Radiolabeled cyclic peptides in precision oncology: Current advances and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Oncology
• Radiopharmaceutical Science

Background:

• Theranostics, combining diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy, is rapidly advancing in clinical practice.
• Radiopharmaceuticals like [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE and [177Lu]PSMA-617 exemplify this progress.
• Cyclic peptides offer unique advantages as delivery vectors in nuclear medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of cyclic peptides in modern radiopharmaceutical development.
• To discuss the properties of cyclic peptides that make them ideal for targeted cancer therapies.
• To explore the expanding applications of radiolabeled cyclic peptides in oncology.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in radiopharmaceutical therapy and diagnostics.
• Analysis of the physicochemical and biological properties of cyclic peptides.
• Examination of the clinical applications of radiolabeled cyclic peptides for various biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Cyclic peptides demonstrate high stability, resistance to degradation, and strong receptor-binding affinity.
• These properties translate to improved pharmacokinetics, tumor accumulation, and imaging contrast.
• Radiolabeled cyclic peptides are effective in targeting somatostatin receptors, integrins, FAP, and PD-L1.

Conclusions:

• Cyclic peptides are crucial for next-generation radiopharmaceutical development.
• Their versatility supports personalized and molecularly targeted cancer treatments.
• Radiolabeled cyclic peptides are set to redefine the future of radiotherapy.