Imaging the translocator protein 18 kDa within cognitive control and declarative memory circuits in virally-suppressed people with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: Virally-suppressed people with HIV (VS-PWH) show heterogeneity in patterns of cognitive dysfunction. To better understand the relationship between the neuroimmune response and cognition, we used positron emission tomography (PET) to image the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO). The study examined HIV-serostatus differences in TSPO as well as associations between regional TSPO and select cognitive processes defined using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. DESIGN: Cross-sectional investigation in VS-PWH (n = 25) versus HIV-uninfected individuals (n = 18) of cognitive control and declarative memory, as well as [11C]DPA-713 PET measures of TSPO within cognitive control and declarative memory regions of interest. METHODS: Group differences in [11C]DPA-713 binding (VT) in cognitive control or declarative memory regions were examined using linear mixed models. Tests of associations between factor-derived cognitive system measures and PET measures were performed, controlling for TSPO genotype. RESULTS: There were no group differences in any of the four factor-derived cognitive system measures. VS-PWH had higher log [11C]DPA-713 VT across cognitive control regions(unstandardized beta coefficient reflecting mean difference [B] = 0.23, SE = 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01, 0.45, P = 0.04) and declarative memory regions (B = 0.24, SE = 0.11, 95%CI 0.02, 0.45, P = 0.03). Higher log [11C]DPA-713 VT in cognitive control regions related to poorer cognitive control in each group, and to worse self-reported cognitive performance in VS-PWH. Log [11C]DPA-713 VT in each declarative memory region did not associate with measured declarative memory. CONCLUSIONS: A localized neuroimmune response marked by high TSPO in brain regions that subserve cognitive control may contribute to poorer cognitive control in VS-PWH.

Performance of PSMA-targeted radiotheranostics in an experimental model of renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents cancer originating from the renal epithelium and accounts for > 90% of cancers in the kidney. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is overexpressed in tumor-associated neovascular endothelial cells of many solid tumors, including metastatic RCC. Although studied in several small clinical studies, PSMA-based imaging and therapy have not been pursued rigorously in preclinical RCC. This study aimed to evaluate the preclinical performance of PSMA-based radiotheranostic agents in a relevant murine model. Methods: A PSMA-overexpressing murine cell line, PSMA+ RENCA, was developed by lentiviral transduction. PSMA-based theranostic agents, 68Ga-L1/177Lu-L1/225Ac-L1, were synthesized in high radiochemical yield and purity following our reported methods. Immunocompetent BALB/c mice were used for flank and orthotopic tumor inoculation. 68Ga-L1 was evaluated in small animal PET/CT imaging in flank and PET/MR imaging in orthotopic models. Cell viability studies were conducted for 177Lu-L1 and 225Ac-L1. Proof-of-concept treatment studies were performed using 225Ac-L1 (0, 37 kBq, 2 kBq × 37 kBq, 1 week apart) using PSMA+ RENCA in the flank model. Results: Cellular uptake of 68Ga-L1, 177Lu-L1, and 225Ac-L1 confirmed the specificity of the agents to PSMA+ RENCA cells rather than to RENCA (wt) cells, which are low in PSMA expression. The uptake in PSMA+ RENCA cells at 1 h for 68Ga-L1 (49.0% incubated dose [ID] ± 3.6%ID/million cells), 177Lu-L1 (22.1%ID ± 0.5%ID)/million cells), and 225Ac-L1 (4.1% ± 0.2% ID)/million cells), respectively, were higher than the RENCA (wt) cells (~ 1%ID-2%ID/million cells). PET/CT images displayed > 7-fold higher accumulation of 68Ga-L1 in PSMA+ RENCA compared to RENCA (wt) in flank implantation at 1 h. A twofold higher accumulation of 68Ga-L1 was observed in orthotopic tumors than in normal kidneys during 1-3 h postinjection. High lung uptake was observed with 68Ga-L1 PET/MR imaging 3 weeks after orthotopic implantation of PSMA+ RENCA due to spontaneous lung metastases. The imaging data were further confirmed by immunohistochemical characterization. 225Ac-L1 (0-37 kBq) displayed a dose-dependent reduction of cell proliferation in the PSMA+ RENCA cells after 48 h incubation; ~ 40% reduction in the cells with treated 37 kBq compared to vehicle (p < 0.001); however, no effect was observed with 177Lu-L1 (0-3700 kBq) up to 144 h postinoculation, suggesting lower efficacy of ß-particle-emitting radiations in cellular studies compared to α-particle-emitting 225Ac-L1. Animals treated with 225Ac-L1 at 1 week posttumor inoculation in flank models displayed significant tumor growth delay (p < 0.03) and longer median survival of 21 days and 24 days for the treatment groups 37 kBq and 2 kBq × 37 kBq, respectively, compared to the vehicle group (12 days). Conclusion: The results suggest that a theranostic strategy targeting PSMA, employing PET and α-emitting radiopharmaceuticals, enabled tumor growth control and enhanced survival in a relevant immunocompetent murine model of RCC. These studies provide the rationale for clinical studies of PSMA-targeted theranostic agents in patients with RCC.

A radioligand for in vitro autoradiography of CSF1R in post-mortem CNS tissues.

BACKGROUND: Reactive microglia and recruited peripheral macrophages contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Monocytes, macrophages and microglia all express the marker colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). 4-Cyano-N-(4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide (1) is a high-affinity antagonist for CSF1R. We report the radiosynthesis of both [3H]1 and [11C]1. The PET imaging properties of [11C]1 in mice and baboon were investigated. [3H]1 was studied in Bmax measurement in post-mortem autoradiography in the frontal cortex, inferior parietal cortex and hippocampus from donors diagnosed with AD and age-matched controls. In vitro binding affinity of 1 was measured commercially. Nor-methyl-1 precursor was radiolabeled with [11C]iodomethane or [3H]iodomethane to produce [11C]1 and [3H]1, respectively. Ex vivo brain biodistribution of [11C]1 was compared in normal mice versus lipopolysaccharide-administered (LPS) murine model of neuroinflammation. Dynamic PET imaging was performed in a healthy male Papio anubis baboon. Post-mortem autoradiography with [3H]1 was performed in frozen sections using a standard saturation binding technique. RESULTS: Compound 1 exhibits a high in vitro CSF1R binding affinity (0.59 nM). [11C]1 was synthesized with high yield. [3H]1 was synthesized similarly (commercially). Biodistribution of [11C]1 in healthy mice demonstrated moderate brain uptake. In LPS-treated mice the brain uptake of [11C]1 was ~ 50% specific for CSF1R. PET/CT [11C]1 study in baboon revealed low brain uptake (0.36 SUV) of [11C]1. Autoradiography with [3H]1 gave significantly elevated Bmax values in AD frontal cortex versus control (47.78 ± 26.80 fmol/mg vs. 12.80 ± 5.30 fmol/mg, respectively, P = 0.023) and elevated, but not significantly different binding in AD hippocampus grey matter and inferior parietal cortex (IPC) white matter. CONCLUSIONS: Compound 1 exhibits a high in vitro CSF1R binding affinity. [11C]1 specifically labels CSF1R in the mouse neuroinflammation, but lacks the ability to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier in baboon PET. [3H]1 specifically labels CSF1R in post-mortem human brain. The binding of [3H]1 is significantly higher in the post-mortem frontal cortex of AD versus control subjects.

PROMER technology: A new real-time PCR tool enabling multiplex detection of point mutation with high specificity and sensitivity.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) is a powerful tool for the precise quantification of nucleic acids in various applications. In cancer management, the monitoring of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from liquid biopsies can provide valuable information for precision care, including treatment selection and monitoring, prognosis, and early detection. However, the rare and heterogeneous nature of ctDNA has made its precise detection and quantification challenging, particularly for ctDNA containing hotspot mutations. We have developed a new real-time PCR tool, PROMER technology, which enables the precise and sensitive detection of ctDNA containing cancer-driven single-point mutations. The PROMER functions as both a PRObe and priMER, providing enhanced detection specificity. We validated PROMER technology using synthetic templates with known KRAS point mutations and demonstrated its sensitivity and linearity of quantification. Using genomic DNA from human cancer cells with mutant and wild-type KRAS, we confirmed that PROMER PCR can detect mutant DNA. Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of PROMER technology to efficiently detect mutation-carrying ctDNA from the plasma of mice with human cancers. Our results suggest that PROMER technology represents a promising new tool for the precise detection and quantification of DNA containing point mutations in the presence of a large excess of wild-type counterpart.

A third generation PSMA-targeted agent [211At]YF2: Synthesis and in vivo evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Targeted α-particle therapy agents have shown promising responses in patients who have developed resistance to ß--particle emitting radionuclides, albeit off-target toxicity remains a concern. Astatine-211 emits only one α-particle per decay and may alleviate the toxicity from α-emitting daughter radionuclides. Previously, we developed the low-molecular-weight PSMA-targeted agent [211At]L3-Lu that showed suitable therapeutic efficacy and was well tolerated in mice. Although [211At]L3-Lu had good characteristics, we now have evaluated a closely related analogue, [211At]YF2, to determine the better molecule for clinical translation. METHODS: The tin precursors and unlabeled iodo standards for [211At]YF2 and [211At]L3-Lu each were synthesized and a new one-step labeling method was developed to produce [211At]YF2 and [211At]L3-Lu from the respective tin precursor. RCY and RCP were determined using RP-HPLC. Cell uptake, internalization and in vitro cell-killing (MTT) assays were performed on PSMA+ PC-3 PIP cells in parallel experiments to compare [211At]YF2 and [211At]L3-Lu directly. A paired-label biodistribution study was performed in athymic mice with subcutaneous PSMA-positive PC-3 PIP xenografts as a head-to-head comparison of [131I]YF2 and [125I]L3-Lu. The tissue distribution of [211At]YF2 and [211At]L3-Lu were determined individually in the same animal model. RESULTS: The syntheses of tin precursors and unlabeled iodo standards were accomplished in reasonable yields. A streamlined and scalable radiolabeling method (1 h total synthesis time) was developed for the radiosynthesis of both [211At]YF2 and [211At]L3-Lu with 86 ± 7 % (n = 10) and 87 ± 5 % (n = 7) RCY, respectively, and > 95 % RCP for both. The maximum activity of [211At]YF2 produced to date was 666 MBq. An alternative method that did not involve HPLC purification was developed that provided similar RCY and RCP. Significantly higher cell uptake, internalization and cytotoxicity was seen for [211At]YF2 compared with [211At]L3-Lu. Significantly higher uptake and longer retention in tumor was seen for [131I]YF2 than for co-administered [125I]L3-Lu, while considerably higher renal uptake was seen for [131I]YF2. The biodistribution of [211At]YF2 was consistent with that of [131I]YF2. CONCLUSION: [211At]YF2 exhibited higher cellular uptake, internalization and cytotoxicity than [211At]L3-Lu on PSMA-positive PC3 PIP cells. Likewise, higher uptake and longer retention in tumor was seen for [211At]YF2. Experiments to evaluate the dosimetry and therapeutic efficacy of [211At]YF2 are under way.

Imaging Brain Injury in Former National Football League Players.

Importance: Pilot studies that involved early imaging of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) using positron emission tomography (PET) indicated high levels of TSPO in the brains of active or former National Football League (NFL) players. If validated further in larger studies, those findings may have implications for athletes involved in collision sport. Objective: To test for higher TSPO that marks brain injury and repair in a relatively large, unique cohort of former NFL players compared with former elite, noncollision sport athletes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used carbon 11-labeled N,N-diethyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-acetamide positron emission tomography ([11C]DPA-713 PET) data from former NFL players within 12 years of last participation in the NFL and elite noncollision sport athletes from across the US. Participants were enrolled between April 2018 and February 2023. Main outcomes and measures: Regional [11C]DPA-713 total distribution volume from [11C]DPA-713 PET that is a measure of regional brain TSPO; regional brain volumes on magnetic resonance imaging; neuropsychological performance, including attention, executive function, and memory domains. Results: This study included 27 former NFL players and 27 former elite, noncollision sport athletes. Regional TSPO levels were higher in former NFL players compared with former elite, noncollision sport athletes (unstandardized ß coefficient, 1.08; SE, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.52; P < .001). The magnitude of the group difference depended on region, with largest group differences in TSPO in cingulate and frontal cortices as well as hippocampus. Compared with noncollision sport athletes, former NFL players performed worse in learning (mean difference [MD], -0.70; 95% CI, -1.14 to -0.25; P = .003) and memory (MD, -0.77; 95% CI, -1.24 to -0.30; P = .002), with no correlation between total gray matter TSPO and these cognitive domains. Conclusions and relevance: In this cross-sectional study using [11C]DPA-713 PET, higher brain TSPO was found in former NFL players compared with noncollision sport athletes. This finding is consistent with neuroimmune activation even after cessation of NFL play. Future longitudinal [11C]DPA-713 PET and neuropsychological testing promises to inform whether neuroimmune-modulating therapy may be warranted.

ME3BP-7 is a targeted cytotoxic agent that rapidly kills pancreatic cancer cells expressing high levels of monocarboxylate transporter MCT1.

Nearly 30% of Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)s exhibit a marked overexpression of Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) offering a unique opportunity for therapy. However, biochemical inhibitors of MCT1 have proven unsuccessful in clinical trials. In this study we present an alternative approach using 3-Bromopyruvate (3BP) to target MCT1 overexpressing PDACs. 3BP is a cytotoxic agent that is known to be transported into cells via MCT1, but its clinical usefulness has been hampered by difficulties in delivering the drug systemically. We describe here a novel microencapsulated formulation of 3BP (ME3BP-7), that is effective against a variety of PDAC cells in vitro and remains stable in serum. Furthermore, systemically administered ME3BP-7 significantly reduces pancreatic cancer growth and metastatic spread in multiple orthotopic models of pancreatic cancer with manageable toxicity. ME3BP-7 is, therefore, a prototype of a promising new drug, in which the targeting moiety and the cytotoxic moiety are both contained within the same single small molecule. One Sentence Summary: ME3BP-7 is a novel formulation of 3BP that resists serum degradation and rapidly kills pancreatic cancer cells expressing high levels of MCT1 with tolerable toxicity in mice.

Preclinical Evaluation of a New Series of Albumin-Binding 177Lu-Labeled PSMA-Based Low-Molecular-Weight Radiotherapeutics.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based low-molecular-weight agents using beta(ß)-particle-emitting radiopharmaceuticals is a new treatment paradigm for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Although results have been encouraging, there is a need to improve the tumor residence time of current PSMA-based radiotherapeutics. Albumin-binding moieties have been used strategically to enhance the tumor uptake and retention of existing PSMA-based investigational agents. Previously, we developed a series of PSMA-based, ß-particle-emitting, low-molecular-weight compounds. From this series, 177Lu-L1 was selected as the lead agent because of its reduced off-target radiotoxicity in preclinical studies. The ligand L1 contains a PSMA-targeting Lys-Glu urea moiety with an N-bromobenzyl substituent in the ε-amino group of Lys. Here, we structurally modified 177Lu-L1 to improve tumor targeting using two known albumin-binding moieties, 4-(p-iodophenyl) butyric acid moiety (IPBA) and ibuprofen (IBU), and evaluated the effects of linker length and composition. Six structurally related PSMA-targeting ligands (Alb-L1-Alb-L6) were synthesized based on the structure of 177Lu-L1. The ligands were assessed for in vitro binding affinity and were radiolabeled with 177Lu following standard protocols. All 177Lu-labeled analogs were studied in cell uptake and selected cell efficacy studies. In vivo pharmacokinetics were investigated by conducting tissue biodistribution studies for 177Lu-Alb-L2-177Lu-Alb-L6 (2 h, 24 h, 72 h, and 192 h) in male NSG mice bearing human PSMA+ PC3 PIP and PSMA- PC3 flu xenografts. Preliminary therapeutic ratios of the agents were estimated from the area under the curve (AUC0-192h) of the tumors, blood, and kidney uptake values. Compounds were obtained in >98% radiochemical yields and >99% purity. PSMA inhibition constants (Kis) of the ligands were in the ≤10 nM range. The long-linker-based agents, 177Lu-Alb-L4 and 177Lu-Alb-L5, displayed significantly higher tumor uptake and retention (p < 0.001) than the short-linker-bearing 177Lu-Alb-L2 and 177Lu-Alb-L3 and a long polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker-bearing agent, 177Lu-Alb-L6. The area under the curve (AUC0-192h) of the PSMA+ PC3 PIP tumor uptake of 177Lu-Alb-L4 and 177Lu-Alb-L5 were >4-fold higher than 177Lu-Alb-L2, 177Lu-Alb-L3, and 177Lu-Alb-L6, respectively. Also, the PSMA+ PIP tumor uptake (AUC0-192h) of 177Lu-Alb-L2 and 177Lu-Alb-L3 was ~1.5-fold higher than 177Lu-Alb-L6. However, the lowest blood AUC0-192h and kidney AUC0-192h were associated with 177Lu-Alb-L6 from the series. Consequently, 177Lu-Alb-L6 displayed the highest ratios of AUC(tumor)-to-AUC(blood) and AUC(tumor)-to-AUC(kidney) values from the series. Among the other agents, 177Lu-Alb-L4 demonstrated a nearly similar ratio of AUC(tumor)-to-AUC(blood) as 177Lu-Alb-L6. The tumor-to-blood ratio was the dose-limiting therapeutic ratio for all of the compounds. Conclusions: 177Lu-Alb-L4 and 177Lu-Alb-L6 showed high tumor uptake in PSMA+ tumors and tumor-to-blood ratios. The data suggest that linker length and composition can be modulated to generate an optimized therapeutic agent.

First-in-human imaging using [11C]MDTC: a radiotracer targeting the cannabinoid receptor type 2.

PURPOSE: We report findings from the first-in-human study of [11C]MDTC, a radiotracer developed to image the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) with positron emission tomography (PET). METHODS: Ten healthy adults were imaged according to a 90-min dynamic PET protocol after bolus intravenous injection of [11C]MDTC. Five participants also completed a second [11C]MDTC PET scan to assess test-retest reproducibility of receptor-binding outcomes. The kinetic behavior of [11C]MDTC in human brain was evaluated using tissue compartmental modeling. Four additional healthy adults completed whole-body [11C]MDTC PET/CT to calculate organ doses and the whole-body effective dose. RESULTS: [11C]MDTC brain PET and [11C]MDTC whole-body PET/CT was well-tolerated. A murine study found evidence of brain-penetrant radiometabolites. The model of choice for fitting the time activity curves (TACs) across brain regions of interest was a three-tissue compartment model that includes a separate input function and compartment for the brain-penetrant metabolites. Regional distribution volume (VT) values were low, indicating low CB2R expression in the brain. Test-retest reliability of VT demonstrated a mean absolute variability of 9.91%. The measured effective dose of [11C]MDTC was 5.29 µSv/MBq. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the safety and pharmacokinetic behavior of [11C]MDTC with PET in healthy human brain. Future studies identifying radiometabolites of [11C]MDTC are recommended before applying [11C]MDTC PET to assess the high expression of the CB2R by activated microglia in human brain.

Hetero-bivalent agents targeting FAP and PSMA.

PURPOSE: We developed a theranostic radiopharmaceutical that engages two key cell surface proteases, fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), each frequently overexpressed within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The latter is also expressed in most prostate tumor epithelium. To engage a broader spectrum of cancers for imaging and therapy, we conjugated small-molecule FAP and PSMA-targeting moieties using an optimized linker to provide 64Cu-labeled compounds. METHODS: We synthesized FP-L1 and FP-L2 using two linker constructs attaching the FAP and PSMA-binding pharmacophores. We determined in vitro inhibition constants (Ki) for FAP and PSMA. Cell uptake assays and flow cytometry were conducted in human glioma (U87), melanoma (SK-MEL-24), prostate cancer (PSMA + PC3 PIP and PSMA - PC3 flu), and clear cell renal cell carcinoma lines (PSMA + /PSMA - 786-O). Quantitative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and tissue biodistribution studies were performed using U87, SK-MEL-24, PSMA + PC3 PIP, and PSMA + 786-O experimental xenograft models and the KPC genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: 64Cu-FP-L1 and 64Cu-FP-L2 were produced in high radiochemical yields (> 98%) and molar activities (> 19 MBq/nmol). Ki values were in the nanomolar range for both FAP and PSMA. PET imaging and biodistribution studies revealed high and specific targeting of 64Cu-FP-L1 and 64Cu-FP-L2 for FAP and PSMA. 64Cu-FP-L1 displayed more favorable pharmacokinetics than 64Cu-FP-L2. In the U87 tumor model at 2 h post-injection, tumor uptake of 64Cu-FP-L1 (10.83 ± 1.02%ID/g) was comparable to 64Cu-FAPI-04 (9.53 ± 2.55%ID/g). 64Cu-FP-L1 demonstrated high retention 5.34 ± 0.29%ID/g at 48 h in U87 tumor. Additionally, 64Cu-FP-L1 showed high retention in PSMA + PC3 PIP tumor (12.06 ± 0.78%ID/g at 2 h and 10.51 ± 1.82%ID/g at 24 h). CONCLUSIONS: 64Cu-FP-L1 demonstrated high and specific tumor targeting of FAP and PSMA. This compound should enable imaging of lesions expressing FAP, PSMA, or both on the tumor cell surface or within the TME. FP-L1 can readily be converted into a theranostic for the management of heterogeneous tumors.

Polymeric nanoparticles for dual-targeted theranostic gene delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops predominantly in the inflammatory environment of a cirrhotic liver caused by hepatitis, toxin exposure, or chronic liver disease. A targeted therapeutic approach is required to enable cancer killing without causing toxicity and liver failure. Poly(beta-amino-ester) (PBAE) nanoparticles (NPs) were used to deliver a completely CpG-free plasmid harboring mutant herpes simplex virus type 1 sr39 thymidine kinase (sr39) DNA to human HCC cells. Transfection with sr39 enables cancer cell killing with the prodrug ganciclovir and accumulation of 9-(4-18F-fluoro-3-hydroxymethylbutyl)guanine (18F-FHBG) for in vivo imaging. Targeting was achieved using a CpG-free human alpha fetoprotein (AFP) promoter (CpGf-AFP-sr39). Expression was restricted to AFP-producing HCC cells, enabling selective transfection of orthotopic HCC xenografts. CpGf-AFP-sr39 NP treatment resulted in 62% reduced tumor size, and therapeutic gene expression was detectable by positron emission tomography (PET). This systemic nanomedicine achieved tumor-specific delivery, therapy, and imaging, representing a promising platform for targeted treatment of HCC.

A Series of PSMA-Targeted Near-Infrared Fluorescent Imaging Agents.

We have synthesized a series of 10 new, PSMA-targeted, near-infrared imaging agents intended for use in vivo for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). Compounds were synthesized from the commercially available amine-reactive active NHS ester of DyLight800. We altered the linker between the PSMA-targeting urea moiety and the fluorophore with a view to improve the pharmacokinetics. Chemical yields for the conjugates ranged from 51% to 86%. The Ki values ranged from 0.10 to 2.19 nM. Inclusion of an N-bromobenzyl substituent at the ε-amino group of lysine enhanced PSMA+ PIP tumor uptake, as did hydrophilic substituents within the linker. The presence of a polyethylene glycol chain within the linker markedly decreased renal uptake. In particular, DyLight800-10 demonstrated high specific uptake relative to background signal within kidney, confirmed by immunohistochemistry. These compounds may be useful for FGS in prostate, renal or other PSMA-expressing cancers.

A Unique Core-Shell Structured, Glycol Chitosan-Based Nanoparticle Achieves Cancer-Selective Gene Delivery with Reduced Off-Target Effects.

The inherent instability of nucleic acids within serum and the tumor microenvironment necessitates a suitable vehicle for non-viral gene delivery to malignant lesions. A specificity-conferring mechanism is also often needed to mitigate off-target toxicity. In the present study, we report a stable and efficient redox-sensitive nanoparticle system with a unique core-shell structure as a DNA carrier for cancer theranostics. Thiolated polyethylenimine (PEI-SH) is complexed with DNA through electrostatic interactions to form the core, and glycol chitosan-modified with succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (GCS-PDP) is grafted on the surface through a thiolate-disulfide interchange reaction to form the shell. The resulting nanoparticles, GCS-PDP/PEI-SH/DNA nanoparticles (GNPs), exhibit high colloid stability in a simulated physiological environment and redox-responsive DNA release. GNPs not only show a high and redox-responsive cellular uptake, high transfection efficiency, and low cytotoxicity in vitro, but also exhibit selective tumor targeting, with minimal toxicity, in vivo, upon systemic administration. Such a performance positions GNPs as viable candidates for molecular-genetic imaging and theranostic applications.

An Improved 211At-Labeled Agent for PSMA-Targeted α-Therapy.

α-Particle emitters targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) proved effective in treating patients with prostate cancer who were unresponsive to the corresponding ß-particle therapy. 211At is an α-emitter that may engender less toxicity than other α-emitting agents. We synthesized a new 211At-labeled radiotracer targeting PSMA that resulted from the search for a pharmacokinetically optimized agent. Methods: A small series of 125I-labeled compounds was synthesized from tin precursors to evaluate the effect of the location of the radiohalogen within the molecule and the presence of lutetium in the chelate on biodistribution. On that basis, 211At-3-Lu was selected and evaluated in cell uptake and internalization studies, and biodistribution and PSMA-expressing (PSMA+) PC3 PIP tumor growth control were evaluated in experimental flank and metastatic (PC3-ML-Luc) models. A long-term (13-mo) toxicity study was performed for 211At-3-Lu, including tissue chemistries and histopathology. Results: The radiochemical yield of 211At-3-Lu was 17.8% ± 8.2%. Lead compound 211At-3-Lu demonstrated total uptake within PSMA+ PC3 PIP cells of 13.4 ± 0.5% of the input dose after 4 h of incubation, with little uptake in control cells. In SCID mice, 211At-3-Lu provided uptake that was 30.6 ± 4.8 percentage injected dose per gram (%ID/g) in PSMA+ PC3 PIP tumor at 1 h after injection, and this uptake decreased to 9.46 ± 0.96 %ID/g by 24 h. Tumor-to-salivary gland and tumor-to-kidney ratios were 129 ± 99 at 4 h and 130 ± 113 at 24 h, respectively. Deastatination was not significant (stomach, 0.34 ± 0.20 %ID/g at 4 h). Dose-dependent survival was demonstrated at higher doses (>1.48 MBq) in both flank and metastatic models. There was little off-target toxicity, as demonstrated by hematopoietic stability, unchanged tissue chemistries, weight gain rather than loss throughout treatment, and favorable histopathologic findings. Conclusion: Compound 211At-3-Lu or close analogs may provide limited and acceptable toxicity while retaining efficacy in management of prostate cancer.

Scalable Purification of Plasmid DNA Nanoparticles by Tangential Flow Filtration for Systemic Delivery.

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) nanoparticles synthesized by complexation with linear polyethylenimine (lPEI) are one of the most effective non-viral gene delivery vehicles. However, the lack of scalable and reproducible production methods and the high toxicity have hindered their clinical translation. Previously, we have developed a scalable flash nanocomplexation (FNC) technique to formulate pDNA/lPEI nanoparticles using a continuous flow process. Here, we report a tangential flow filtration (TFF)-based scalable purification method to reduce the uncomplexed lPEI concentration in the nanoparticle formulation and improve its biocompatibility. The optimized procedures achieved a 60% reduction of the uncomplexed lPEI with preservation of the nanoparticle size and morphology. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the purified nanoparticles significantly reduced toxicity while maintaining transfection efficiency. TFF also allows for gradual exchange of solvents to isotonic solutions and further concentrating the nanoparticles for injection. Combining FNC production and TFF purification, we validated the purified pDNA/lPEI nanoparticles for future clinical translation of this gene nanomedicine.

Nanoparticle-mediated tumor cell expression of mIL-12 via systemic gene delivery treats syngeneic models of murine lung cancers.

Treatment of cancers in the lung remains a critical challenge in the clinic for which gene therapy could offer valuable options. We describe an effective approach through systemic injection of engineered polymer/DNA nanoparticles that mediate tumor-specific expression of a therapeutic gene, under the control of the cancer-selective progression elevated gene 3 (PEG-3) promoter, to treat tumors in the lungs of diseased mice. A clinically tested, untargeted, polyethylenimine carrier was selected to aid rapid transition to clinical studies, and a CpG-free plasmid backbone and coding sequences were used to reduce inflammation. Intravenous administration of nanoparticles expressing murine single-chain interleukin 12, under the control of PEG-3 promoter, significantly improved the survival of mice in both an orthotopic and a metastatic model of lung cancer with no marked symptoms of systemic toxicity. These outcomes achieved using clinically relevant nanoparticle components raises the promise of translation to human therapy.

A prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted prodrug with a favorable in vivo toxicity profile.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a promising target for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PC) and various solid tumors. Although PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) has enabled significant imaging and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responses, accumulating clinical data are beginning to reveal certain limitations, including a subgroup of non-responders, relapse, radiation-induced toxicity, and the need for specialized facilities for its administration. To date non-radioactive attempts to leverage PSMA to treat PC with antibodies, nanomedicines or cell-based therapies have met with modest success. We developed a non-radioactive prodrug, SBPD-1, composed of a small-molecule PSMA-targeting moiety, a cancer-selective cleavable linker, and the microtubule inhibitor monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). SBPD-1 demonstrated high binding affinity to PSMA (Ki = 8.84 nM) and selective cytotoxicity to PSMA-expressing PC cell lines (IC50 = 3.90 nM). SBPD-1 demonstrated a significant survival benefit in two murine models of human PC relative to controls. The highest dose tested did not induce toxicity in immunocompetent mice. The high specific targeting ability of SBPD-1 to PSMA-expressing tumors and its favorable toxicity profile warrant its further development.

First-in-human neuroimaging of soluble epoxide hydrolase using [18F]FNDP PET.

PURPOSE: Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an enzyme with putative effect on neuroinflammation through its influence on the homeostasis of polyunsaturated fatty acids and related byproducts. sEH is an enzyme that metabolizes anti-inflammatory epoxy fatty acids to the corresponding, relatively inert 1,2-diols. A high availability or activity of sEH promotes vasoconstriction and inflammation in local tissues that may be linked to neuropsychiatric diseases. We developed [18F]FNDP to study sEH in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET). METHODS: Brain PET using bolus injection of [18F]FNDP followed by emission imaging lasting 90 or 180 min was completed in healthy adults (5 males, 2 females, ages 40-53 years). The kinetic behavior of [18F]FNDP was evaluated using a radiometabolite-corrected arterial plasma input function with compartmental or graphical modeling approaches. RESULTS: [18F]FNDP PET was without adverse effects. Akaike information criterion favored the two-tissue compartment model (2TCM) in all ten regions of interest. Regional total distribution volume (VT) values from each compartmental model and Logan analysis were generally well identified except for corpus callosum VT using the 2TCM. Logan analysis was assessed as the choice model due to stability of regional VT values from 90-min data and due to high correlation of Logan-derived regional VT values with those from the 2TCM. [18F]FNDP binding was higher in human cerebellar cortex and thalamus relative to supratentorial cortical regions, which aligns with reported expression patterns of the epoxide hydrolase 2 gene in human brain. CONCLUSION: These data support further use of [18F]FNDP PET to study sEH in human brain.

Process validation, current good manufacturing practice production, dosimetry, and toxicity studies of the carbonic anhydrase IX imaging agent [111 In]In-XYIMSR-01 for phase I regulatory approval.

[111 In]In-XYIMSR-01 is a promising single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging agent for identification of tumors that overexpress carbonic anhydrase IX. To translate [111 In]In-XYIMSR-01 to phase I trials, we performed animal toxicity and dosimetry studies, determined the maximum dose for human use, and completed the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls component of a standard regulatory application. The production process, quality control testing, stability studies, and specifications for sterile drug product release were based on United States Pharmacopeia chapters <823> and <825>, FDA 21 CFR Part 212. Toxicity was evaluated by using nonradioactive [113/115 In]In-XYIMSR-01 according to 21 CFR Part 58 guidelines. Organ Level INternal Dose Assessment/EXponential Modeling (OLINDA/EXM) was used to calculate the maximum single dose for human studies. Three process validation runs at starting radioactivities of ~800 MBq were completed with a minimum concentration of 407 MBq/ml and radiochemical purity of ≥99% at the end of synthesis. A single intravenous dose of 55 µg/ml of [113/115 In]In-XYIMSR-01 was well tolerated in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. The calculated maximum single dose for human injection from dosimetry studies was 390.35 MBq of [111 In]In-XYIMSR-01. We have completed toxicity and dosimetry studies as well as validated a manufacturing process to test [111 In]In-XYIMSR-01 in a phase I clinical trial.