Synthesis and comparative evaluation of novel (64)Cu-labeled high affinity cell-specific peptides for positron emission tomography imaging of tumor vasculature

Biomaterials. 2016 Apr:84:241-249. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.01.031. Epub 2016 Jan 21.

Abstract

Tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new tumor blood supply, has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and represents an important target for clinical management of various angiogenesis-dependent solid tumors. Previously, by screening a bacteriophage peptide library we have discovered the FHT-peptide sequence that binds specifically to bone marrow-derived tumor vasculature with high affinity. Here in an effort to determine the potential of the FHT-peptide for in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of aggressive tumor vasculature we studied four FHT-derivatives: NOTA-FHT, NOTA-(FHT)2, NOTA-PEG-FHT, and NOTA-PEG-(FHT)2. These peptide analogs were synthesized, labeled with the PET radionuclide (64)Cu, and characterized side-by-side with small animal PET and computed tomography imaging (microPET/CT) at 1 h, 4 h, and 24 h post injection in a subcutaneous Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumor model. Because of its excellent in vivo kinetic properties and high tumor-to-background ratio, the (64)Cu-NOTA-FHT radiopeptide was selected for more detailed evaluation. Blocking studies with excess of unlabeled peptide showed specific and peptide mediated (64)Cu-NOTA-FHT tumor uptake. Biodistribution experiments in the same tumor model confirmed microPET/CT imaging results. Human radiation absorbed dose extrapolated from rodent biodistribution of (64)Cu-NOTA-FHT revealed favorable dosimetry profile. The findings from this investigation warrant further development of (64)Cu-NOTA-FHT as a potential targeted diagnostic radiopharmaceutical for PET imaging of aggressive tumor vasculature.

Keywords: (64)Cu-labeled cell-specific peptides; Diagnostic PET radiopharmaceuticals; Molecular imaging; Radiation absorbed dose; Tumor angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Copper Radioisotopes / chemistry*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isotope Labeling
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Copper Radioisotopes
  • Peptides