PMs with low toxicity was observed compared with DOX/FA-PP-PMs and DOX/ZGP-PP-PMs. The possible mechanism was elucidated to be the dismantling of the stromal barrier by nanodrill-like DOX/DL-PP-PMs via the deletion of CAFs evidenced by the downregulation of α-SMA and inhibition of their functions proved by the decrease in the microvascular density labeled with CD31 and the reduction in the extracellular matrix detected by the collagen content, thereby promoting tumor penetration and enhancing their uptake by tumor cells. The present research offered an alternative approach integrating anticancer and antifibrosis effects in one delivery system to enhance the delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuhang Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinping Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Leqi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanhang Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yao Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yining Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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25
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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: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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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26
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Han Z, Ke M, Liu X, Wang J, Guan Z, Qiao L, Wu Z, Sun Y, Sun X. Molecular Imaging, How Close to Clinical Precision Medicine in Lung, Brain, Prostate and Breast Cancers. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 24:8-22. [PMID: 34269972 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Precision medicine is playing a pivotal role in strategies of cancer therapy. Unlike conventional one-size-fits-all chemotherapy or radiotherapy modalities, precision medicine could customize an individual treatment plan for cancer patients to acquire superior efficacy, while minimizing side effects. Precision medicine in cancer therapy relies on precise and timely tumor biological information. Traditional tissue biopsies, however, are often inadequate in meeting this requirement due to cancer heterogeneity, poor tolerance, and invasiveness. Molecular imaging could detect tumor biology characterization in a noninvasive and visual manner, and provide information about therapeutic targets, treatment response, and pharmacodynamic evaluation. This summates to significant value in guiding cancer precision medicine in aspects of patient screening, treatment monitoring, and estimating prognoses. Although growing clinical evidences support the further application of molecular imaging in precision medicine of cancer, some challenges remain. In this review, we briefly summarize and discuss representative clinical trials of molecular imaging in improving precision medicine of cancer patients, aiming to provide useful references for facilitating further clinical translation of molecular imaging to precision medicine of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoguo Han
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mingxing Ke
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhengqi Guan
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lina Qiao
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhexi Wu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yingying Sun
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xilin Sun
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), Harbin Medical University, 766 Xiangan N street, Harbin, 150028, Heilongjiang, China.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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27
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Hettiarachchi SU, Li YH, Roy J, Zhang F, Puchulu-Campanella E, Lindeman SD, Srinivasarao M, Tsoyi K, Liang X, Ayaub EA, Nickerson-Nutter C, Rosas IO, Low PS. Targeted inhibition of PI3 kinase/mTOR specifically in fibrotic lung fibroblasts suppresses pulmonary fibrosis in experimental models. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/567/eaay3724. [PMID: 33115948 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay3724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal disease with an average life expectancy of 3 to 5 years. IPF is characterized by progressive stiffening of the lung parenchyma due to excessive deposition of collagen, leading to gradual failure of gas exchange. Although two therapeutic agents have been approved from the FDA for IPF, they only slow disease progression with little impact on outcome. To develop a more effective therapy, we have exploited the fact that collagen-producing myofibroblasts express a membrane-spanning protein, fibroblast activation protein (FAP), that exhibits limited if any expression on other cell types. Because collagen-producing myofibroblasts are only found in fibrotic tissues, solid tumors, and healing wounds, FAP constitutes an excellent marker for targeted delivery of drugs to tissues undergoing pathologic fibrosis. We demonstrate here that a low-molecular weight FAP ligand can be used to deliver imaging and therapeutic agents selectively to FAP-expressing cells. Because induction of collagen synthesis is associated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activation, we designed a FAP-targeted PI3K inhibitor that selectively targets FAP-expressing human IPF lung fibroblasts and potently inhibited collagen synthesis. Moreover, we showed that administration of the inhibitor in a mouse model of IPF inhibited PI3K activation in fibrotic lungs, suppressed production of hydroxyproline (major building block of collagen), reduced collagen deposition, and increased mouse survival. Collectively, these studies suggest that a FAP-targeted PI3K inhibitor might be promising for treating IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj U Hettiarachchi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yen-Hsing Li
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jyoti Roy
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Fenghua Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Estela Puchulu-Campanella
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Spencer D Lindeman
- 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
| | - Konstantin Tsoyi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ehab A Ayaub
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Ivan O Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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28
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Zhang H, Jiang H, Zhu L, Li J, Ma S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in non-small cell lung cancer: Recent advances and future perspectives. Cancer Lett 2021; 514:38-47. [PMID: 34019960 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes the majority of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Nearly 70% of NSCLC patients were diagnosed at advanced stage with only 15% of five-year survival rate. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of tumor microenvironment and account for almost 70% of the cells in tumor tissues. By the crosstalk with cancer cells, CAFs reprogrammed cancer cell metabolism, remodeled extracellular matrix (ECM) and created a supportive niche for cancer stem cells. CAFs lead collective invasion of tumor cells and shape tumor immune microenvironment, promoting tumor metastasis and immune escape. In this review, we have summarized the progress of studies regarding CAFs influences on NSCLC in recent five years from the aspects of cell growth, metabolism, therapy resistance, invasion and metastasis and immune suppression. We have discussed the involved mechanisms and implications for the development of anti-NSCLC therapies. The current strategies of CAFs targeting and elimination have also been generalized. Only better understanding of the molecular biology of CAFs may contribute to the development of novel anti-NSCLC strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Zhang
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Lucheng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Shenglin Ma
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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29
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Van Rymenant Y, Tanc M, Van Elzen R, Bracke A, De Wever O, Augustyns K, Lambeir AM, Kockx M, De Meester I, Van Der Veken P. In Vitro and In Situ Activity-Based Labeling of Fibroblast Activation Protein with UAMC1110-Derived Probes. Front Chem 2021; 9:640566. [PMID: 33996747 PMCID: PMC8114891 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.640566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a proline-selective protease that belongs to the S9 family of serine proteases. It is typically highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and especially in cancer-associated fibroblasts, the main cell components of the tumor stroma. The exact role of its enzymatic activity in the TME remains largely unknown. Hence, tools that enable selective, activity-based visualization of FAP within the TME can help to unravel FAP’s function. We describe the synthesis, biochemical characterization, and application of three different activity-based probes (biotin-, Cy3-, and Cy5-labeled) based on the FAP-inhibitor UAMC1110, an in-house developed molecule considered to be the most potent and selective FAP inhibitor available. We demonstrate that the three probes have subnanomolar FAP affinity and pronounced selectivity with respect to the related S9 family members. Furthermore, we report that the fluorescent Cy3- and Cy5-labeled probes are capable of selectively detecting FAP in a cellular context, making these chemical probes highly suitable for further biological studies. Moreover, proof of concept is provided for in situ FAP activity staining in patient-derived cryosections of urothelial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentl Van Rymenant
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Muhammet Tanc
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - An Bracke
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne-Marie Lambeir
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Ingrid De Meester
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Der Veken
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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30
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Slania SL, Das D, Lisok A, Du Y, Jiang Z, Mease RC, Rowe SP, Nimmagadda S, Yang X, Pomper MG. Imaging of Fibroblast Activation Protein in Cancer Xenografts Using Novel (4-Quinolinoyl)-glycyl-2-cyanopyrrolidine-Based Small Molecules. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4059-4070. [PMID: 33730493 PMCID: PMC8214312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has become a favored target for imaging and therapy of malignancy. We have synthesized and characterized two new (4-quinolinoyl)-glycyl-2-cyanopyrrolidine-based small molecules for imaging of FAP, QCP01 and [111In]QCP02, using optical and single-photon computed tomography/CT, respectively. Binding of imaging agents to FAP was assessed in six human cancer cell lines of different cancer types: glioblastoma (U87), melanoma (SKMEL24), prostate (PC3), NSCLC (NCIH2228), colorectal carcinoma (HCT116), and lung squamous cell carcinoma (NCIH226). Mouse xenograft models were developed with FAP-positive U87 and FAP-negative PC3 cells to test pharmacokinetics and binding specificity in vivo. QCP01 and [111In]QCP02 demonstrated nanomolar inhibition of FAP at Ki values of 1.26 and 16.20 nM, respectively. Both were selective for FAP over DPP-IV, a related serine protease. Both enabled imaging of FAP-expressing tumors specifically in vivo. [111In]QCP02 showed high uptake at 18.2 percent injected dose per gram in the U87 tumor at 30 min post-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Slania
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Deepankar Das
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Ala Lisok
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Yong Du
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Zirui Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Ronnie C Mease
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Steven P Rowe
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Sridhar Nimmagadda
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Xing Yang
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
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31
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Windisch P, Zwahlen DR, Giesel FL, Scholz E, Lugenbiel P, Debus J, Haberkorn U, Adeberg S. Clinical results of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) specific PET for non-malignant indications: systematic review. EJNMMI Res 2021; 11:18. [PMID: 33606104 PMCID: PMC7895887 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-021-00761-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Small molecules targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) have emerged as a new group of tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) in 2018. While most of the existing literature has been focussed on the application of FAP-specific PET in various kinds of cancers, some researchers have, both intentionally or unintentionally, used FAP-specific PET in patients with non-cancerous diseases. The purpose of this systematic review is therefore to summarize the available evidence of FAP-specific PET for non-malignant indications. METHODS The MEDLINE database was searched for studies presenting the clinical use of FAP-specific PET, the records were screened according to PRISMA guidelines and articles containing patients suffering from non-malignant diseases were included. RESULTS Sixteen studies with 303 patients were included. FAP-specific PET has been used in cardiac imaging, IgG4-related disease, benign tumors as well as various kinds of inflammation. Two prospective studies on FAP-specific PET for IgG4-related disease show its potential to differentiate inflammatory from fibrotic lesions, which could be used to determine the management of these patients. CONCLUSION While publications on FAP-specific PET for non-malignant indications are mostly limited to case reports and incidental findings, the first retrospective and prospective studies present promising results for IgG4-related as well as cardiovascular disease that warrant further research. Several currently recruiting trials will add to the body evidence in the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Windisch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital Winterthur, Brauerstrasse 15, 8400, Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel R Zwahlen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital Winterthur, Brauerstrasse 15, 8400, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Frederik L Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eberhard Scholz
- Department of Cardiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders (HCR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Lugenbiel
- Department of Cardiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders (HCR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Adeberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
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32
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Irvine AF, Waise S, Green EW, Stuart B, Thomas GJ. Characterising cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3727. [PMID: 33580106 PMCID: PMC7881148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the tumour microenvironment with evidence suggesting they represent a heterogeneous population. This study summarises the prognostic role of all proteins characterised in CAFs with immunohistochemistry in non-small cell lung cancer thus far. The functions of these proteins in cellular processes crucial to CAFs are also analysed. Five databases were searched to extract survival outcomes from published studies and statistical techniques, including a novel method, used to capture missing values from the literature. A total of 26 proteins were identified, 21 of which were combined into 7 common cellular processes key to CAFs. Quality assessments for sensitivity analyses were carried out for each study using the REMARK criteria whilst publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. Random effects models consistently identified the expression of podoplanin (Overall Survival (OS)/Disease-specific Survival (DSS), univariate analysis HR 2.25, 95% CIs 1.80-2.82) and α-SMA (OS/DSS, univariate analysis HR 2.11, 95% CIs 1.18-3.77) in CAFs as highly prognostic regardless of outcome measure or analysis method. Moreover, proteins involved in maintaining and generating the CAF phenotype (α-SMA, TGF-β and p-Smad2) proved highly significant after sensitivity analysis (HR 2.74, 95% CIs 1.74-4.33) supporting attempts at targeting this pathway for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Irvine
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
- Department of Pathology and Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Sara Waise
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Edward W Green
- The German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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33
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Heesch A, Maurer J, Stickeler E, Beheshti M, Mottaghy FM, Morgenroth A. Development of Radiotracers for Breast Cancer-The Tumor Microenvironment as an Emerging Target. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102334. [PMID: 33096754 PMCID: PMC7590199 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of different malignancies. Radiolabeled probes enable the visualization of the primary tumor as well as the metastases and have been also employed in targeted therapy and theranostic approaches. With breast cancer being the most common malignancy in women worldwide it is of special interest to develop novel targeted treatments. However, tumor microenvironment and escape mechanisms often limit their therapeutic potential. Addressing tumor stroma associated targets provides a promising option to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis and to disrupt tumor tissue architecture. This review describes recent developments on radiolabeled probes used in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer especially in triple negative type with the focus on potential targets offered by the tumor microenvironment, like tumor associated macrophages, cancer associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Heesch
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (M.B.); (F.M.M.)
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Aachen (UKA), 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Elmar Stickeler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Aachen (UKA), 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Mohsen Beheshti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (M.B.); (F.M.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Felix M. Mottaghy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (M.B.); (F.M.M.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6202 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Agnieszka Morgenroth
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (M.B.); (F.M.M.)
- Correspondence:
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