Molecular imaging of orthotopic prostate cancer with nanobubble ultrasound contrast agents targeted to PSMA

Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 25;11(1):4726. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-84072-5.

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging is routinely used to guide prostate biopsies, yet delineation of tumors within the prostate gland is extremely challenging, even with microbubble (MB) contrast. A more effective ultrasound protocol is needed that can effectively localize malignancies for targeted biopsy or aid in patient selection and treatment planning for organ-sparing focal therapy. This study focused on evaluating the application of a novel nanobubble ultrasound contrast agent targeted to the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA-targeted NBs) in ultrasound imaging of prostate cancer (PCa) in vivo using a clinically relevant orthotopic tumor model in nude mice. Our results demonstrated that PSMA-targeted NBs had increased extravasation and retention in PSMA-expressing orthotopic mouse tumors. These processes are reflected in significantly different time intensity curve (TIC) and several kinetic parameters for targeted versus non-targeted NBs or LUMASON MBs. These, may in turn, lead to improved image-based detection and diagnosis of PCa in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Surface / analysis*
  • Contrast Media / analysis
  • Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Microbubbles
  • Molecular Imaging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface
  • Contrast Media
  • FOLH1 protein, human
  • Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II