N. Harry Hendrikse

Rapid Decrease in Delivery of Chemotherapy to Tumors after Anti-VEGF Therapy: Implications for Scheduling of Anti-Angiogenic Drugs

Current strategies combining anti-angiogenic drugs with chemotherapy provide clinical benefit in cancer patients. It is assumed that anti-angiogenic drugs, such as bevacizumab, transiently normalize abnormal tumor vasculature and contribute to improved delivery of subsequent chemotherapy. To investigate this concept, a study was performed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients using positron emission tomography (PET) and radiolabeled docetaxel ([(11)C]docetaxel). In NSCLC, bevacizumab reduced both perfusion and net influx rate of [(11)C]docetaxel within 5 hr. These effects persisted after 4 days. The clinical relevance of these findings is notable, as there was no evidence for a substantial improvement in drug delivery to tumors. These findings highlight the importance of drug scheduling and advocate further studies to optimize scheduling of anti-angiogenic drugs.

Development of [11C]erlotinib Positron Emission Tomography for In Vivo Evaluation of EGF Receptor Mutational Status

Purpose: To evaluate whether, in patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), tumor uptake of [11C]erlotinib can be quantified and imaged using positron emission tomography and to assess whether the level of tracer uptake corresponds with the presence of activating tumor EGF receptor (EGFR) mutations. Experimental Design: Ten patients with NSCLCs, five with an EGFR exon 19 deletion, and five without were scanned twice (test retest) on the same day with an interval of at least 4 hours. Each scanning procedure included a low-dose computed tomographic scan, a 10-minute dynamic [15O]H2O scan, and a 1-hour dynamic [11C]erlotinib scan. Data were analyzed using full tracer kinetic modeling. EGFR expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Results: The quantitative measure of [11C]erlotinib uptake, that is, volume of distribution (VT), was significantly higher in tumors with activating mutations, that is, all with exon 19 deletions (median VT, 1.76; range, 1.25–2.93), than in those without activating mutations (median VT, 1.06; range, 0.67–1.22) for both test and retest data (P = 0.014 and P = 0.009, respectively). Good reproducibility of [11C]erlotinib VT was seen (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.88). Intergroup differences in [11C]erlotinib uptake were not correlated with EGFR expression levels, nor tumor blood flow. Conclusion: [11C]erlotinib VT was significantly higher in NSCLCs tumors with EGFR exon 19 deletions. Clin Cancer Res; 19(1); 183–93. ©2012 AACR.

Immuno-Positron Emission Tomography with Zirconium-89-Labeled Monoclonal Antibodies in Oncology: What Can We Learn from Initial Clinical Trials?

Selection of the right drug for the right patient is a promising approach to increase clinical benefit of targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Assessment of in vivo biodistribution and tumor targeting of mAbs to predict toxicity and efficacy is expected to guide individualized treatment and drug development. Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) using zirconium-89 (89Zr)-labeled monoclonal antibodies also known as 89Zr-immuno-PET, visualizes and quantifies uptake of radiolabeled mAbs. This technique provides a potential imaging biomarker to assess target expression, as well as tumor targeting of mAbs. In this review we summarize results from initial clinical trials with 89Zr-immuno-PET in oncology and discuss technical aspects of trial design. In clinical trials with 89Zr-immuno-PET two requirements should be met for each 89Zr-labeled mAb to realize its full potential. One requirement is that the biodistribution of the 89Zr-labeled mAb (imaging dose) reflects the biodistribution of the drug during treatment (therapeutic dose). Another requirement is that tumor uptake of 89Zr-mAb on PET is primarily driven by specific, antigen-mediated, tumor targeting. Initial trials have contributed toward the development of 89Zr-immuno-PET as an imaging biomarker by showing correlation between uptake of 89Zr-labeled mAbs on PET and target expression levels in biopsies. These results indicate that 89Zr-immuno-PET reflects specific, antigen-mediated binding. 89Zr-immuno-PET was shown to predict toxicity of RIT, but thus far results indicating that toxicity of mAbs or mAb-drug conjugate treatment can be predicted are lacking. So far, one study has shown that molecular imaging combined with early response assessment is able to predict response to treatment with the antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab-emtansine, in patients with human epithelial growth factor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Future studies would benefit from a standardized criterion to define positive tumor uptake, possibly supported by quantitative analysis, and validated by linking imaging data with corresponding clinical outcome. Taken together, these results encourage further studies to develop 89Zr-immuno-PET as a predictive imaging biomarker to guide individualized treatment, as well as for potential application in drug development.

Quantitative Parametric Perfusion Images Using 15O-Labeled Water and a Clinical PET/CT Scanner: Test–Retest Variability in Lung Cancer

Quantification of tumor perfusion using radioactive water (H215O) and PET is a promising method for monitoring treatment with antiangiogenic agents. However, use of dynamic H215O scans together with a fully 3-dimensional clinical PET/CT scanner needs to be validated. The purpose of the present study was to assess validity and reproducibility of dynamic H215O PET/CT scans for measuring tumor perfusion and validate the quantitative accuracy of parametric perfusion images. Methods: Eleven patients with non–small cell lung cancer were included in this study. Patients underwent 2 dynamic H215O (370 MBq) PET scans on the same day. During the first scan, arterial blood was withdrawn continuously. Input functions were derived from blood sampler data and the ascending aorta as seen in the images themselves (image-derived input function [IDIF]). Parametric perfusion images were computed using a basis function implementation of the standard single-tissue-compartment model. Volumes of interest (VOIs) were delineated on low-dose CT (LD-CT) and parametric perfusion images. Results: VOIs could be accurately delineated on both LD-CT and parametric perfusion images. These parametric perfusion images had excellent image quality and quantitative accuracy when compared with perfusion values determined by nonlinear regression. Good correlation between perfusion values derived from the blood sampler input function and IDIF was found (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.964; P < 0.001). Test–retest variability of tumor perfusion was 16% and 20% when delineated on LD-CT and parametric perfusion images, respectively. Conclusion: The use of ascending aorta IDIFs is an accurate alternative to arterial blood sampling for quantification of tumor perfusion. Image quality obtained with a clinical PET/CT scanner enables generation of accurate parametric perfusion images. VOIs delineated on LD-CT have the highest reproducibility, and changes of more than 16% in tumor perfusion are likely to represent treatment effects.

Individualized Treatment Planning in Oncology: Role of PET and Radiolabelled Anticancer Drugs in Predicting Tumour Resistance

Tumour resistance to anticancer agents remains a challenge in oncological practice, because it results in exposure to toxicities, unnecessary costs and, most importantly, delay of a potentially more effective treatment. Drug uptake by tumours may be impaired by several resistance pathways. Reasons for primary resistance may be that the drug is not delivered to the tumour or that its uptake by the tumour is not sufficient. Drug delivery depends on its distribution within the body, its bioavailability in the circulation and its transport to the tumour. Binding of drugs to circulating cells and proteins, formation of inactive metabolites as well as a rapid drug clearance may limit bioavailability. Furthermore, drug delivery to tumours is regulated by tumour vascularisation. Finally, tumour targets such as hormone receptors and efflux pumps also influence drug uptake by tumours. The use of specific PET tracers such as radiolabelled anticancer drugs (e.g. [(18)F]fluoropaclitaxel and [(18)F]5-fluorouracil) provide a unique means for individualized treatment planning and drug development. Combining these specific tracers with other less specific tracers, such as tracers for blood flow (e.g. [(15)O]H(2)O) and efflux (e.g. [(11)C]verapamil), may provide additional information on drug resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, radiolabelled anticancer agents may be valuable to evaluate the optimal timing of combination therapies. This review will focus on how PET can reveal different mechanisms of tumour resistance and thus may play a role in drug development and prediction of tumour response.

Absolute Quantification of [ 11 C]docetaxel Kinetics in Lung Cancer Patients Using Positron Emission Tomography

Purpose: Tumor resistance to docetaxel may be associated with reduced drug concentrations in tumor tissue. Positron emission tomography (PET) allows for quantification of radiolabeled docetaxel ([11C]docetaxel) kinetics and might be useful for predicting response to therapy. The primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility of quantitative [11C]docetaxel PET scans in lung cancer patients. The secondary objective was to investigate whether [11C]docetaxel kinetics were associated with tumor perfusion, tumor size, and dexamethasone administration. Experimental Design: Thirty-four lung cancer patients underwent dynamic PET–computed tomography (CT) scans using [11C]docetaxel. Blood flow was measured using oxygen-15 labeled water. The first 24 patients were premedicated with dexamethasone. For quantification of [11C]docetaxel kinetics, the optimal tracer kinetic model was developed and a noninvasive procedure was validated. Results: Reproducible quantification of [11C]docetaxel kinetics in tumors was possible using a noninvasive approach (image derived input function). Thirty-two lesions (size ≥4 cm3) were identified, having a variable net influx rate of [11C]docetaxel (range, 0.0023–0.0229 mL·cm−3·min−1). [11C]docetaxel uptake was highly related to tumor perfusion (Spearmans ρ = 0.815;P < 0.001), but not to tumor size (Spearmans ρ = −0.140; P = 0.446). Patients pretreated with dexamethasone showed lower [11C]docetaxel uptake in tumors (P = 0.013). Finally, in a subgroup of patients who subsequently received docetaxel therapy, relative high [11C]docetaxel uptake was related with improved tumor response. Conclusions: Quantification of [11C]docetaxel kinetics in lung cancer was feasible in a clinical setting. Variable [11C]docetaxel kinetics in tumors may reflect differential sensitivity to docetaxel therapy. Our findings warrant further studies investigating the predictive value of [11C]docetaxel uptake and the effects of comedication on [11C]docetaxel kinetics in tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4814–24. ©2011 AACR.

Peripheral metabolism of [18F]FDDNP and cerebral uptake of its labelled metabolites

[(18)F]FDDNP is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for determining amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain in vivo. In order to quantify binding of this tracer properly, a metabolite-corrected plasma input function is required. The purpose of the present study was to develop a sensitive method for measuring [(18)F]FDDNP and its radiolabelled metabolites in plasma. The second aim was to assess whether these radiolabelled metabolites enter the brain. In humans, there was extensive metabolism of [(18)F]FDDNP. After 10 min, more than 80% of plasma radioactivity was identified as polar (18)F-labelled fragments, probably formed from N-dealkylation of [(18)F]FDDNP. These labelled metabolites were reproduced in vitro using human hepatocytes. PET studies in rats showed that these polar metabolites can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and result in uniform brain uptake.

Pharmaceutical and clinical development of phosphonate-based radiopharmaceuticals for the targeted treatment of bone metastases

Therapeutic phosphonate-based radiopharmaceuticals radiolabeled with beta, alpha and conversion electron emitting radioisotopes have been investigated for the targeted treatment of painful bone metastases for >35years. We performed a systematic literature search and focused on the pharmaceutical development, preclinical research and early human studies of these radiopharmaceuticals. The characteristics of an ideal bone-targeting therapeutic radiopharmaceutical are presented and compliance with these criteria by the compounds discussed is verified. The importance of both composition and preparation conditions for the stability and biodistribution of several agents is discussed. Very few studies have described the characterization of these products, although knowledge on the molecular structure is important with respect to in vivo behavior. This review discusses a total of 91 phosphonate-based therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, of which only six agents have progressed to clinical use. Extensive clinical studies have only been described for (186)Re-HEDP, (188)Re-HEDP and (153)Sm-EDTMP. Of these, (153)Sm-EDTMP represents the only compound with worldwide marketing authorization. (177)Lu-EDTMP has recently received approval for clinical use in India. This review illustrates that a thorough understanding of the radiochemistry of these agents is required to design simple and robust preparation and quality control methods, which are needed to fully exploit the potential benefits of these theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. Extensive biodistribution and dosimetry studies are indispensable to provide the portfolios that are required for assessment before human administration is possible. Use of the existing knowledge collected in this review should guide future research efforts and may lead to the approval of new promising agents.

[11C]Sorafenib: Radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation in tumor-bearing mice of a new TKI-PET tracer

INTRODUCTION Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like sorafenib are important anticancer therapeutics with thus far limited treatment response rates in cancer patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) could provide the means for selection of patients who might benefit from TKI treatment, if suitable PET tracers would be available. The aim of this study was to radiolabel sorafenib (1) with carbon-11 and to evaluate its potential as TKI-PET tracer in vivo. METHODS Synthetic methods were developed in which sorafenib was labeled at two different positions, followed by a metabolite analysis in rats and a PET imaging study in tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS [methyl-(11)C]-1 and [urea-(11)C]-1 were synthesized in yields of 59% and 53%, respectively, with a purity of >99%. The identity of the products was confirmed by coinjection on HPLC with reference sorafenib. In an in vivo metabolite analysis [(11)C]sorafenib proved to be stable. The percentage of intact product in blood-plasma after 45 min was 90% for [methyl-(11)C]-1 and 96% for [urea-(11)C]-1, respectively. Due to the more reliable synthesis, further research regarding PET imaging was performed with [methyl-(11)C]-1 in nude mice bearing FaDu (head and neck cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) or RXF393 (renal cancer) xenografts. Highest tracer accumulation at a level of 2.52 ± 0.33%ID/g was observed in RXF393, a xenograft line extensively expressing the sorafenib target antigen Raf-1 as assessed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we have synthesized [(11)C]sorafenib as PET tracer, which is stable in vivo and has the capability to be used as PET tracer for imaging in tumor-bearing mice.

Bench to bedside development of GMP grade Rhenium-188-HEDP, a radiopharmaceutical for targeted treatment of painful bone metastases.

Bone-targeting therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are effective agents for treatment of painful bone metastases. Rhenium-188-HEDP is such a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical and has advantages over commercially available alternatives in terms of efficacy, safety and the ability to be produced on-site, allowing rapid treatment upon presentation of patients with pain. Unlike many other radiopharmaceuticals, there are no standardized preparation methods for Rhenium-188-HEDP. It is known, however, that drug composition may not only affect stability of the final drug product, but it may also influence bone affinity and, thus, efficacy. Furthermore, for support of clinical studies with Rhenium-188-HEDP as an investigational medicinal product, preparation of this radiopharmaceutical has to be performed under GMP conditions. To our knowledge, no group has reported on the preparation of Rhenium-188-HEDP under GMP conditions or on stock production of sterile non-radioactive starting materials. We present the production of GMP grade Rhenium-188-HEDP for application of this therapeutic radiopharmaceutical in routine clinical practice and for support of clinical studies. In addition, bio-distribution data of Rhenium-188-HEDP in mice and in patients with bone metastases originating from prostate cancer are presented.