66Ga-PET-imaging of GRPR-expression in prostate cancer: production and characterization of [66Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG2-RM26

Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 11;11(1):3631. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-82995-7.

Abstract

Molecular imaging of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) could improve patient management in prostate cancer. This study aimed to produce gallium-66 (T½ = 9.5 h) suitable for radiolabeling, and investigate the imaging properties of gallium-66 labeled GRPR-antagonist NOTA-PEG2-RM26 for later-time point PET-imaging of GRPR expression. Gallium-66 was cyclotron-produced using a liquid target, and enriched [66Zn]Zn(NO3)2. In vitro, [66Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 was characterized in GRPR-expressing PC-3 prostate cancer cells. In vivo, specificity test and biodistribution studies were performed 3 h and 22 h pi in PC-3 xenografted mice. microPET/MR was performed 3 h and 22 h pi. Biodistribution of [66Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 was compared with [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 3 h pi. [66Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 was successfully prepared with preserved binding specificity and high affinity towards GRPR. [66Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 cleared rapidly from blood via kidneys. Tumor uptake was GRPR-specific and exceeded normal organ uptake. Normal tissue clearance was limited, resulting in no improvement of tumor-to-organ ratios with time. Tumors could be clearly visualized using microPET/MR. Gallium-66 was successfully produced and [66Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 was able to clearly visualize GRPR-expression both shortly after injection and on the next day using PET. However, delayed imaging did not improve contrast for Ga-labeled NOTA-PEG2-RM26.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Gallium Radioisotopes / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Ligands
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Receptors, Bombesin / metabolism*
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Gallium-66
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Bombesin