177Lu-PSMA-I&T automated radiolabeling and preclinical prostate cancer targeting research

Abstract

Objective To synthesis 177Lu-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-I&T with automated module, evaluate the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics in mice and study the targeting property in human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP Clone FGC. Methods The iQS-TS automated module was applied in labeling 177Lu-PSMA-I&T. Radiochemical purity and stability were determined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biodistribution was observed in normal ICR mice and U-SPECT/CT imaging was performed in LNCaP Clone FGC tumor-bearing mice. Independent-sample t test was used to analyze the data. Results 177Lu-PSMA-I&T was stable in vitro and in vivo, with the radiolabeled yield of (91.5±4.9)% and radiochemical purity >99%. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T binding to LNCaP Clone FGC cells was (26.74±3.53) nmol/L. The uptake of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T by LNCaP Clone FGC cells increased with time and significantly decreased after the inhibitor addition (t values: 4.301-27.483, all P<0.05). 177Lu-PSMA-I&T was cleared from blood rapidly and predominantly excreted by kidneys. Significant radioactive uptake was observed in tumors with a long retention time. Conclusion 177Lu-PSMA-I&T can be produced in a convenient and efficient procedure using iQS-TS automated module, with good biological properties and excellent affinity and targeting property towards prostate cancer cells, which making it a potential radiopharmaceutical for prostate cancer therapy. Key words: Prostatic neoplasms; Prostate-specific membrane antigen; Isotope labeling; Lutetium; Chemical synthesis; Tumor cells, cultured; Mice, nude