Uptake of (188)Re-beta-naphthyl-peptide in cervical carcinoma tumours in athymic mice

Radiolabelled somatostatin analogues have been used in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine to treat cancerous tumours. Lanreotide, a cyclic octapeptide, beta-naphthyl-peptide, with antiproliferative action on human small cell lung carcinoma was (188)Re labelled and characterised, and its biodistribution was studied in mice. Molecular modelling indicates that the lipophilic radiopharmaceutical might be an oxo-rhenium (V) penta-coordinated complex. The implanted human cervical tumour of epidermoid origin was positive for cytokeratins and Vimentin. Uptake of (188)Re-labelled peptide in the implanted tumour in athymic mice was 6.2+/-2.9% and was rapidly cleared via the hepatobiliary system. (188)Re-beta-naphthyl-peptide might be a potential therapeutic agent.