Peptide-based probes for cancer imaging

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiochemistry
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Overexpression of regulatory peptide receptors is common in human cancers.
• These receptors serve as molecular targets for in vivo imaging using radiolabeled peptide probes.
• Somatostatin-derived tracers have been successfully used for imaging sst2-overexpressing neuroendocrine tumors for nearly two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and application of peptide receptor-based imaging agents in oncology.
• To highlight advancements in somatostatin analogs and emerging tracers for various cancer types.
• To discuss the application of these imaging techniques in both SPECT/CT and PET/CT.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of radiolabeled peptide probes targeting specific receptors.
• Utilizing somatostatin analogs with broader receptor subtype profiles or antagonistic properties.
• Exploring emerging tracers for cholecystokinin/gastrin, GLP-1, bombesin, neuropeptide-Y, and Arg-Gly-Asp receptors.

Main Results:

• Established clinical application of somatostatin tracers for neuroendocrine tumors.
• Ongoing development of second- and third-generation somatostatin analogs.
• Emerging tracers show promise for imaging prostate, breast cancers, and neoangiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Peptide receptor imaging is a valuable tool in oncology, with ongoing innovation in tracer development.
• Advanced tracers offer broader targeting capabilities and improved imaging for diverse cancers.
• SPECT/CT and PET/CT are key modalities for applying these peptide-based imaging strategies.