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The Radiolabeled HER3 Targeting Molecules for Tumor Imaging
Sajjad Molavipordanjani1, Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr2
1Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Abstract:
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family plays pivotal roles in physiologic and pathologic conditions (such as tumor growth, proliferation, and progression in multiple epithelial malignancies). All the family members are considered tyrosine kinase, while HER3 as a member of this family shows no intrinsic tyrosine kinase. HER3 is called 'pseudokinase' because it undergoes heterodimerization and forms dimers such as HER2-HER3 and HER1 (EGFR)-HER3. The exact role of HER3 in cancer is still unclear; however, the overexpression of this receptor is involved in the poor prognosis of malignancies. To that end, different studies investigated the development of radiotracers for imaging of HER3. The main focus of this review is to gather all the studies on developing new radiotracers for imaging of HER3.
Insights
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (HER3) is a pseudokinase overexpressed in many cancers. This review summarizes radiotracer development for HER3 imaging, crucial for understanding its role in malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- The Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (HER) family is crucial in physiological processes and epithelial cancer progression.
- HER3, a member of this family, lacks intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, classifying it as a pseudokinase.
- HER3 overexpression is linked to poor prognosis in various malignancies, highlighting its clinical significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and consolidate research on the development of novel radiotracers for imaging HER3.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current strategies for HER3-targeted molecular imaging.
Main Methods:
- Literature search for studies developing radiotracers targeting HER3.
- Analysis of radiotracer design, synthesis, and preclinical/clinical evaluation.
- Categorization of radiotracers based on targeting strategies and imaging modalities.
Main Results:
- Multiple radiotracers targeting HER3 have been developed using various approaches.
- Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the potential of these radiotracers for HER3 imaging.
- Challenges and successes in developing specific and effective HER3-targeting radiotracers are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Radiotracers targeting HER3 hold significant promise for non-invasive imaging of HER3 expression in cancer.
- Further development is needed to optimize radiotracer efficacy, specificity, and clinical translation.
- HER3-targeted imaging could improve cancer diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and treatment monitoring.
