Development and Evaluation of 18F-IRS for Molecular Imaging Mutant EGF Receptors in NSCLC

Yan Song1,2, Zunyu Xiao1,2, Kai Wang1,2

  • 1Molecular Imaging Research Center, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.

Scientific Reports
|June 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A new radiotracer, 18F-IRS, effectively targets mutant epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and tumors. This tracer shows high binding stability and specificity for EGFR exon 19 deletions in vitro and in vivo.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Imaging
  • Radiochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Mutant epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are key drivers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Targeted molecular imaging tracers are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and assess the novel radiotracer 18F-IRS for molecular imaging of mutant EGFR in NSCLC.
  • To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of 18F-IRS in preclinical models and human patients.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation and in vitro evaluation of 18F-IRS uptake and efflux in NSCLC cell lines (HCC827, H1975, H358, H520).
  • In vivo evaluation using PET/CT imaging in NSCLC tumor-bearing nude mice.
  • Ex vivo biodistribution assays and flow cytometry/confocal imaging with QD620-IRS.
  • Clinical PET/CT imaging in three NSCLC patients.

Main Results:

  • 18F-IRS demonstrated significantly higher uptake in HCC827 cells and tumors compared to other cell lines.
  • Uptake was reduced by gefitinib, indicating specific targeting of EGFR.
  • Biodistribution studies confirmed 18F-IRS accumulation in HCC827 xenograft tumors.
  • QD620-IRS confirmed specific binding to HCC827 cells.
  • 18F-IRS accumulation was preferential in NSCLC tumors with responsive EGFR exon 19 deletions.

Conclusions:

  • 18F-IRS is a promising radiotracer for molecular imaging of NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions.
  • The tracer exhibits high binding stability and specificity in vitro and in vivo.
  • 18F-IRS facilitates targeted imaging of specific EGFR mutations in NSCLC.

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