Noninvasive brain cancer imaging with a bispecific antibody fragment, generated via click chemistry.

Early diagnosis remains a task of upmost importance for reducing cancer morbidity and mortality. Successful development of highly specific companion diagnostics targeting aberrant molecular pathways of cancer is needed for sensitive detection, accurate diagnosis, and opportune therapeutic intervention. Herein, we generated a bispecific immunoconjugate [denoted as Bs-F(ab)2] by linking two antibody Fab fragments, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Fab and an anti-CD105 Fab, via bioorthogonal "click" ligation of trans-cyclooctene and tetrazine. PET imaging of mice bearing U87MG (EGFR/CD105(+/+)) tumors with (64)Cu-labeled Bs-F(ab)2 revealed a significantly enhanced tumor uptake [42.9 ± 9.5 percentage injected dose per gram (%ID/g); n = 4] and tumor-to-background ratio (tumor/muscle ratio of 120.2 ± 44.4 at 36 h postinjection; n = 4) compared with each monospecific Fab tracer. Thus, we demonstrated that dual targeting of EGFR and CD105 provides a synergistic improvement on both affinity and specificity of (64)Cu-NOTA-Bs-F(ab)2. (64)Cu-NOTA-Bs-F(ab)2 was able to visualize small U87MG tumor nodules (<5 mm in diameter), owing to high tumor uptake (31.4 ± 10.8%ID/g at 36 h postinjection) and a tumor/muscle ratio of 76.4 ± 52.3, which provided excellent sensitivity for early detection. Finally, we successfully confirmed the feasibility of a ZW800-1-labeled Bs-F(ab)2 for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and image-guided surgical resection of U87MG tumors. More importantly, our rationale can be used in the construction of other disease-targeting bispecific antibody fragments for early detection and diagnosis of small malignant lesions.

Targeting CD146 with a 64Cu-labeled antibody enables in vivo immunoPET imaging of high-grade gliomas.

Given the highly heterogeneous character of brain malignancies and the associated implication for its proper diagnosis and treatment, finding biomarkers that better characterize this disease from a molecular standpoint is imperative. In this study, we evaluated CD146 as a potential molecular target for diagnosis and targeted therapy of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and lethal brain malignancy. YY146, an anti-CD146 monoclonal antibody, was generated and radiolabeled for noninvasive positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging of orthotopic GBM models. (64)Cu-labeled YY146 preferentially accumulated in the tumors of mice bearing U87MG xenografts, which allowed the acquisition of high-contrast PET images of small tumor nodules (∼ 2 mm). Additionally, we found that tumor uptake correlated with the levels of CD146 expression in a highly specific manner. We also explored the potential therapeutic effects of YY146 on the cancer stem cell (CSC) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) properties of U87MG cells, demonstrating that YY146 can mitigate those aggressive phenotypes. Using YY146 as the primary antibody, we performed histological studies of World Health Organization (WHO) grades I through IV primary gliomas. The positive correlation found between CD146-positive staining and high tumor grade (χ(2) = 9.028; P = 0.029) concurred with the GBM data available in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and validated the clinical value of YY146. In addition, we demonstrate that YY146 can be used to detect CD146 in various cancer cell lines and human resected tumor tissues of multiple other tumor types (gastric, ovarian, liver, and lung), indicating a broad applicability of YY146 in solid tumors.

Radiolabeled pertuzumab for imaging of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression in ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is over-expressed in over 30% of ovarian cancer cases, playing an essential role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Non-invasive imaging of HER2 is of great interest for physicians as a mean to better detect and monitor the progression of ovarian cancer. In this study, HER2 was assessed as a biomarker for ovarian cancer imaging using 64Cu-labeled pertuzumab for immunoPET imaging. METHODS: HER2 expression and binding were examined in three ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3, OVCAR3, Caov3) using in vitro techniques, including western blot and saturation binding assays. PET imaging and biodistribution studies in subcutaneous models of ovarian cancer were performed for non-invasive in vivo evaluation of HER2 expression. Additionally, orthotopic models were employed to further validate the imaging capability of 64Cu-NOTA-pertuzumab. RESULTS: HER2 expression was highest in SKOV3 cells, while OVCAR3 and Caov3 displayed lower HER2 expression. 64Cu-NOTA-pertuzumab showed high specificity for HER2 (Ka = 3.1 ± 0.6 nM) in SKOV3. In subcutaneous tumors, PET imaging revealed tumor uptake of 41.8 ± 3.8, 10.5 ± 3.9, and 12.1 ± 2.3%ID/g at 48 h post-injection for SKOV3, OVCAR3, and Caov3, respectively (n = 3). In orthotopic models, PET imaging with 64Cu-NOTA-pertuzumab allowed for rapid and clear delineation of both primary and small peritoneal metastases in HER2-expressing ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: 64Cu-NOTA-pertuzumab is an effective PET tracer for the non-invasive imaging of HER2 expression in vivo, rendering it a potential tracer for treatment monitoring and improved patient stratification.

ImmunoPET and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Pancreatic Cancer with a Dual-Labeled Bispecific Antibody Fragment.

Dual-targeted imaging agents have shown improved targeting efficiencies in comparison to single-targeted entities. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the tumor accumulation of a dual-labeled heterobifunctional imaging agent, targeting two overexpressed biomarkers in pancreatic cancer, using positron emission tomography (PET) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging modalities. A bispecific immunoconjugate (heterodimer) of CD105 and tissue factor (TF) Fab' antibody fragments was developed using click chemistry. The heterodimer was dual-labeled with a radionuclide (64Cu) and fluorescent dye. PET/NIRF imaging and biodistribution studies were performed in four-to-five week old nude athymic mice bearing BxPC-3 (CD105/TF+/+) or PANC-1 (CD105/TF-/-) tumor xenografts. A blocking study was conducted to investigate the specificity of the tracer. Ex vivo tissue staining was performed to compare TF/CD105 expression in tissues with PET tracer uptake to validate in vivo results. PET imaging of 64Cu-NOTA-heterodimer-ZW800 in BxPC-3 tumor xenografts revealed enhanced tumor uptake (21.0 ± 3.4%ID/g; n = 4) compared to the homodimer of TRC-105 (9.6 ± 2.0%ID/g; n = 4; p < 0.01) and ALT-836 (7.6 ± 3.7%ID/g; n = 4; p < 0.01) at 24 h postinjection. Blocking studies revealed that tracer uptake in BxPC-3 tumors could be decreased by 4-fold with TF blocking and 2-fold with CD105 blocking. In the negative model (PANC-1), heterodimer uptake was significantly lower than that found in the BxPC-3 model (3.5 ± 1.1%ID/g; n = 4; p < 0.01). The specificity was confirmed by the successful blocking of CD105 or TF, which demonstrated that the dual targeting with 64Cu-NOTA-heterodimer-ZW800 provided an improvement in overall tumor accumulation. Also, fluorescence imaging validated the PET imaging, allowing for clear delineation of the xenograft tumors. Dual-labeled heterodimeric imaging agents, like 64Cu-NOTA-heterodimer-ZW800, may increase the overall tumor accumulation in comparison to single-targeted homodimers, leading to improved imaging of cancer and other related diseases.

ImmunoPET Imaging of CTLA-4 Expression in Mouse Models of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) is expressed on the surface of activated T cells and some tumor cells, and is the target of the clinically approved monoclonal antibody ipilimumab. In this study, we investigate specific binding of radiolabeled ipilimumab to CTLA-4 expressed by human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET). Ipilimumab was radiolabeled with 64Cu (t1/2 = 12.7 h) through the use of the chelator 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) to formulate 64Cu-DOTA-ipilimumab. CTLA-4 expression in three non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549, H460, and H358) was verified and quantified by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A receptor binding assay was utilized to monitor the binding and internalization of 64Cu-DOTA-ipilimumab in the NSCLC cell lines. Next, the biodistribution of 64Cu-DOTA-ipilimumab was mapped by longitudinal PET imaging up to 48 h after injection. Ex vivo biodistribution and histological studies were employed to verify PET results. By in vitro analysis, CTLA-4 was found to be expressed on all three NSCLC cell lines with A549 and H358 showing the highest and lowest level of expression, respectively. PET imaging and quantification verified these findings as the tracer accumulated highest in the A549 tumor model (9.80 ± 0.22%ID/g at 48 h after injection; n = 4), followed by H460 and H358 tumors with uptakes of 9.37 ± 0.26%ID/g and 7.43 ± 0.05%ID/g, respectively (n = 4). The specificity of the tracer was verified by injecting excess ipilimumab in A549 tumor-bearing mice, which decreased tracer uptake to 6.90 ± 0.51%ID/g at 48 after injection (n = 4). Ex vivo analysis following the last imaging session also corroborated these findings. 64Cu-DOTA-ipilimumab showed enhanced and persistent accumulation in CTLA-4-expressing tissues, which will enable researchers further insight into CTLA-4 targeted therapies in the future.

Chelator-Free Radiolabeling of Nanographene: Breaking the Stereotype of Chelation.

Macrocyclic chelators have been widely employed in the realm of nanoparticle-based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, whereas its accuracy remains questionable. Here, we found that 64 Cu can be intrinsically labeled onto nanographene based on interactions between Cu and the π electrons of graphene without the need of chelator conjugation, providing a promising alternative radiolabeling approach that maintains the native in vivo pharmacokinetics of the nanoparticles. Due to abundant π bonds, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) exhibited significantly higher labeling efficiency in comparison with graphene oxide (GO) and exhibited excellent radiostability in vivo. More importantly, nonspecific attachment of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) on nanographene was observed, which revealed that chelator-mediated nanoparticle-based PET imaging has its inherent drawbacks and can possibly lead to erroneous imaging results in vivo.

Dynamic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Renal Clearable Gold Nanoparticles.

Optical imaging has been the primary imaging modality for nearly all of the renal clearable nanoparticles since 2007. Due to the tissue depth penetration limitation, providing accurate organ kinetics non-invasively has long been a huge challenge. Although a more quantitative imaging technique has been developed by labeling nanoparticles with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) isotopes, the low temporal resolution of SPECT still limits its potential for visualizing the rapid dynamic process of renal clearable nanoparticles in vivo. The dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of renal clearable gold (Au) nanoparticles by labeling them with copper-64 ((64) Cu) to form (64) Cu-NOTA-Au-GSH is reported. Systematic nanoparticle synthesis and characterizations are performed to demonstrate the efficient renal clearance of as-prepared nanoparticles. A rapid renal clearance of (64) Cu-NOTA-Au-GSH is observed (>75%ID at 24 h post-injection) with its elimination half-life calculated to be less than 6 min, over 130 times shorter than previously reported similar nanoparticles. Dynamic PET imaging not only addresses the current challenges in accurately and non-invasively acquiring the organ kinetics, but also potentially provides a highly useful tool for studying renal clearance mechanism of other ultra-small nanoparticles, as well as the diagnosis of kidney diseases in the near future.

High Yield Production and Radiochemical Isolation of Isotopically Pure Arsenic-72 and Novel Radioarsenic Labeling Strategies for the Development of Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals.

Radioisotopes of arsenic are of considerable interest to the field of nuclear medicine with unique nuclear and chemical properties making them well-suited for use in novel theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. However, progress must still be made in the production of isotopically pure radioarsenic and in its stable conjugation to biological targeting vectors. This work presents the production and irradiation of isotopically enriched (72)Ge(m) discs in an irrigation-cooled target system allowing for the production of isotopically pure (72)As with capability on the order of 10 GBq. A radiochemical separation procedure isolated the reactive trivalent radioarsenic in a small volume buffered aqueous solution, while reclaiming (72)Ge target material. The direct thiol-labeling of a monoclonal antibody resulted in a conjugate exhibiting exceptionally poor in vivo stability in a mouse model. This prompted further investigations to alternative radioarsenic labeling strategies, including the labeling of the dithiol-containing chelator dihydrolipoic acid, and thiol-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-SH). Radioarsenic-labeled MSN-SH showed exceptional in vivo stability toward dearsenylation.

Nuclear excitation functions of proton-induced reactions (Ep = 35 - 90 MeV) from Fe, Cu, and Al.

Fe, Cu, and Al stacked foils were irradiated by 90 MeV protons at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's Isotope Production Facility to measure nuclear cross sections for the production of medically relevant isotopes, such as 52gMn, 54Mn, 48Cr, 55Co, 58mCo and 57Ni. The decay of radioactive isotopes produced during irradiation was monitored using high-purity germanium gamma spectroscopy over the months following irradiation. Proton fluence was determined using the natAl(p,x)22Na, natCu(p,x)62Zn natCu(p,x)65Zn, and natCu(p,x)56Co monitor reactions. Calculated cross sections were compared against literature values and theoretical TALYS predictions. Notably this work includes the first reported independent cross section measurements of natCu(p,x)58mCo and natCu(p,x)58gCo.

Novel Preparation Methods of (52)Mn for ImmunoPET Imaging.

(52)Mn (t1/2 = 5.59 d, ß(+) = 29.6%, Eßave = 0.24 MeV) shows promise in positron emission tomography (PET) and in dual-modality manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) applications including neural tractography, stem cell tracking, and biological toxicity studies. The extension to bioconjugate application requires high-specific-activity (52)Mn in a state suitable for macromolecule labeling. To that end a (52)Mn production, purification, and labeling system is presented, and its applicability in preclinical, macromolecule PET is shown using the conjugate (52)Mn-DOTA-TRC105. (52)Mn is produced by 60 µA, 16 MeV proton irradiation of natural chromium metal pressed into a silver disc support. Radiochemical separation proceeds by strong anion exchange chromatography of the dissolved Cr target, employing a semiorganic mobile phase, 97:3 (v:v) ethanol:HCl (11 M, aqueous). The method is 62 ± 14% efficient (n = 7) in (52)Mn recovery, leading to a separation factor from Cr of (1.6 ± 1.0) × 10(6) (n = 4), and an average effective specific activity of 0.8 GBq/µmol (n = 4) in titration against DOTA. (52)Mn-DOTA-TRC105 conjugation and labeling demonstrate the potential for chelation applications. In vivo images acquired using PET/CT in mice bearing 4T1 xenograft tumors are presented. Peak tumor uptake is 18.7 ± 2.7%ID/g at 24 h post injection and ex vivo (52)Mn biodistribution validates the in vivo PET data. Free (52)Mn(2+) (as chloride or acetate) is used as a control in additional mice to evaluate the nontargeted biodistribution in the tumor model.

Evaluation of two novel 64Cu-labeled RGD peptide radiotracers for enhanced PET imaging of tumor integrin αvß3.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to demonstrate that suitably derivatized monomeric RGD peptide-based PET tracers, targeting integrin αvß3, may offer advantages in image contrast, time for imaging, and low uptake in nontarget tissues. METHODS: Two cyclic RGDfK derivatives, (PEG)2-c(RGDfK) and PEG4-SAA4-c(RGDfK), were constructed and conjugated to NOTA for (64)Cu labeling. Their integrin αvß3-binding properties were determined via a competitive cell binding assay. Mice bearing U87MG tumors were intravenously injected with each of the (64)Cu-labeled peptides, and PET scans were acquired during the first 30 min, and 2 and 4 h after injection. Blocking and ex vivo biodistribution studies were carried out to validate the PET data and confirm the specificity of the tracers. RESULTS: The IC50 values of NOTA-(PEG)2-c(RGDfK) and NOTA-PEG4-SAA4-c(RGDfK) were 444 ± 41 nM and 288 ± 66 nM, respectively. Dynamic PET data of (64)Cu-NOTA-(PEG)2-c(RGDfK) and (64)Cu-NOTA-PEG4-SAA4-c(RGDfK) showed similar circulation t 1/2 and peak tumor uptake of about 4 %ID/g for both tracers. Due to its marked hydrophilicity, (64)Cu-NOTA-PEG4-SAA4-c(RGDfK) provided faster clearance from tumor and normal tissues yet maintained excellent tumor-to-background ratios. Static PET scans at later time-points corroborated the enhanced excretion of the tracer, especially from abdominal organs. Ex vivo biodistribution and receptor blocking studies confirmed the accuracy of the PET data and the integrin αvß3-specificity of the peptides. CONCLUSION: Our two novel RGD-based radiotracers with optimized pharmacokinetic properties allowed fast, high-contrast PET imaging of tumor-associated integrin αvß3. These tracers may facilitate the imaging of abdominal malignancies, normally precluded by high background uptake.

ImmunoPET of tissue factor expression in triple-negative breast cancer with a radiolabeled antibody Fab fragment.

PURPOSE: To date, there is no effective therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which has a dismal clinical outcome. Upregulation of tissue factor (TF) expression leads to increased patient morbidity and mortality in many solid tumor types, including TNBC. Our goal was to employ the Fab fragment of ALT-836, a chimeric anti-human TF mAb, for PET imaging of TNBC, which can be used to guide future TNBC therapy. METHODS: ALT-836-Fab was generated by enzymatic papain digestion. SDS-PAGE and FACS studies were performed to evaluate the integrity and TF binding affinity of ALT-836-Fab before NOTA conjugation and (64)Cu-labeling. Serial PET imaging and biodistribution studies were carried out to evaluate the tumor targeting efficacy and pharmacokinetics in the MDA-MB-231 TNBC model, which expresses high levels of TF on the tumor cells. Blocking studies, histological assessment, as well as RT-PCR were performed to confirm TF specificity of (64)Cu-NOTA-ALT-836-Fab. RESULTS: ALT-836-Fab was produced with high purity, which exhibited superb TF binding affinity and specificity. Serial PET imaging revealed rapid and persistent tumor uptake of (64)Cu-NOTA-ALT-836-Fab (5.1 ± 0.5 %ID/g at 24 h post-injection; n = 4) and high tumor/muscle ratio (7.0 ± 1.2 at 24 h post-injection; n = 4), several-fold higher than that of the blocking group and tumor models that do not express significant level of TF, which was confirmed by biodistribution studies. TF specificity of the tracer was also validated by histology and RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: (64)Cu-NOTA-ALT-836-Fab exhibited prominent tissue factor targeting efficiency in MDA-MB-231 TNBC model. The use of a Fab fragment led to fast tumor uptake and good tissue/muscle ratio, which may be translated into same-day immunoPET imaging in the clinical setting to improve TNBC patient management.

PET of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor: broad applicability to cancer imaging.

Selective overexpression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) inside the vascular endothelium of tumors has been confirmed to play critical roles in angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastases. The expression level of FSHR correlates strongly with the response of tumors to antiangiogenic therapies. In this study, an immunoPET tracer was developed for imaging of FSHR in different cancer types. A monoclonal antibody (FSHR-mAb) against FSHR was conjugated with S-2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (p-SCN-Bn-NOTA) and used for subsequent (64)Cu-labeling. NOTA-FSHR-mAb preserved FSHR specificity/affinity, confirmed by flow cytometry measurements. (64)Cu-labeling was successfully conducted with decent yields (∼25%) and high specific activity (0.93 GBq/mg). The uptake of (64)Cu-NOTA-FSHR-mAb was 3.6 ± 0.8, 13.2 ± 0.7, and 14.6 ± 0.4 %ID/g in FSHR-positive CAOV-3 tumors at 4, 24, and 48 h postinjection, respectively (n = 3), significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in FSHR-negative SKOV-3 tumors (2.3 ± 1.2, 8.0 ± 0.9, and 9.1 ± 1.3 %ID/g at 4, 24, and 48 h postinjection, respectively (n = 3)) except at 4 h p.i. FSHR-relevant uptake of (64)Cu-NOTA-FSHR-mAb was also readily observed in other tumor types (e.g., triple-negative breast tumor MDA-MB-231 or prostate tumor PC-3). Histology studies showed universal FSHR expression in microvasculature of these four tumor types and also prominent expression in tumor cells of CAOV-3, PC-3, and MDA-MB-231. Correlations between tumor FSHR level and uptake of (64)Cu-NOTA-FSHR-mAb were witnessed in this study. FSHR-specific uptake of (64)Cu-NOTA-FSHR mAb in different tumors enables its applicability for future cancer theranostic applications and simultaneously establishes FSHR as a promising clinical target for cancer.

Matching the decay half-life with the biological half-life: ImmunoPET imaging with (44)Sc-labeled cetuximab Fab fragment.

Scandium-44 (t1/2 = 3.9 h) is a relatively new radioisotope of potential interest for use in clinical positron emission tomography (PET). Herein, we report, for the first time, the room-temperature radiolabeling of proteins with (44)Sc for in vivo PET imaging. For this purpose, the Fab fragment of Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), was generated and conjugated with N-[(R)-2-amino-3-(para-isothiocyanato-phenyl)propyl]-trans-(S,S)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N',N″,N″-pentaacetic acid (CHX-A″-DTPA). The high purity of Cetuximab-Fab was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. The potential of the bioconjugate for PET imaging of EGFR expression in human glioblastoma (U87MG) tumor-bearing mice was investigated after (44)Sc labeling. PET imaging revealed rapid tumor uptake (maximum uptake of ∼12% ID/g at 4 h postinjection) of (44)Sc-CHX-A″-DTPA-Cetuximab-Fab with excellent tumor-to-background ratio, which might allow for same day PET imaging in future clinical studies. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to correlate tracer uptake in the tumor and normal tissues with EGFR expression. This successful strategy for immunoPET imaging of EGFR expression using (44)Sc-CHX-A″-DTPA-Cetuximab-Fab can make clinically translatable advances to select the right population of patients for EGFR-targeted therapy and also to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of anti-EGFR treatments.

A dual-tracer study of extrastriatal 6-[18F]fluoro-m-tyrosine and 6-[18F]-fluoro-L-dopa uptake in Parkinson's disease.

6-[(18)F]-Fluoro-L-dopa (FDOPA) has been widely used as a biomarker for catecholamine synthesis, storage, and metabolism--its intense uptake in the striatum, and fainter uptake in other brain regions, is correlated with the symptoms and pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). 6-[(18)F]fluoro-m-tyrosine (FMT), which also targets L-amino acid decarboxylase, has potential advantages over FDOPA as a radiotracer because it does not form catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) metabolites. The purpose of the present study was to compare the regional distribution of these radiotracers in the brains of PD patients. Fifteen Parkinson's patients were studied with FMT and FDOPA positron emission tomography (PET) as well as high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI's were automatically parcellated into neuroanatomical regions of interest (ROIs) in Freesurfer (http://surfer.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu); region-specific uptake rate constants (Kocc) were generated from coregistered PET using a Patlak graphical approach. The essential findings were as follows: (1) regional Kocc were highly correlated between the radiotracers and in agreement with a previous FDOPA studies that used different ROI selection techniques; (2) FMT Kocc were higher in extrastriatal regions of relatively large uptake such as amygdala, pallidum, brainstem, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and thalamus, whereas cortical Kocc were similar between radiotracers; (3) while subcortical uptake of both radiotracers was related to disease duration and severity, cortical uptake was not. These results suggest that FMT may have advantages for examining pathologic changes within allocortical loop structures, which may contribute to cognitive and emotional symptoms of PD.

Moderate-level prenatal alcohol exposure induces sex differences in dopamine d1 receptor binding in adult rhesus monkeys.

BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and/or prenatal stress exposure on (D1 R) binding in a non human primate model. The dopamine D1 R is involved in executive function, and it may play a role in cognitive behavioral deficits associated with prenatal alcohol and/or stress exposure. Little is known, however, about the effects of prenatal alcohol and/or stress exposure on the D1 R. We expected that prenatal insults would lead to alterations in D1 R binding in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum in adulthood. METHODS: Rhesus macaque females were randomly assigned to moderate alcohol exposure and/or mild prenatal stress as well as a control condition during pregnancy. Thirty-eight offspring were raised identically and studied as adults by noninvasive in vivo neuroimaging using positron emission tomography with the D1 antagonist radiotracer [(11) C]SCH 23390. Radiotracer binding in PFC and striatum was evaluated by 2 (alcohol) × 2 (stress) × 2 (sex) analysis of variance. RESULTS: In PFC, a significant alcohol × sex interaction was observed with prenatal alcohol exposure leading to increased [(11) C]SCH 23390 binding in male monkeys. No main effect of prenatal alcohol or prenatal stress exposure was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure results in long-term increases in prefrontal dopamine D1 R binding in males. This may help explain gender differences in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders consequent to prenatal alcohol exposure.

Positron emission tomography imaging of CD105 expression with 89Zr-Df-TRC105.

PURPOSE: High tumor microvessel density correlates with a poor prognosis in multiple solid tumor types. The clinical gold standard for assessing microvessel density is CD105 immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tumor specimens. The goal of this study was to develop an (89)Zr-based PET tracer for noninvasive imaging of CD105 expression. METHODS: TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody, was conjugated to p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-desferrioxamine (Df-Bz-NCS) and labeled with (89)Zr. FACS analysis and microscopy studies were performed to compare the CD105 binding affinity of TRC105 and Df-TRC105. PET imaging, biodistribution, blocking, and ex-vivo histology studies were performed on 4T1 murine breast tumor-bearing mice to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tumor-targeting of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105. Another chimeric antibody, cetuximab, was used as an isotype-matched control. RESULTS: FACS analysis of HUVECs revealed no difference in CD105 binding affinity between TRC105 and Df-TRC105, which was further validated by fluorescence microscopy. (89)Zr labeling was achieved with high yield and specific activity. Serial PET imaging revealed that the 4T1 tumor uptake of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105 was 6.1 ± 1.2, 14.3 ± 1.2, 12.4 ± 1.5, 7.1 ± 0.9, and 5.2 ± 0.3 %ID/g at 5, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after injection, respectively (n = 4), higher than all organs starting from 24 h after injection, which provided excellent tumor contrast. Biodistribution data as measured by gamma counting were consistent with the PET findings. Blocking experiments, control studies with (89)Zr-Df-cetuximab, and ex-vivo histology all confirmed the in vivo target specificity of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105. CONCLUSION: We report here the first successful PET imaging of CD105 expression with (89)Zr as the radiolabel. Rapid, persistent, CD105-specific uptake of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105 in the 4T1 tumor was observed.

Positron emission tomography imaging of tumor angiogenesis with a 66Ga-labeled monoclonal antibody.

The goal of this study was to develop a (66)Ga-based positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for noninvasive imaging of CD105 expression during tumor angiogenesis, a hallmark of cancer. (66)Ga was produced using a cyclotron with (nat)Zn or isotopically enriched (66)Zn targets. TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody, was conjugated to 2-S-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (p-SCN-Bn-NOTA) and labeled with (66)Ga. No difference in CD105 binding affinity or specificity was observed between TRC105 and NOTA-TRC105 based on flow cytometry analysis. Reactivity of (66)Ga for NOTA, corrected to the end of bombardment, was between 74 and 222 GBq/µmol for both target enrichments with <2 ppb of cold gallium. (66)Ga-labeling was achieved with >80% radiochemical yield. Serial PET imaging revealed that the murine breast cancer 4T1 tumor uptake of (66)Ga-NOTA-TRC105 was 5.9 ± 1.6, 8.5 ± 0.6, and 9.0 ± 0.6% ID/g at 4, 20, and 36 h postinjection, respectively (n = 4). At the last time point, tumor uptake was higher than that of all organs, which gave excellent tumor contrast with a tumor/muscle ratio of 10.1 ± 1.1. Biodistribution data as measured by gamma counting were consistent with the PET findings. Blocking experiment, control studies with (66)Ga-NOTA-cetuximab, as well as ex vivo histology all confirmed the in vivo target specificity of (66)Ga-NOTA-TRC105. Successful PET imaging with high specific activity (66)Ga (>700 GBq/µmol has been achieved) as the radiolabel opens many new possibilities for future PET research with antibodies or other targeting ligands.

Multimodality imaging of breast cancer experimental lung metastasis with bioluminescence and a monoclonal antibody dual-labeled with 89Zr and IRDye 800CW.

Metastatic breast cancer is incurable. The goal of this study was to develop a positron emission tomography (PET)/near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) probe for imaging CD105 expression in breast cancer experimental lung metastasis. TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 antibody, was dual-labeled with a NIRF dye (IRDye 800CW) and (89)Zr to yield (89)Zr-Df-TRC105-800CW. Luciferase-transfected 4T1 murine breast cancer cells were injected intravenously into female mice to establish the tumor model. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was carried out to noninvasively monitor the lung tumor burden. PET imaging revealed that 4T1 lung tumor uptake of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105-800CW was 8.7 ± 1.4, 10.9 ± 0.5, and 9.7 ± 1.1% ID/g at 4, 24, and 48 h postinjection (n = 4), with excellent tumor contrast. Biodistribution studies, blocking, control studies with (89)Zr-Df-cetuximab-800CW, ex vivo BLI/PET/NIRF imaging, and histology all confirmed CD105 specificity of the tracer. Broad clinical potential of TRC105-based agents was shown in many tumor types, which also enabled early detection of small metastasis and intraoperative guidance for tumor removal.

Cancer-targeted optical imaging with fluorescent zinc oxide nanowires.

Herein we demonstrate that intrinsically fluorescent zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) can be adopted for molecularly targeted imaging of cancer cells, after they are functionalized to render water solubility, biocompatibility, and low cellular toxicity. Optical imaging of integrin α(v)ß(3) on U87MG human glioblastoma cells was achieved with RGD peptide-conjugated green fluorescent ZnO NWs, which opened up new avenues of research for investigating ZnO NW-based agents in tumor vasculature-targeted molecular imaging and drug delivery.