177Lu-Labeled Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Functionalized with Doxorubicin and Bevacizumab as Nanobrachytherapy Agents against Breast Cancer.

The use of conventional methods for the treatment of cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and approaches such as brachytherapy in conjunction with the unique properties of nanoparticles could enable the development of novel theranostic agents. The aim of our current study was to evaluate the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles, coated with alginic acid and polyethylene glycol, functionalized with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin and the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, to serve as a nanoradiopharmaceutical agent against breast cancer. Direct radiolabeling with the therapeutic isotope Lutetium-177 (177Lu) resulted in an additional therapeutic effect. Functionalization was accomplished at high percentages and radiolabeling was robust. The high cytotoxic effect of our radiolabeled and non-radiolabeled nanostructures was proven in vitro against five different breast cancer cell lines. The ex vivo biodistribution in tumor-bearing mice was investigated with three different ways of administration. The intratumoral administration of our functionalized radionanoconjugates showed high tumor accumulation and retention at the tumor site. Finally, our therapeutic efficacy study performed over a 50-day period against an aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cell line (4T1) demonstrated enhanced tumor growth retention, thus identifying the developed nanoparticles as a promising nanobrachytherapy agent against breast cancer.

Radiochemical and radiobiological assessment of a pyridyl-S-cysteine functionalized bombesin derivative labeled with the (99m)Tc(CO)3(+) core.

Bombesin is a neuropeptide widely studied due to its ability to target various types of cancers. Technetium-99m on the other hand is ideal for diagnostic tumor targeting. The aim of the present study is the investigation of the coupling of the ligand (S)-(2-(2'-pyridyl)ethyl)-d,l-cysteine with the BN-peptide Gln-Arg-Leu-Gly-Asn-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-Met(CONH2) through the spacer aminohexanoic acidand the labeling of the resulting derivative MBN with the synthon [M(CO)3(H2O)3](+) (M=(99m)Tc, Re). The peptide was synthesized according to the SPPS method, purified and characterized by ESI-MS. The new (99m)Tc-labeled biomolecule was stable in vitro, showed high affinity for the human GRP receptor expressed in PC3 cells and the rate of internalization was found to be time-dependent tissue distribution of the radiopeptide was evaluated in normal mice and in prostate cancer experimental models and significant radioactivity uptake was observed in the pancreas of normal mice as well as in PC3 tumors. Dynamic studies of the radiopeptide showed satisfactory tumor images.

Synthesis and comparative assessment of a labeled RGD peptide bearing two different 99mTc-tricarbonyl chelators for potential use as targeted radiopharmaceutical.

During the past decade radiolabeled RGD-peptides have been extensively studied to develop site-directed targeting vectors for integrins. Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface adhesion receptors, which are upregulated in cancer cells and neovasculature during tumor angiogenesis and recognize the RGD aminoacid sequence. In the present study, we report the synthesis and development of two derivatives of the Nε-Lys derivatized cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys peptide, namely of cRGDfKHis and cRGDfK-CPA (CPA: 3-L-Cysteine Propionic Acid), radiolabeled via the [(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+) metal aquaion at a high yield even at low concentrations of 10-5M (>87%) for cRGDfK-10-5M (>93%) for cRGDfK-CPA. Radiolabeled peptides were characterized with regard to their stability in saline, in His/Cys solutions, as well as in plasma, serum and tissue homogenates and were found to be practically stable. Internalization and efflux assays using αvß3-receptor-positive MDA-MB 435 breast cancer cells showed a good percentage of quick internalization (29.1 ± 9.8% for (99m)Tc-HiscRGDfK and 37.0 ± 0.7% for (99m)Tc-CPA-cRGDfK at 15 min) and no retention of radioactivity for both derivatives. Their in vivo behavior was assessed in normal mice and pathological SCID mice bearing MDA-MB 435 ανß3 positive breast tumors. Both presented fast blood clearance and elimination via both the urinary and hepatobiliary systems, with (99m)Tc-His-cRGDfK remaining for a longer time than (99m)Tc-CPA-cRGDfK in all organs examined. Tumor uptake 30 min pi was higher for (99m)Tc-CPAcRGDfK (4.2 ± 1.5% ID/g) than for (99m)Tc-His-cRGDfK (2.8 ± 1.5% ID/g). Dynamic scintigraphic studies showed that the tumor could be visualized better between 15 and 45 min pi for both radiolabeled compounds but low delineation occurred due to high abdominal background. It was finally noticed that the accumulated activity on the tumor site was depended on the size of the experimental tumor; the smaller the size, the higher was the radioactivity concentration.

Biodistribution of intravenous [99mTc]Tc-phytate in mouse models of chemically and foreign-body induced sterile inflammation.

When injected intravenously, [99mTc]Tc-phytate forms particles in the nanometer range. This size can favor its extravasation into tumor and inflammation through pores of the vasculature. The aim of this work is the evaluation of the use of [99mTc]Tc-phytate to assess sterile inflammation in mouse models. Biodistribution studies of [99mTc]Tc-phytate were performed in two groups of male Swiss Albino mice. Sterile inflammation was induced after intramuscular injection of turpentine in the first group (chemically induced sterile inflammation model) and after implantation of sterile metal bolts in the second group (foreign-body induced sterile inflammation model). [99mTc]Tc-phytate was intravenously injected after the development of inflammation in both groups and ex vivo biodistribution of the radiolabelled complex followed at different time-points. Biodistribution was expressed as percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g). Target-to-background ratios were also recorded. For the chemically induced sterile inflammation model, ex vivo biodistribution evaluation measurements revealed a pronounced uptake in the inflamed muscle when compared to uptake in the control/non-inflamed muscle. Moreover, as expected, there is a high uptake in the liver and spleen. For the foreign-body induced sterile inflammation model, a significantly higher uptake was observed in the inflamed muscle post [99mTc]Tc-phytate injection, both for the 24 hours post-bolt implantation and for the 7 days post-bolt implantation groups. The nanoparticle properties of [99mTc]Tc-phytate are potentially useful in the imaging of different types of sterile inflammation with translational potential clinical SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging applications in humans.

In vivo biodistribution of edelfosine-loaded lipid nanoparticles radiolabeled with Technetium-99 m: Comparison of administration routes in mice.

Edelfosine (ET) is a potent antitumor agent but causes severe side effects that have limited its use in clinical practice. For this reason, nanoencapsulation in lipid nanoparticles (LNs) is advantageous as it protects from ET side-effects. Interestingly, previous studies showed the efficacy of LNs containing ET in various types of tumor. In this paper, biodistribution studies of nanoencapsulated ET, administered by three routes (oral, intravenous (IV) and intraperitoneal (IP)), were tested in order to select the optimal route of administration. To do this, ET-LNs were labeled with Technetium-99 m (99mTc) and administered by the oral, IV and IP route in mice. IV administration of the radiolabeled LNs led to fast elimination from the blood circulation and increased accumulation in reticulo-endothelial (RES) organs, while their oral administration could not provide any evidence on their biodistribution since large radiocomplexes were formed in the presence of gastrointestinal fluids. However, when the LNs were administered by the IP route they could access the systemic circulation and provided more constant blood ET-LN levels compared to the IV route. These findings suggest that the IP route can be used to sustain the level of drug in the blood and avoid accumulation in RES organs.

Preliminary Evaluation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Radiolabeled with 68Ga and 177Lu as Potential Theranostic Agents.

Theranostic radioisotope pairs such as Gallium-68 (68Ga) for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Lutetium-177 (177Lu) for radioisotopic therapy, in conjunction with nanoparticles (NPs), are an emerging field in the treatment of cancer. The present work aims to demonstrate the ability of condensed colloidal nanocrystal clusters (co-CNCs) comprised of iron oxide nanoparticles, coated with alginic acid (MA) and stabilized by a layer of polyethylene glycol (MAPEG) to be directly radiolabeled with 68Ga and its therapeutic analog 177Lu. 68Ga/177Lu- MA and MAPEG were investigated for their in vitro stability. The biocompatibility of the non-radiolabeled nanoparticles, as well as the cytotoxicity of MA, MAPEG, and [177Lu]Lu-MAPEG were assessed on 4T1 cells. Finally, the ex vivo biodistribution of the 68Ga-labeled NPs as well as [177Lu]Lu-MAPEG was investigated in normal mice. Radiolabeling with both radioisotopes took place via a simple and direct labelling method without further purification. Hemocompatibility was verified for both NPs, while MTT studies demonstrated the non-cytotoxic profile of the nanocarriers and the dose-dependent toxicity for [177Lu]Lu-MAPEG. The radiolabeled nanoparticles mainly accumulated in RES organs. Based on our preliminary results, we conclude that MAPEG could be further investigated as a theranostic agent for PET diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

Chelator-Free/Chelator-Mediated Radiolabeling of Colloidally Stabilized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Imaging.

The aim of this study was to develop a bioimaging probe based on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) surface functionalized with the copolymer (p(MAA-g-EGMA)), which were radiolabeled with the positron emitter Gallium-68. The synthesis of the hybrid MIONs was realized by hydrolytic condensation of a single ferrous precursor in the presence of the copolymer. The synthesized MagP MIONs displayed an average Dh of 87 nm, suitable for passive targeting of cancerous tissues through the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect after intravenous administration, while their particularly high magnetic content ascribes strong magnetic properties to the colloids. Two different approaches were explored to develop MIONs radiolabeled with 68Ga: the chelator-mediated approach, where the chelating agent NODAGA-NHS was conjugated onto the MIONs (MagP-NODAGA) to form a chelate complex with 68Ga, and the chelator-free approach, where 68Ga was directly incorporated onto the MIONs (MagP). Both groups of NPs showed highly efficient radiolabeling with 68Ga, forming constructs which were stable with time, and in the presence of PBS and human serum. Ex vivo biodistribution studies of [68Ga]Ga- MIONs showed high accumulation in the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) organs and satisfactory blood retention with time. In vivo PET imaging with [68Ga]Ga-MagP MIONs was in accordance with the ex vivo biodistribution results. Finally, the MIONs showed low toxicity against 4T1 breast cancer cells. These detailed studies established that [68Ga]Ga- MIONs exhibit potential for application as tracers for early cancer detection.

Magnetic and radio-labeled bio-hybrid scaffolds to promote and track in vivo the progress of bone regeneration.

This work describes the preparation, characterization and functionalization with magnetic nanoparticles of a bone tissue-mimetic scaffold composed of collagen and hydroxyapatite obtained through a biomineralization process. Bone remodeling takes place over several weeks and the possibility to follow it in vivo in a quick and reliable way is still an outstanding issue. Therefore, this work aims to produce an implantable material that can be followed in vivo during bone regeneration by using the existing non-invasive imaging techniques (MRI). To this aim, suitably designed biocompatible SPIONs were linked to the hybrid scaffold using two different strategies, one involving naked SPIONs (nMNPs) and the other using coated and activated SPIONs (MNPs) exposing carboxylic acid functions allowing a covalent attachment between MNPs and collagen molecules. Physico-chemical characterization was carried out to investigate the morphology, crystallinity and stability of the functionalized materials followed by MRI analyses and evaluation of a radiotracer uptake ([99mTc]Tc-MDP). Cell proliferation assays in vitro were carried out to check the cytotoxicity and demonstrated no side effects due to the SPIONs. The achieved results demonstrated that the naked and coated SPIONs are more homogeneously distributed in the scaffold when incorporated during the synthesis process. This work demonstrated a suitable approach to develop a biomaterial for bone regeneration that allows the monitoring of the healing progress even for long-term follow-up studies.

A Proof-of-Concept Study on the Therapeutic Potential of Au Nanoparticles Radiolabeled with the Alpha-Emitter Actinium-225.

Actinium-225 (225Ac) is receiving increased attention for its application in targeted radionuclide therapy, due to the short range of its emitted alpha particles in conjunction with their high linear energy transfer, which lead to the eradication of tumor cells while sparing neighboring healthy tissue. The objective of our study was the evaluation of a gold nanoparticle radiolabeled with 225Ac as an injectable radiopharmaceutical form of brachytherapy for local radiation treatment of cancer. Au@TADOTAGA was radiolabeled with 225Ac at pH 5.6 (30 min at 70 °C), and in vitro stability was evaluated. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed in U-87 MG cancer cells, and in vivo biodistribution was performed by intravenous and intratumoral administration of [225Ac]225Ac-Au@TADOTAGA in U-87 MG tumor-bearing mice. A preliminary study to assess therapeutic efficacy of the intratumorally-injected radio-nanomedicine was performed over a period of 22 days, while the necrotic effect on tumors was evaluated by a histopathology study. We have shown that [225Ac]225Ac-Au@TADOTAGA resulted in the retardation of tumor growth after its intratumoral injection in U87MG tumor-bearing mice, even though very low activities were injected per mouse. This gold nanoparticle radiopharmaceutical could be applied as an unconventional brachytherapy in injectable form for local radiation treatment of cancer.

Spacer site modifications for the improvement of the in vitro and in vivo binding properties of (99m)Tc-N(3)S-X-bombesin[2-14] derivatives.

It has been shown that gastrin releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs) are overexpressed in various types of cancer cells. Bombesin is an analogue of the mammalian GRP that binds with high specificity and affinity to GRPRs. Significant research efforts have been lately devoted to the design of radiolabeled 8 or 14 aminoacid bombesin (BN) peptides for the detection (either with gamma or positron emitting radionuclides) and therapy (with beta(-) emitting radionuclides) of cancer. The specific aim of the present study was to further investigate the radiolabeled peptide structure and to determine whether the total absence of a linker or the use of a basic diverse amino acid linker could influence the biodistribution profile of the new compounds for specific targeting of human prostate cancer. Thus, two new derivatives with the structure Gly-Gly-Cys-X-BN[2-14], where linker X is either zero (I) or Orn-Orn-Orn (Orn: ornithine) (II) were designed and synthesized. The corresponding (99m)Tc-BN derivatives were obtained with high radiochemical yield (>98%) and had almost identical retention times in RP-HPLC with the (185/187)Re complexes, which were also characterized by ESI-MS. Metabolic stability was found to be high in human plasma, moderate in PC-3 cells, and rather low in mouse liver and kidney homogenates for both BN derivatives studied. The BN derivative without the spacer was less stable in cell culture and liver homogenates. A satisfactory binding affinity to GRPRs, in the nanomolar range, was obtained for both BN derivatives as well as for their Re complexes, with BN (II) demonstrating the highest one. In vitro internalization/externalization assays indicated that approximately 6% of BN (I) and approximately 25% of BN (II) were internalized into PC-3 cells. In vivo evaluation in normal Swiss mice and in tumor bearing SCID mice showed that BN (II) presented higher tumor and pancreas uptake than BN (I). Small animal SPECT dynamic imaging, carried out after an injection of BN (II) in mice bearing PC-3 tumors, resulted in PC-3 tumor delineation with low background activity. Overall, this study performed for two new N(3)S-X-BN[2-14] derivatives indicated that hydrophilicity and charge strongly affected the in vitro and in vivo binding properties and the biodistribution pattern. This finding is confirmed by SPECT imaging of BN (II), which is under further in vivo evaluation for detecting cancer-positive GRPRs.

Radiolabeled methotrexate as a diagnostic agent of inflammatory target sites: A proof-of-concept study.

Methotrexate (MTX), as a pharmaceutical, is frequently used in tumor chemotherapy and is also a part of the established treatment of a number of autoimmune inflammatory disorders. Radiolabeled MTX has been studied as a tumor­diagnostic agent in a number of published studies. In the present study, the potential use of technetium­99m­labelled MTX (99mTc­MTX) as a radiotracer was investigated for the identification of inflammatory target sites. The labelling of MTX was carried out via a 99mTc­gluconate precursor. Evaluation studies included in vitro stability, plasma protein binding assessment, partition­coefficient estimation, in vivo scintigraphic imaging and ex vivo animal experiments in an animal inflammation model. MTX was successfully labelled with 99mTc, with a radiochemical purity of >95%. Stability was assessed in plasma, where it remained intact up to 85% at 4 h post­incubation, while protein binding of the radiotracer was observed to be ~50% at 4 h. These preclinical ex vivo and in vivo studies indicated that 99mTc­MTX accumulates in inflamed tissue, as well as in the spinal cord, joints and bones; all areas with relatively high remodeling activity. The results are promising, and set the stage for further work on the development and application of 99mTc­MTX as a radiotracer for inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Gallium-68 Labeled Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with 2,3-Dicarboxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic Acid as a Potential PET/MR Imaging Agent: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

The aim of this study was to develop a dual-modality PET/MR imaging probe by radiolabeling iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs), surface functionalized with water soluble stabilizer 2,3-dicarboxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (DPD), with the positron emitter Gallium-68. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs) were synthesized via coprecipitation method and were stabilized with DPD. The Fe3O4-DPD MNPs were characterized based on their structure, morphology, size, surface charge, and magnetic properties. In vitro cytotoxicity studies showed reduced toxicity in normal cells, compared to cancer cells. Fe3O4-DPD MNPs were successfully labeled with Gallium-68 at high radiochemical purity (>91%) and their stability in human serum and in PBS was demonstrated, along with their further characterization on size and magnetic properties. The ex vivo biodistribution studies in normal Swiss mice showed high uptake in the liver followed by spleen. The acquired PET images were in accordance with the ex vivo biodistribution results. Our findings indicate that 68Ga-Fe3O4-DPD MNPs could serve as an important diagnostic tool for biomedical imaging.

68Ga-radiolabeled AGuIX nanoparticles as dual-modality imaging agents for PET/MRI-guided radiation therapy.

AIM: The aim of this study was to develop a dual-modality positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) imaging probe by radiolabeling gadolinium-containing AGuIX derivatives with the positron-emitter Gallium-68 (68Ga). MATERIALS & METHODS: AGuIX@NODAGA nanoparticles were labeled with 68Ga at high efficiency. Tumor accumulation in an appropriate disease model was assessed by ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo PET/MR imaging. RESULTS:  68Ga-AGuIX@NODAGA was proven to passively accumulate in U87MG human glioblastoma tumor xenografts. Metabolite assessment in serum, urine and tumor samples showed that 68Ga-AGuIX@NODAGA remains unmetabolized up to at least 60 min postinjection. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that 68Ga-AGuIX@NODAGA can be used as a dual-modality PET/MR imaging agent with passive accumulation in the diseased area, thus showing great potential for PET/MR image-guided radiation therapy.

Comparative evaluation of linear and cyclic 99mTc-RGD peptides for targeting of integrins in tumor angiogenesis.

Cell adhesion molecules, such as integrins, play a vital role in angiogenesis, a key pathway for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. The integrin alpha(v)beta(3), which recognizes the RGD sequence (Arg-Gly-Asp), may provide a target for in vivo tumor imaging. A linear and a cyclic RGD peptide derivative (RGDfK-His and cRGDfK-His, respectively), labelled via the precursor [99mTc(H2O)3(CO)3]+, were comparatively evaluated and their radiobiological properties were assessed in normal and tumor-bearing mice. Biodistribution studies showed non-specific uptake in all organs, rapid blood clearance and elimination via the hepatobiliary and urinary systems. Tumor uptake was higher for the cyclic radiolabelled derivative, as the both biodistribution and imaging studies suggested. The cRGDfK-His, labelled via the fac-[99mTc(CO)3]-core, may prove to be a useful tool for early tumor detection.

Evaluation of a series of new 99mTc-labeled bombesin-like peptides for early cancer detection.

Bombesin (BN) is a peptide exhibiting a high affinity for the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor, which is overexpressed by a variety of tumors, including breast or prostate cancer. The aim of the present study was the investigation of the complexes formed between a series of BN-like peptides and the nuclides (185/187)Re and 99mTc. The (185/187)Re complexes were formed via the precursor Regluconate. The radiolabeling of the derivatives with 99mTc was performed using either 99mTc-gluconate or 99mTc-MDP as the intermediate complex. For the in vitro evaluation of the new peptides, the cancer cell line PC3 was used. The in vivo behavior of the 99mTc-labeled BN-like peptides was evaluated in normal mice. All the derivatives showed specific uptake in the pancreas, an organ rich in BN receptors and high affinity for the cancer cell line PC3. The above preliminary results indicated that the new BN derivatives are promising for human cancer studies.

Co-administration of succinylated gelatine with a (99m)Tc-bombesin analogue, effects on pharmacokinetics and tumor uptake.

The bombesin analogue, [(99m)Tc-GGC]-(Ornithine)3-BN(2-14), (99m)Tc-BN-O, targeting gastrin releasing peptide receptors (GRPrs) on the surface of tumors, was pre-clinically investigated as potential imaging agent for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In addition, the improvement of its pharmacokinetic profile (PK) was investigated through the co-administration of a succinylated gelatin plasma expander (Gelofusine), aiming to reduce its kidney accumulation and enhance its tumor-to-normal tissue contrast ratios. Biodistribution data were collected from normal mice and rats, and PC-3 tumor bearing mice, in reference to its PK, metabolism and tumor uptake. Imaging data were also collected from PC-3 tumor bearing mice. Biodistribution and imaging experiments showed that (99m)Tc-BN-O was able to efficiently localize the tumor (5.23 and 7.00% ID/g at 30 and 60min post injection, respectively), while at the same time it was rapidly cleared from the circulation through the kidneys. HPLC analysis of kidney samples, collected at 60min p.i. from normal mice and rats, showed that the majority of radioactivity detected was due to intact peptide i.e. 56% for mice and 73% for rats. Co-administration of (99m)Tc-BN-O with Gelo resulted in the reduction of kidney uptake in both animal models. The integrated area under the curve (AUC30-60 min) from the concentration-time plots of kidneys was decreased in both mice and rats by 25 and 50%, respectively. In PC-3 tumor bearing mice, an increase of tumor uptake (AUCtumor increased by 69%) was also observed with Gelo. An improvement in tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-normal tissue ratios was noted in all cases with the exception of the pancreas, which normally expresses GRPr. The results of this preclinical study may also be extended to other similar peptides, which are utilized in prostate cancer imaging and present similar PK profile.

Labeling and preliminary in vivo assessment of niobium-labeled radioactive species: A proof-of-concept study.

The application of radionuclide-labeled biomolecules such as monoclonal antibodies or antibody fragments for imaging purposes is called immunoscintigraphy. More specifically, when the nuclides used are positron emitters, such as zirconium-89, the technique is referred to as immuno-PET. Currently, there is an urgent need for radionuclides with a half-life which correlates well with the biological kinetics of the biomolecules under question and which can be attached to the proteins by robust labeling chemistry. (90)Nb is a promising candidate for in vivo immuno-PET, due its half-life of 14.6h and low ß(+) energy of Emean=0.35MeV per decay. (95)Nb on the other hand, is a convenient alternative for longer-term ex vivo biodistribution studies, due to its longer half-life of (t½=35days) and its convenient, lower-cost production (reactor-based production). In this proof-of-principle work, the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (Avastin(®)) was labeled with (95/90)Nb and in vitro and in vivo stability was evaluated in normal Swiss mice and in tumor-bearing SCID mice. Initial ex vivo experiments with (95)Nb-bevacizumab showed adequate tumor uptake, however at the same time high uptake in the liver, spleen and kidneys was observed. In order to investigate whether this behavior is due to instability of (⁎)Nb-bevacizumab or to the creation of other (⁎)Nb species in vivo, we performed biodistribution studies of (95)Nb-oxalate, (95)Nb-chloride and (95)Nb-Df. These potential metabolite species did not show any specific uptake, apart from bone accumulation for (95)Nb-oxalate and (95)Nb-chloride, which, interestingly, may serve as an "indicator" for the release of (90)Nb from labeled biomolecules. Concerning the initial uptake of (95)Nb-bevacizumab in non-tumor tissue, biodistribution of a higher specific activity radiolabeled antibody sample did show only negligible uptake in the liver, spleen, kidneys or bones. In-vivo imaging of a tumor-bearing SCID mouse after injection with (90)Nb-bevacizumab was acquired on an experimental small-animal PET camera, and indeed showed localization of the radiotracer in the tumor area. It is the first time that such results are described in the literature, and indicates promise of application of (90)Nb-labeled antibodies for the purposes of immuno-PET.

Biodistribution and scintigraphic studies of 153Sm-labeled anti-CEA monoclonal antibody for radioimmunoscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy.

The anti-CEA monoclonal antibody, which selectively localizes in colon cancer, was labeled with Samarium-153 (153Sm). 153Sm is mainly a beta-emitter which can be used for therapeutic purposes, while its gamma-ray facilitates imaging studies. Labeling was achieved using the bicyclic anhydride of DTPA as chelator for Sm-153 tagging onto the antibody. [153Sm]anti-CEA was biologically evaluated in nude mice bearing tumors of different weight (0.5-2.5 g), at diverse time intervals (4-72 hours), by anatomic and imaging methods. Biodistribution studies showed slow blood clearance and high retention in the liver, kidneys and lungs. In nude mice bearing tumors of about the same weight, uptake increased with time, from 4 to 72 hours post injection (p.i.). Highest uptake was observed in 0.5-0.8 g tumors compared to those of 1.5-2.5 g. The results agreed with imaging studies performed on a gamma camera at 4 to 72 hours p.i. Tumor uptake depended on time and tumor weight. The tumor can be visualized 24 hours p.i. but, due to the high background, it can be clearly distinguished at 72 hours p.i.

Evaluation of ανß3-mediated tumor expression with a 99mTc-labeled ornithine-modified RGD derivative during glioblastoma growth in vivo.

In this study, a novel way of distinguishing the intrinsic relationship between ανß3 integrin targeting and detection of tumor growth by using a radiolabeled tracer based on a cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide was provided. The potential of the in vivo scintigraphic imaging of the developing vasculature from the early stage of tumor growth was evaluated. Alongside with the scintigraphic images, biodistribution studies were performed at distinct time points to validate this noninvasive imaging approach. The ability to noninvasively assess the tumor growth of ανß3 integrin-positive glioblastoma tumors provides a method to better understand tumor angiogenesis in vivo and allows for a direct assessment of anti-integrin treatment efficacy.

Comparative in vitro stability and scintigraphic imaging for trafficking and tumor targeting of a directly and a novel 99mTc(I)(CO)3 labeled liposome.

Liposomes radiolabelling with diagnostic radionuclides is an excellent tool for studying pharmacokinetics with the view of developing liposome-based drug delivery agents. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo behavior of a (99m)Tc-labeled liposome by applying either a direct labeling strategy via a carboxyl group, LP-COOH, or a surface chelating method via pyridyl ethyl cysteine compound (with the intermediate [99mTc(I)(CO)3(H2O)(3)](+)), LP-PEC. 99mTc-LP-COOH was obtained in high radiolabelling yield and radiochemical purity, while 99mTc(I)(CO)3-LP-PEC was initially purified before being in vitro and in vivo evaluated. 99mTc-LP-COOH was less stable in the presence of competitive for 99mTc ligands than 99mTc(I)(CO)3-LP-PEC. According to DLS measurements, the presence of serum as well as the applied radiolabelling conditions did not affect the liposomes' size. The different radiolabelling methods seemed to exert an influence on the biodistribution pattern of the liposomes with the 99mTc(I)(CO)3-LP-PEC showing slow blood clearance, which was also confirmed by in vivo scintigraphic imaging. Nevertheless, passive tumor targeting was attained at a similar extent no matter which radiolabelling technique was followed.