Development of PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals to study multi-drug resistance (MDR)
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Date
2002-04-29
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Abstract
Cellular resistance or Multidrug Resistance (MDR) to cytotoxic agents is the major cause of treatment failure in many human cancers. P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a Mr 17,0000 transmembrane protein and Multi Resistance Protein (MRP) are two proteins that are over expressed and confer resistance to a large number of chemotherapeutic agents by enhancing their extracellular transport. P-glycoprotein is expressed at a relative high level in treated and untreated human malignant tumours, including renal, colonic, adrenal, hepatocellular carcinoma and a considerable percentage of breast carcinomas. 99mTc-Sestamibi, a lipophilic cationic complex is a transport substrate for Pgp. In clinical studies of human neoplasms it was found that tumour uptake and clearance of this tracer correlate with Pgp expression and may be used for the phenotypic assessment of MDR. However, new tracers with better substrate specificity for Pgp and other drug transporters would greatly assist in optimising chemotherapeutic treatment and improving patient management by predicting tumour response to therapy and to assist in the development of antagonists, which may reverse or halt MDR. The aim of this project is therefore to develop PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals with improved affinity and selectivity for Pgp and MRP for the clinical evaluation of MDR in cancer patients. To optimise cellular transport characteristics, a number of chemical families that have been found to be substrates of Pgp and other drug efflux pumps, will be investigated. In the first instance, a series of drugs based on the flavonol natural product, Quercetin will be developed, screened for MDR and radiolabelled with PET and SPECT isotopes. Quercetin and related flavonol derivatives have been selected for this project because of their moderate to good affinity for Pgp. With the assistance of molecular modeling and in vitro studies, structural modification will be undertaken to improve the specificity and affinity for PgP. This generic structure also offers the flexibility to prepare a wide range of molecules that are readily suitable for halogenation with either Iodine-123 or F-18 for radiopharmaceutical development. Finally these phenolic type of molecules based on Quercetin are relatively less toxic than equivalent drugs. In this proposal an extensive research program is required to develop specific drugs for the different efflux pumps present in the body, which represent multi drug resistance. A successful outcome is critically dependent on the initial synthesis of a large number of compounds for screening. The combined effort of the three institutions will boost resources significantly to a critical level required to competitively produce successful outcomes in the project. Optimisation studies on derivatives of these flavonols will be made in parallel with the assistance of in vitro studies by measuring the binding of compounds to the ATP sites of Pgp. An extensive in vitro screening program has been established in Paris, prior to radiolabelling and in vivo evaluation. Structural optimisation and attachment of radionuclides to promising molecular targets will be explored using molecular modelling. Initially computational chemistry using Sybyl will be undertaken to develop a pharmacophore and to assist with the incorporation of the radionuclide in the appropriate position. In vivo evaluation will be undertaken in specific animal models both at the University of Tours in France as well as at the Sydney Cancer Centre in Australia. PET functional imaging studies may be undertaken on successful candidates at the SHFJ in Orsay, France whilst SPECT imaging will be undertaken in both Tours and in Sydney. In addition to intellectual property and potential commercial product(s), specific PET or SPECT radiopharmaceuticals can provide valuable information on the assessment of MDR in cancer patients through functional, non-invasive, imaging and therefore make significant contributions to the understanding of MDR. Scientific and clinical researchers from both countries identified the use of PET and SPECT functional imaging of MDR as a priority area of research. Finally the clear benefits to cancer patients include choice of treatment, with minimisation of ineffective drug treatments at an earlier stage, hence reduced drug side effects and discomfort to patients and improvements in their quality of life. There are also reduced health costs by avoiding expensive and ineffective drug treatments,
Description
Keywords
Antimitotic drugs, Computer calculations, Drugs, Dynamic function studies, Fluorine 18, Iodine 123, Labelled compounds, Neoplasms, Radiopharmaceuticals, Simulation, Tracer techniques, Single photon emission computed tomography, Tomography
Citation
Katsififs, A., Guilloteau, D., Dikic, B., Garrigos, M., Edmond, P., Greguric, I., Knott, R., Marvel, S., & Mattner, F. (2002). Development of PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals to study multi-drug resistance (MDR). Paper presented to the France-Australia symposium on nuclear medicine : methodology, clinical applications and pharmacology : volume of proceedings, Monday 29th April 2002, Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, Australia. Lucas Heights, NSW : Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. (pp. 26-27).