Preclinical radiolabeling, in vivo biodistribution and positron emission tomography of a novel pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD)-based antibody drug conjugate targeting ASCT2.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-ASCT2 antibody drug conjugate (ADC) MEDI7247 has been under development as a potential anti-cancer therapy for patients with selected relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies and advanced solid tumors by MedImmune. Although promising efficacy was observed in the clinic, pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses observed low exposure of MEDI7247 in phase I hematological patients. To investigate the biodistribution properties of MEDI7247, MEDI7247 and control antibodies were radiolabeled with zirconium-89 and in vitro and in vivo properties characterized. METHODS: MEDI7247 (human anti-ASCT2 antibody conjugated with pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD)) and MEDI7519 (MEDI7247 without PBD drug conjugate) and an isotype control antibody drug conjugate construct were conjugated with p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-deferoxamine (Df) and radiolabeled with zirconium-89. In vitro studies included determining the radiochemical purity, protein integrity, immunoreactivity (Lindmo analysis), apparent antigen binding affinity for ASCT2-positive cells by Scatchard analysis and serum stability of the radiolabeled immunoconjugates. In vivo studies included biodistribution and PET/MRI imaging studies of the radiolabeled immunoconjugates in an ASCT2-positive tumor model, HT-29 colorectal carcinoma xenografts. RESULTS: Conditions for the Df-conjugation and radiolabeling of antibody constructs were determined to produce active radioimmunoconjugates. In vivo biodistribution and whole body PET/MRI imaging studies of [89Zr]Zr-Df-MEDI7519 and [89Zr]Zr-Df-MEDI7247 radioimmunoconjugates in HT-29 colon carcinoma xenografts in BALB/c nude mice demonstrated specific tumor localization. However, more rapid blood clearance and non-specific localization in liver was observed for [89Zr]Zr-Df-MEDI7247 and [89Zr]Zr-Df-MEDI7519 compared to isotype control ADC. Except for liver and bone, other normal tissues demonstrated clearance reflecting the blood clearance for all three constructs and no other abnormal tissue uptake. CONCLUSIONS AND ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Preclinical biodistribution analyses of [89Zr]Zr-Df-MEDI7247 and [89Zr]Zr-Df-MEDI7519 showed the biodistribution pattern of anti-ASCT2 ADC MEDI7247 was similar to parental MEDI7519, and both antibodies showed specific tumor uptake compared to an isotype control ADC. This study highlights an important role nuclear medicine imaging techniques can play in early preclinical assessment of drug specificity as part of the drug development pipeline.

18F-labeling and initial in vivo evaluation of a Hitomi peptide for imaging tissue transglutaminase 2.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a calcium-dependent enzyme which cross-links proteins. It is overexpressed in many diseases and plays a key role in tissue remodeling, including cell adhesion and migration. Overexpression of TG2 in breast cancer is a marker for patients at risk of recurrence. Non-invasive imaging of TG2 can therefore play an important role in patient management. TG2 probes labeled with the positron emitters 11C and 18F have thus far not found widespread application due to purity and metabolism issues. Our approach was to radiolabel a TG2 selective, 13-mer amino acid peptide, which was modified with a 5-azidopentanoic acid group at the N-terminus via a copper free click chemistry approach. METHODS: Radiochemistry was performed and fully automated using an iPhase FlexLab module. We produced the radiolabeling synthon [18F]FBz-DBCO from [18F]SFB and DBCO-amine. After HPLC purification, [18F]FBz-DBCO was reacted with the modified peptide and the putative radiotracer purified by HPLC. In vivo imaging using the radiolabeled amine was performed in mice bearing either TG2 expressing MDA-MB-231 or non-TG2 expressing MCF-7 xenografts as negative control. Expression of the target was confirmed using immunohistochemistry and western blot techniques. RESULTS: We obtained 9 ± 2 GBq of the radiolabeled peptide from 55 ± 5 GBq of fluorine-18 in an overall synthesis time of 160 min from end of bombardment (EOB), including HPLC purification and reformulation. Small animal PET/MR imaging showed that visualization of MDA-MB-231 tumors using the radiolabeled peptide could only be achieved due to differences in clearance between tumor and surrounding tissue. In the MCF-7 xenograft model, radiotracer clearance from tumor and surrounding tissue occurred at a similar rate, thus making it impossible to visualize MCF-7 tumors. The presence of TG2 in MDA-MB-231 tumors and absence in MCF-7 tumors was confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining and western blot analysis. CONCLUSION: A fully automated synthesis of a TG2 selective, 13-amino-acid peptide modified with 5-azido pentynoic acid at the N-terminal was established using [18F]FBzDBCO as a prosthetic group. Although our results show that radiolabeled peptides have potential as imaging agents for TG2, more research needs to be performed to improve radiotracer kinetics.

18F Site-Specific Labelling of a Single-Chain Antibody against Activated Platelets for the Detection of Acute Thrombosis in Positron Emission Tomography.

Positron emission tomography is the imaging modality of choice when it comes to the high sensitivity detection of key markers of thrombosis and inflammation, such as activated platelets. We, previously, generated a fluorine-18 labelled single-chain antibody (scFv) against ligand-induced binding sites (LIBS) on activated platelets, binding it to the highly abundant platelet glycoprotein integrin receptor IIb/IIIa. We used a non-site-specific bio conjugation approach with N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate (S[18F]FB), leading to a mixture of products with reduced antigen binding. In the present study, we have developed and characterised a novel fluorine-18 PET radiotracer, based on this antibody, using site-specific bio conjugation to engineer cysteine residues with N-[2-(4-[18F]fluorobenzamido)ethyl]maleimide ([18F]FBEM). ScFvanti-LIBS and control antibody mut-scFv, with engineered C-terminal cysteine, were reduced, and then, they reacted with N-[2-(4-[18F]fluorobenzamido)ethyl]maleimide ([18F]FBEM). Radiolabelled scFv was injected into mice with FeCl3-induced thrombus in the left carotid artery. Clots were imaged in a PET MR imaging system, and the amount of radioactivity in major organs was measured using an ionisation chamber and image analysis. Assessment of vessel injury, as well as the biodistribution of the radiolabelled scFv, was studied. In the in vivo experiments, we found uptake of the targeted tracer in the injured vessel, compared with the non-injured vessel, as well as a high uptake of both tracers in the kidney, lung, and muscle. As expected, both tracers cleared rapidly via the kidney. Surprisingly, a large quantity of both tracers was taken up by organs with a high glutathione content, such as the muscle and lung, due to the instability of the maleimide cysteine bond in vivo, which warrants further investigations. This limits the ability of the novel antibody radiotracer 18F-scFvanti-LIBS to bind to the target in vivo and, therefore, as a useful agent for the sensitive detection of activated platelets. We describe the first fluorine-18 variant of the scFvanti-LIBS against activated platelets using site-specific bio conjugation.

A phase 1 safety and bioimaging trial of antibody DS-8895a against EphA2 in patients with advanced or metastatic EphA2 positive cancers.

Ephrin type-A 2 (EphA2) is a transmembrane receptor expressed in epithelial cancers. We report on a phase I dose escalation and biodistribution study of DS-8895a, an anti-EphA2 antibody, in patients with advanced EphA2 positive cancers. DS-8895a was administered at 1, 3, 10 or 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks to determine safety, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor efficacy. All patients underwent 89Zr trace-labelled infusion of DS-8895a (89Zr-DS-8995a) positron emission tomography imaging to determine the biodistribution of DS-8895a, and correlate findings with EphA2 expression, receptor saturation and response. Nine patients were enrolled on study. Of patients enrolled, seven patients received at least one infusion of DS-8895a: four patients received 1 mg/kg dose (Cohort 1) and three patients received 3 mg/kg dose (Cohort 2). Median age was 67.0 years (range 52-81), majority male (71%), and median number of prior systemic therapies was three (range 0-8). The primary cancer diagnosis was colorectal cancer (two patients) and one patient each had gastric, head and neck, high-grade serous adenocarcinoma, lung, and pancreatic cancers. No dose-limiting toxicities or treatment-related adverse events reported. The best response for the patients in Cohort 1 was stable disease and in Cohort 2 was progressive disease. 89Zr-DS-8895a demonstrated no normal tissue uptake and specific low-grade uptake in most tumours. DS-8895a had limited therapeutic efficacy at doses evaluated and 89Zr-DS-8895a demonstrated low tumour uptake. The biodistribution data from this study were key in halting further development of DS-8895a, highlighting the importance of biodistribution studies in drug development. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02252211).

Monte Carlo calculated calibration settings for commercially available nuclear medicine ionization chambers.

PURPOSE: A method for calculating nuclear medicine ionization chamber (NMIC) calibration settings with a Monte Carlo model is presented and validated against physical measurements. This work provides Monte Carlo-calculated calibration settings for select isotopes with no current manufacturer recommendations and a method by which NMIC manufacturers or standards laboratories can utilize highly detailed specifications to calculate comprehensive lists of calibration settings for general isotopes. METHODS: A Monte Carlo model of a Capintec PET series NMIC was developed and used to calculate the chamber response to relevant radioactive decay products over an energy range relevant to nuclear medicine. The photon detection efficiency (PDE) of a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was modeled and physically validated to facilitate measurements of NMIC calibration settings with HPGe detector spectroscopy. Modeled NMIC response to various isotopes was compared against spectroscopic measurements and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-validated calibration settings to validate the Monte Carlo-calculated NMIC calibration settings. RESULTS: HPGe detector PDE was validated against the physical measurements to within 3.3 % $3.3\%$ at 95 % $95\%$ confidence and used to measure calibration settings, which produced activity readings 0.7 % $0.7\%$ , 1.6 % $1.6\%$ , 0.8 % $0.8\%$ , and 1.0 % $1.0\%$ different than those validated by NIST for 11 $^{11}$ C, 18 $^{18}$ F, 68 $^{68}$ Ga, and 64 $^{64}$ Cu respectively. The Monte Carlo model of the NMIC reproduced measured calibration settings to within 7 % $7\%$ at 95 % $95\%$ confidence for isotopes with a sufficiently small yield of low energy photons. CONCLUSIONS: A method of calculating NMIC calibration settings with Monte Carlo modeling has been developed and validated against HPGe detector spectroscopy. NMIC manufacturers or standards laboratories can use more detailed specifications of the chamber geometries to extend the applicability of this method to a wider range of isotopes.

Tumor volumes as a predictor of response to the anti-EGFR antibody drug conjugate depatuxizumab mafadotin.

BACKGROUND: The adverse impact of increasing brain tumor size on the efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) was investigated preclinically then validated with clinical data. METHODS­PRECLINICAL STUDY: The impact of tumor size on ADC tumor delivery and treatment response was evaluated in an EGFR-amplified patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) model following treatment with Depatuxizumab mafadotin (Depatux-M). Biodistribution and imaging studies correlated drug distribution with starting treatment volume and anti-tumor activity. METHODS­CLINICAL STUDY: M12-356 was a Phase I study of Depatux-M in patients with GBM. Blinded volumetric analysis of baseline tumor volumes of M12-356 patients was undertaken by two reviewers and results correlated with response and survival. RESULTS: Preclinically, imaging and biodistribution studies showed specific and significantly higher tumor uptake of zirconium-89 labeled Depatux-M (89Zr-Depatux-M) in mice with smaller tumor volume (~98 mm3) versus those with larger volumes (~365 mm3); concordantly, mice with tumor volumes ≤100 mm3 at treatment commencement had significantly better growth inhibition by Depatux-M (93% vs 27%, P < .001) and significantly longer overall survival (P < .0001) compared to tumors ≥400 mm3. Clinically, patients with tumor volumes <25 cm3 had significantly higher response rates (17% vs. 0%, P = .009) and longer overall survival (0.5 vs 0.89 years, P = .001) than tumors above 25 cm3. CONCLUSION: Both preclinical and clinical data showed intra-tumoral concentration and efficacy of Depatux-m inversely correlated with tumor size. This finding merit further investigation with pretreatment tumor volume as a predictor for response to ADCs, in both gliomas and other solid tumors.

A clinical trial of non-invasive imaging with an anti-HIV antibody labelled with copper-64 in people living with HIV and uninfected controls.

BACKGROUND: A research priority in finding a cure for HIV is to establish methods to accurately locate and quantify where and how HIV persists in people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Infusing copper-64 (64Cu) radiolabelled broadly neutralising antibodies targeting HIV envelope (Env) with CT scan and positron emission tomography (PET) identified HIV Env in tissues in SIV infected non-human primates . We aimed to determine if a similar approach was effective in people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: Unmodified 3BNC117 was compared with 3BNC117 bound to the chelator MeCOSar and 64Cu (64Cu-3BNC117) in vitro to assess binding and neutralization. In a clinical trial 64Cu-3BNC117 was infused into HIV uninfected (Group 1), HIV infected and viremic (viral load, VL >1000 c/mL; Group 2) and HIV infected aviremic (VL <20 c/mL; Group 3) participants using two dosing strategies: high protein (3mg/kg unlabeled 3BNC117 combined with <5mg 64Cu-3BNC117) and trace (<5mg 64Cu-3BNC117 only). All participants were screened for 3BNC117 sensitivity from virus obtained from viral outgrowth. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/PET and pharmacokinetic assessments (ELISA for serum 3BNC117 concentrations and gamma counting for 64Cu) were performed 1, 24- and 48-hours post dosing. The trial (clincialtrials.gov NCT03063788) primary endpoint was comparison of PET standard uptake values (SUVs) in regions of interest (e.g lymph node groups and gastrointestinal tract). FINDINGS: Comparison of unmodified and modified 3BNC117 in vitro demonstrated no difference in HIV binding or neutralisation. 17 individuals were enrolled of which 12 were dosed including Group 1 (n=4, 2 high protein, 2 trace dose), Group 2 (n=6, 2 high protein, 4 trace) and Group 3 (n=2, trace only). HIV+ participants had a mean CD4 of 574 cells/microL and mean age 43 years. There were no drug related adverse effects and no differences in tissue uptake in regions of interest (e.g lymph node gut, pharynx) between the 3 groups. In the high protein dosing group, serum concentrations of 3BNC117 and gamma counts were highly correlated demonstrating that 64Cu-3BNC117 remained intact in vivo. INTERPRETATION: In PLWH on or off ART, the intervention of infusing 64Cu-3BNC117 and MRI/PET imaging over 48 hours, was unable to detect HIV-1 env expression in vivo. Future studies should investigate alternative radiolabels such as zirconium which have a longer half-life in vivo. FUNDING: Funded by the Alfred Foundation, The Australian Centre for HIV and Hepatitis Virology Research with additional support from the Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, US National Institutes of Health (USAI126611). JHM and SRL are supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Radiolabelling and preclinical characterization of 89Zr-Df-radiolabelled bispecific anti-PD-L1/TGF-ßRII fusion protein bintrafusp alfa.

PURPOSE: Τhis study aimed to optimize the 89Zr-radiolabelling of bintrafusp alfa investigational drug product and controls, and perform the in vitro and in vivo characterization of 89Zr-Df-bintrafusp alfa and 89Zr-Df-control radioconjugates. METHODS: Bintrafusp alfa (anti-PD-L1 human IgG1 antibody fused to TGF-ß receptor II (TGF-ßRII), avelumab (anti-PD-L1 human IgG1 control antibody), isotype control (mutated inactive anti-PD-L1 IgG1 control antibody), and trap control (mutated inactive anti-PD-L1 human IgG1 fused to active TGF-ßRII) were chelated with p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-desferrioxamine (Df). After radiolabelling with zirconium-89 (89Zr), radioconjugates were assessed for radiochemical purity, immunoreactivity, antigen binding affinity, and serum stability in vitro. In vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were performed with PET/CT to identify and quantitate 89Zr-Df-bintrafusp alfa tumour uptake in a PD-L1/TGF-ß-positive murine breast cancer model (EMT-6). Specificity of 89Zr-Df-bintrafusp alfa was assessed via a combined biodistribution and imaging experiment in the presence of competing cold bintrafusp alfa (1 mg/kg). RESULTS: Nanomolar affinities for PD-L1 were achieved with 89Zr-Df-bintrafusp alfa and 89Zr-avelumab. Biodistribution and imaging studies in PD-L1- and TGF-ß-positive EMT-6 tumour-bearing BALB/c mice demonstrated the biologic similarity of 89Zr-Df-bintrafusp alfa and 89Zr-avelumab indicating the in vivo distribution pattern of bintrafusp alfa is driven by its PD-L1 binding arm. Competition study with 1 mg of unlabelled bintrafusp alfa or avelumab co-administered with trace dose of 89Zr-labelled bintrafusp alfa demonstrated the impact of dose and specificity of PD-L1 targeting in vivo. CONCLUSION: Molecular imaging of 89Zr-Df-bintrafusp alfa biodistribution was achievable and allows non-invasive quantitation of tumour uptake of 89Zr-Df-bintrafusp alfa, suitable for use in bioimaging clinical trials in cancer patients.

Performance of 4 Creatinine-based Equations in Assessing Glomerular Filtration Rate in Adults with Diabetes.

AIMS: To evaluate diagnostic performance of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI), full age spectrum (FAS), and revised Lund-Malmö (r-LM) equations in adults with diabetes. METHODS: Individuals were included in this cross-sectional study if they had at least 1 measurement of technetium-99m diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) GFR (mGFR) and serum creatinine (1487 patients with 2703 measures). GFR calculated by estimation equations was compared with mGFR. Diagnostic performance was assessed using concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), bias, precision, accuracy, reduced major axis regression (RMAR), and Bland-Altman plot. Analysis was repeated in subgroups based on sex, diabetes type, Hemoglobin A1C, and GFR level. RESULTS: Of all patients, 1189 (86%) had type 2 diabetes. Mean mGFR, MDRD, CKD-EPI, FAS, and revised Lund-Malmö eGFR were 66, 72, 74, 71, and 67 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. Overall, the r-LM had the highest CCC (0.83), lowest bias (-1.4 mL/min/1.73 m2), highest precision (16.2 mL/min/1.73 m2), and highest accuracy (P10 = 39%). The RMAR (slope, intercept) in r-LM, FAS, MDRD, and CKD-EPI was 1.18, -13.35; 0.97, -2.9; 1, -6.4, and 1.04, -11.3, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot showed that r-LM had the lowest mean difference and the narrowest 95% limit of agreement (-1.0, 54.1 mL/min/1.73 m2), while mean difference was more than 5-fold higher in FAS, MDRD, and CKD-EPI (-5.2, -6.3, and -8.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In adults with diabetes the revised Lund-Malmö performs better than MDRD, CKD-EPI, and FAS in calculating point estimates of GFR.

First clinical study of a pegylated diabody 124I-labeled PEG-AVP0458 in patients with tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 positive cancers.

Through protein engineering and a novel pegylation strategy, a diabody specific to tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72) (PEG-AVP0458) has been created to optimize pharmacokinetics and bioavailability to tumor. We report the preclinical and clinical translation of PEG-AVP0458 to a first-in-human clinical trial of a diabody. Methods: Clinical translation followed characterization of PEG-AVP0458 drug product and preclinical biodistribution and imaging assessments of Iodine-124 trace labeled PEG-AVP0458 (124I-PEG-AVP0458). The primary study objective of the first-in-human study was the safety of a single protein dose of 1.0 or 10 mg/m2 124I-PEG-AVP0458 in patients with TAG-72 positive relapsed/ metastatic prostate or ovarian cancer. Secondary study objectives were evaluation of the biodistribution, tumor uptake, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity. Patients were infused with a single-dose of 124I labeled PEG-AVP0458 (3-5 mCi (111-185 MBq) for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, performed sequentially over a one-week period. Safety, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and immunogenicity were assessed up to 28 days after infusion. Results: PEG-AVP0458 was radiolabeled with 124I and shown to retain high TAG-72 affinity and excellent targeting of TAG-72 positive xenografts by biodistribution analysis and PET imaging. In the first-in-human trial, no adverse events or toxicity attributable to 124I-PEG-AVP0458 were observed. Imaging was evaluable in 5 patients, with rapid and highly specific targeting of tumor and minimal normal organ uptake, leading to high tumor:blood ratios. Serum concentration values of 124I-PEG-AVP0458 showed consistent values between patients, and there was no significant difference in T½α and T½ß between dose levels with mean (± SD) results of T½α = 5.10 ± 4.58 hours, T½ß = 46.19 ± 13.06 hours. Conclusions: These data demonstrates the safety and feasibility of using pegylated diabodies for selective tumor imaging and potential delivery of therapeutic payloads in cancer patients.

Human biodistribution and internal dosimetry of 4-[ 18F]fluorobenzyl-dexetimide: a PET radiopharmaceutical for imaging muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain and heart.

BACKGROUND: 4-[18F] fluorobenzyl dexetimide (F-DEX) is the first non-subtype selective fluorine-18 labelled tracer for muscarinic receptors (mAChR) used in humans. A recent first-in-human study found high regional brain uptake with low variation in normal subjects. Disturbance of mAChR has been reported in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and depression and various cardiac diseases. The following work assesses the biodistribution, organ tracer kinetics and radiation dose associated with F-DEX. METHOD: Dose calculations were based on activity uptake derived from multiple time point whole body PET CT imaging and the organ-specific dosimetric S-factors derived from the ICRP 133 standard man and woman mathematical phantoms. Effective doses were calculated using the latest ICRP tissue weighting factors. RESULTS: Serial images and time activity curves demonstrate high brain and left ventricular myocardial uptake (5% and 0.65% of injected activity, respectively) with greater retention in brain than myocardium. The mean effective dose was in concordance with other 18F labelled tracers at 19.70 ± 2.27 µSv/MBq. The largest absorbed doses were in the liver (52.91 ± 1.46 µGy/MBq) and heart wall (43.94 ± 12.88 µGy/MBq) for standard man and the liver (61.66 ± 13.61 µGy/MBq) and lungs (40.93 ± 3.11 µGy/MBq) for standard woman. The absorbed dose to all organs, most notably, the red bone marrow (20.03 ± 2.89 µGy/MBq) was sufficiently low to ensure no toxicity after numerous follow-up procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The radiation dose associated with an administration of F-DEX is comparable to that of other 18F labelled tracers such as FDG (19.0 µSv/MBq) and lower than tracers used for SPECT imaging of muscarinic receptors (I-DEX 28.5 µSv/MBq). Clinical use would likely result in an effective dose less than 4 mSv for the ICRP 133 standard phantoms after dose optimisation allowing justification for numerous follow-up procedures. Recent results from first in-human studies and a comparatively low radiation dose make F-DEX an attractive option for future applications of imaging muscarinic receptors in the brain. Further investigation of the potential of F-DEX for imaging parasympathetic innervation of the heart may be warranted.

Imaging of neuroinflammation in adult Niemann-Pick type C disease: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that neuroinflammation is a key process in adult Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, we undertook PET scanning utilizing a ligand binding activated microglia on 9 patients and 9 age- and sex-matched controls. METHOD: We scanned all participants with the PET radioligand 11C-(R)-PK-11195 and undertook structural MRI to measure gray matter volume and white matter fractional anisotropy (FA). RESULTS: We found increased binding of 11C-(R)-PK-11195 in total white matter compared to controls (p < 0.01), but not in gray matter regions, and this did not correlate with illness severity or duration. Gray matter was reduced in the thalamus (p < 0.0001) in patients, who also showed widespread reductions in FA across the brain compared to controls (p < 0.001). A significant correlation between 11C-(R)-PK11195 binding and FA was shown (p = 0.002), driven by the NPC patient group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that neuroinflammation-particularly in white matter-may underpin some structural and degenerative changes in patients with NPC.

Spatial and quantitative mapping of glycolysis and hypoxia in glioblastoma as a predictor of radiotherapy response and sites of relapse.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor hypoxia is a centerpiece of disease progression mechanisms such as neoangiogenesis or aggressive hypoxia-resistant malignant cells selection that impacts on radiotherapy strategies. Early identification of regions at risk for recurrence and prognostic-based classification of patients is a necessity to devise tailored therapeutic strategies. We developed an image-based algorithm to spatially map areas of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis (Glyoxia). METHODS: 18F-FDG and 18F-FMISO PET studies were used in the algorithm to produce DICOM-co-registered representations and maximum intensity projections combined with quantitative analysis of hypoxic volume (HV), hypoxic glycolytic volume (HGV), and anaerobic glycolytic volume (AGV) with CT/MRI co-registration. This was applied to a prospective clinical trial of 10 glioblastoma patients with post-operative, pre-radiotherapy, and early post-radiotherapy 18F-FDG and 18F-FMISO PET and MRI studies. RESULTS: In the 10 glioblastoma patients (5M:5F; age range 51-69 years), 14/18 18F-FMISO PET studies showed detectable hypoxia. Seven patients survived to complete post-radiotherapy studies. The patient with the longest overall survival showed non-detectable hypoxia in both pre-radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy 18F-FMISO PET. The three patients with increased HV, HGV, and AGV volumes after radiotherapy showed 2.8 months mean progression-free interval vs. 5.9 months for the other 4 patients. These parameters correlated at that time point with progression-free interval. Parameters combining hypoxia and glycolytic information (i.e., HGV and AGV) showed more prominent variation than hypoxia-based information alone (HV). Glyoxia-generated images were consistent with disease relapse topology; in particular, one patient had distant relapse anticipated by HV, HGV, and AGV maps. CONCLUSION: Spatial mapping of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis allows unique information on tumor metabolism and hypoxia to be evaluated with PET, providing a greater understanding of tumor biology and potential response to therapy.

Molecular imaging of T cell co-regulator factor B7-H3 with 89Zr-DS-5573a.

B7-H3 is a transmembrane protein widely expressed in a variety of cancers and has been shown to play a role in anti-tumor immunity. This study aims to develop a molecular imaging probe to identify B7-H3 expression in tumors and to develop 89Zr-DS-5573a as a theranostic that could aid patient selection in clinical Phase I studies. Methods: The anti-B7-H3 humanised monoclonal antibody DS-5573a was labeled with zirconium-89 (89Zr-), and assessed for radiochemical purity, immunoreactivity (Lindmo analysis), antigen binding affinity (Scatchard analysis), and serum stability in vitro. In vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were performed with positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) studies to identify and quantitate 89Zr-DS-5573a tumor uptake in a B7-H3-positive breast cancer model (MDA-MB-231) and a B7-H3-negative murine colon cancer model (CT26). Imaging and biodistribution studies were also performed in MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing SCID mice in the absence and presence of therapeutic DS-5573a antibody dose (3 mg/kg DS-5573a). Results:89Zr-DS-5573a showed high and specific binding to B7-H3-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells (immunoreactivity on day 0, 75.0 ± 2.9%), and low binding to B7-H3-negative CT26 cells (immunoreactivity on day 0, 10.85 ± 0.11%) in vitro. 89Zr-DS-5573a demonstrated good serum stability in vitro with 57.2 ± 2.0% of immunoreactivity remaining on day 7. In vivo biodistribution studies showed high uptake of 89Zr-DS-5573a in B7-H3-expressing MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice, achieving 32.32 ± 6.55 %ID/g on day 7 post injection in BALB/c nu/nu mice and 25.76 ± 1.79 %ID/g in SCID mice, with minimal evidence of non-specific uptake in normal tissues, and excellent tumor localization on PET/MRI. In a combined imaging/therapy study, receptor saturation was demonstrated in tumors responding to therapy. Conclusion:89Zr-DS-5573a demonstrates specific and prolonged targeting of B7-H3-expressing tumors in vivo. Saturation of binding sites was demonstrated in tumors responding to DS-5573a therapy. These results indicate that 89Zr-DS-5573a has potential to target B7-H3-expressing tumors in cancer patients. Furthermore 89Zr-DS-5573a has the potential to provide important insights into T cell biology through its specific binding to B7-H3.

Accuracy of Dose Calibrators for 68Ga PET Imaging: Unexpected Findings in a Multicenter Clinical Pretrial Assessment.

We report the discovery of a systematic miscalibration during the work-up process for site validation of a multicenter clinical PET imaging trial using 68Ga, which manifested as a consistent and reproducible underestimation in the quantitative accuracy (assessed by SUV) of a range of PET systems from different manufacturers at several different facilities around Australia. Methods: Sites were asked to follow a strict preparation protocol to create a radioactive phantom with 68Ga to be imaged using a standard clinical protocol before commencing imaging in the trial. All sites had routinely used 68Ga for clinical PET imaging for many years. The reconstructed image data were transferred to an imaging core laboratory for analysis, along with information about ancillary equipment such as the radionuclide dose calibrator. Fourteen PET systems were assessed from 10 nuclear medicine facilities in Australia, with the aim for each PET system being to produce images within 5% of the true SUV. Results: At initial testing, 10 of the 14 PET systems underestimated the SUV by 15% on average (range, 13%-23%). Multiple PET systems at one site, from two different manufacturers, were all similarly affected, suggesting a common cause. We eventually identified an incorrect factory-shipped dose calibrator setting from a single manufacturer as being the cause. The calibrator setting for 68Ga was subsequently adjusted by the users so that the reconstructed images produced accurate values. Conclusion: PET imaging involves a chain of measurements and calibrations to produce accurate quantitative performance. Testing of the entire chain is simple, however, and should form part of any quality assurance program or prequalifying site assessment before commencing a quantitative imaging trial or clinical imaging.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of 89Zr-DS-8273a as a Theranostic for Anti-Death Receptor 5 Therapy.

Background: DS-8273a, an anti-human death receptor 5 (DR5) agonistic antibody, has cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells and induces apoptosis after specific binding to DR5. DS-8273a is currently being used in clinical Phase I trials. This study evaluated the molecular imaging of DR5 expression in vivo in mouse tumor models using SPECT/CT and PET/MRI, as a tool for drug development and trial design. Methods: DS-8273a was radiolabeled with indium-111 and zirconium-89. Radiochemical purity, immunoreactivity, antigen binding affinity and serum stability were assessed in vitro. In vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies were performed, including SPECT/CT and PET/MR imaging. A dose-escalation study using a PET/MR imaging quantitative analysis was also performed to determine DR5 receptor saturability in a mouse model. Results:111In-CHX-A″-DTPA-DS-8273a and 89Zr-Df-Bz-NCS-DS-8273a showed high immunoreactivity (100%), high serum stability, and bound to DR5 expressing cells with high affinity (Ka, 1.02-1.22 × 1010 M-1). The number of antibodies bound per cell was 32,000. In vivo biodistribution studies showed high and specific uptake of 111In-CHX-A″-DTPA-DS-8273a and 89Zr-Df-Bz-NCS-DS-8273a in DR5 expressing COLO205 xenografts, with no specific uptake in normal tissues or in DR5-negative CT26 xenografts. DR5 receptor saturation was observed in vivo by biodistribution studies and quantitative PET/MRI analysis. Conclusion:89Zr-Df-Bz-NCS-DS-8273a is a potential novel PET imaging reagent for human bioimaging trials, and can be used for effective dose assessment and patient response evaluation in clinical trials.

L-Tyrosine Confers Residualizing Properties to a d-Amino Acid-Rich Residualizing Peptide for Radioiodination of Internalizing Antibodies.

PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to develop and evaluate a novel residualizing peptide for labeling internalizing antibodies with (124)I to support clinical development using immuno-positron emission tomography (PET). METHODS: The anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody ch806 was radiolabeled directly or indirectly with isotopes and various residualizing peptides. Azido-derivatized radiolabeled peptides were conjugated to dibenzylcyclooctyne-derivatized ch806 antibody via click chemistry. The radiochemical purities, antigen-expressing U87MG.de2-7 human glioblastoma cell-binding properties, and targeting of xenografts at 72 hours post injection of all radioconjugates were compared. Biodistribution of (124)I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 and immuno-PET imaging were evaluated in tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS: Biodistribution studies using xenografts at 72 hours post injection showed that (131)I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 tumor uptake was similar to (111)In-CHX-A″-DTPA-ch806. (125)I-PEG4-tptddyddtpt-ch806 showed a lower tumor uptake value but higher than directly labeled (125)I-ch806. (124)I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 was produced at 23% labeling efficiency, 98% radiochemical purity, 25.9 MBq/mg specific activity, and 64% cell binding in the presence of antigen excess. Tumor uptake for (124)I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 was similar to (111)In-CHX-A″-DTPA-ch806. High-resolution immuno-PET/magnetic resonance imaging of tumors showed good correlation with biodistribution data. CONCLUSIONS: The mixed d/l-enantiomeric peptide, dThr-dPro-dThr-dAsp-dAsp-Tyr-dAsp-dAsp-dThr-dPro-dThr, is suitable for radiolabeling antibodies with radiohalogens such as (124)I for high-resolution immuno-PET imaging of tumors and for evaluation in early-phase clinical trials.

Fluorine-18 radiolabeling of a nitrophenyl sulfoxide and its evaluation in an SK-RC-52 model of tumor hypoxia.

The significance of imaging hypoxia with the positron emission tomography ligand [(18) F]FMISO has been demonstrated in a variety of cancers. However, the slow kinetics of [(18) F]FMISO require a 2-h delay between tracer administration and patient scanning. Labeled chloroethyl sulfoxides have shown faster kinetics and higher contrast than [(18) F]FMISO in a rat model of ischemic stroke. However, these nitrogen mustard analogues are unsuitable for routine production and use in humans. Here, we report on the synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel sulfoxide, which contains an ester moiety for hydrolysis and subsequent trapping in hypoxic cells. Non-decay corrected yields of radioactivity were 1.18 ± 0.24% (n = 27, 2.5 ± 0.5% decay corrected radiochemical yield) based on K[(18) F]F. The radiotracer did not show any defluorination and did not undergo metabolism in an in vitro assay using S9 liver fractions. Imaging studies using an SK-RC-52 tumor model in BALB/c nude mice have revealed that [(18) F]1 is retained in hypoxic tumors and has similar hypoxia selectivity to [(18) F]FMISO. Because of a three times faster clearance rate than [(18) F]FMISO from normoxic tissue, [(18) F]1 has emerged as a promising new radiotracer for hypoxia imaging.

Cross-species analysis of Fc engineered anti-Lewis-Y human IgG1 variants in human neonatal receptor transgenic mice reveal importance of S254 and Y436 in binding human neonatal Fc receptor.

IgG has a long half-life through engagement of its Fc region with the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). The FcRn binding site on IgG1 has been shown to contain I253 and H310 in the CH2 domain and H435 in the CH3 domain. Altering the half-life of IgG has been pursued with the aim to prolong or reduce the half-life of therapeutic IgGs. More recent studies have shown that IgGs bind differently to mouse and human FcRn. In this study we characterize a set of hu3S193 IgG1 variants with mutations in the FcRn binding site. A double mutation in the binding site is necessary to abrogate binding to murine FcRn, whereas a single mutation in the FcRn binding site is sufficient to no longer detect binding to human FcRn and create hu3S193 IgG1 variants with a half-life similar to previously studied hu3S193 F(ab')2 (t1/2ß, I253A, 12.23 h; H310A, 12.94; H435A, 12.57; F(ab')2, 12.6 h). Alanine substitutions in S254 in the CH2 domain and Y436 in the CH3 domain showed reduced binding in vitro to human FcRn and reduced elimination half-lives in huFcRn transgenic mice (t1/2ß, S254A, 37.43 h; Y436A, 39.53 h; wild-type, 83.15 h). These variants had minimal effect on half-life in BALB/c nu/nu mice (t1/2ß, S254A, 119.9 h; Y436A, 162.1 h; wild-type, 163.1 h). These results provide insight into the interaction of human Fc by human FcRn, and are important for antibody-based therapeutics with optimal pharmacokinetics for payload strategies used in the clinic.