SPECT imaging and radionuclide therapy of glioma using ¹³¹I labeled Buthus martensii Karsch chlorotoxin

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Gliomas are the most common adult brain tumors, linked to significant morbidity and mortality.
• Scorpion toxins labeled with Iodine-131 (131I) are emerging as potential tumor-specific agents for glioma management.
• Developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic agents for gliomas remains a critical unmet need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of 131I-labeled Buthus martensii Karsch chlorotoxin (131I-BmK CT) for targeted glioma imaging and therapy.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 131I-BmK CT in preclinical glioma models.

Main Methods:

• Radiolabeling of Buthus martensii Karsch chlorotoxin with 131I.
• In vitro assessment of 131I-BmK CT's cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in glioma cells.
• In vivo evaluation of 131I-BmK CT's tumor accumulation, imaging characteristics (SPECT), and therapeutic efficacy in a C6 glioma mouse model.

Main Results:

• Successful radiolabeling of BmK CT with 131I, achieving high radiochemical purity and stability.
• 131I-BmK CT demonstrated dose- and time-dependent inhibition of glioma cell growth and significant in vitro accumulation in glioma cells.
• Persistent intratumoral radioiodine retention and specific accumulation of 131I-BmK CT were observed in vivo, enabling clear SPECT visualization of C6 gliomas.
• Both intratumoral and intravenous administration of 131I-BmK CT significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusions:

• 131I-BmK CT is a promising radiolabeled toxin with potential for targeted glioma diagnosis and radionuclide therapy.
• The study supports further exploration of 131I-BmK CT as a novel theranostic agent for gliomas.
• 131I-BmK CT offers a potential new avenue for improving outcomes in patients with malignant gliomas.