Thyroid Cancer

Researchers at Erasmus University, Department of Nuclear Medicine publish new data on thyroid cancer therapy

"Several CCK-2 receptor-binding radiopeptides have been developed, and some have been carried through into clinical studies. However, these studies are mostly limited and difficult to compare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of three promising CCK-2 receptor-binding radiopeptides in patients with MTC. (111)In-DOTA-(D: )Asp-Tyr-Nle-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH(2) ((111)In-DOTA-CCK), a CCK analogue, and the gastrin-based ligands (99m)Tc-N(4)-Gly-(D: )Glu-(Glu)(5)-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH(2) ((99m)Tc-demogastrin 2) and (111)In-DOTA-(D: )Glu-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH(2) ((111)In-DOTA-MG11) were each administered to the same group of six patients. Planar images made at 3-5, 7 and 24 h p.i. were used for comparison of tumor visualisation and renal uptake. (99m)Tc-demogastrin 2 scintigraphy visualised all known lesions and new lesions in four of six patients. (111)In-DOTA-CCK and (111)In-DOTA-MG11 on the other hand missed several lesions; tumor uptake of these two radiopharmaceuticals was quite low. Comparison of retention of renal activity showed no major differences between the three radiopeptides. (99m)Tc-demogastrin 2 scintigraphy appeared most promising as a diagnostic tool in patients with MTC. Further studies are required to evaluate its value in patient management. Direct comparisons of the compounds studied strongly suggests that (111)In-DOTA-CCK and (111)In-DOTA-MG11 have less potential as imaging agents than (99m)Tc-demogastrin 2," wrote A.C. Fröberg and colleagues, Erasmus University, Department of Nuclear Medicine.

The researchers concluded: "These DOTA-linked compounds are considered unlikely to be useful for radionuclide therapy because of low tumor uptake."

Fröberg and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (Comparison of three radiolabelled peptide analogues for CCK-2 receptor scintigraphy in medullary thyroid carcinoma. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2009;36(8):1265-72).

For more information, contact A.C. Fröberg, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Publisher contact information for the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

Keywords: Netherlands, Rotterdam, Thyroid Cancer Therapy, Cholecystokinin, Clinical Trial Research, Diagnostics, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Peptide, Proteins, Proteomics, Therapy, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Carcinoma, Treatment.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.