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Published on: February 3, 2023
Radiolabeled peptides: current and new perspectives
Marta Opalinska1, Alicja Hubalewska-Dydejczyk2, Anna Sowa-Staszczak2
1Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Krakow, Poland - mkal@vp.pl.
Abstract:
Radiolabeled peptides have been the subject of research for over 20 years and during that time possibility/variety of peptide receptor imaging and later targeted radiotherapy increased significantly. The targeted receptors belong to the large family of G-protein-coupled receptors or tyrosine kinases receptors partially connected with them. They both regulate large signaling networks, control multiple cell functions and are implicated in many diseases including cancers. The essential feature of peptides used in nuclear medicine involves their ability to binding with high affinity and specify to their receptors overexpressed on tumor cells. Currently most important peptide radiotracers are somatostatin, GLP-1, bombesin, gastrin/cholecystokinin-2, neurokinin type 1, CXCR4, EGF, VEGF and integrins. These tracers are mainly based on nuclides which are radiometals or on 18F and may be used in both SPECT or PET techniques as well as for hybrid imaging. Using of chelators suitable for peptide labeling with diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclids enables the theranostic approach. In this review we will provide a brief overview over currently available radiopharmaceuticals based on different groups of peptides.
Insights
Radiolabeled peptides offer advanced imaging and therapy for cancers by targeting specific receptors. This review details current peptide radiopharmaceuticals for precise diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Oncology
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
Background:
- Radiolabeled peptides have been researched for over 20 years for imaging and radiotherapy.
- Targeted receptors, including G-protein-coupled and tyrosine kinase receptors, are crucial in cell signaling and implicated in diseases like cancer.
- Peptides' high affinity and specificity for tumor cell receptors are key for their use in nuclear medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of currently available radiopharmaceuticals based on different peptide groups.
- To highlight the advancements in peptide receptor imaging and targeted radiotherapy.
- To discuss the role of peptides in diagnosing and treating cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on radiolabeled peptides and their applications.
- Identification of key peptide radiotracers and their targeted receptors.
- Discussion of radiometals, 18F, SPECT, PET, and hybrid imaging techniques.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in the variety of peptide receptor imaging and targeted radiotherapy options.
- Identification of major peptide radiotracers: somatostatin, GLP-1, bombesin, gastrin/cholecystokinin-2, neurokinin type 1, CXCR4, EGF, VEGF, and integrins.
- Peptide-based tracers can utilize radiometals or 18F for SPECT, PET, and hybrid imaging.
Conclusions:
- Radiolabeled peptides are essential tools in modern nuclear medicine for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
- The development of chelators enables a theranostic approach, combining diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
- Continued research in radiopharmaceuticals based on peptides promises further advancements in personalized medicine.
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