A New Class of PSMA-617-Based Hybrid Molecules for Preoperative Imaging and Intraoperative Fluorescence Navigation of Prostate Cancer

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Ann Christin Eder - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Jessica Matthias - , Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (Author)
  • Martin Schäfer - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Jana Schmidt - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Nils Steinacker - , University Medical Center Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Ulrike Bauder-Wüst - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Lisa Charlotte Domogalla - , University Medical Center Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Mareike Roscher - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Uwe Haberkorn - , Heidelberg University , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Matthias Eder - , University Medical Center Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Klaus Kopka - , Chair of Bioinorganic and Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, German Cancer Consortium (Partner: DKTK, DKFZ), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)

Abstract

The development of PSMA-targeting low-molecular-weight hybrid molecules aims at advancing preoperative imaging and accurate intraoperative fluorescence guidance for improved diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer. In hybrid probe design, the major challenge is the introduction of a bulky dye to peptidomimetic core structures without affecting tumor-targeting properties and pharmacokinetic profiles. This study developed a novel class of PSMA-targeting hybrid molecules based on the clinically established theranostic agent PSMA-617. The fluorescent dye-bearing candidates of the strategically designed molecule library were evaluated in in vitro assays based on their PSMA-binding affinity and internalization properties to identify the most favorable hybrid molecule composition for the installation of a bulky dye. The library’s best candidate was realized with IRDye800CW providing the lead compound. Glu-urea-Lys-2-Nal-Chx-Lys(IRDye800CW)-DOTA (PSMA-927) was investigated in an in vivo proof-of-concept study, with compelling performance in organ distribution studies, PET/MRI and optical imaging, and with a strong PSMA-specific tumor uptake comparable to that of PSMA-617. This study provides valuable insights about the design of PSMA-targeting low-molecular-weight hybrid molecules, which enable further advances in the field of peptidomimetic hybrid molecule development.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number267
JournalPharmaceuticals
Volume15
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Guided surgery, Hybrid molecules, Prostate cancer, PSMA, Theranostics