An improved synthesis of S-benzoyl mercaptoacetyltriglycine as BFCA and the labeling of IgG with carrier-free 188Re

S-benzoyl mercaptoacetyltriglycine (S-Bz-MAG₃) was synthesized and labeled with carrier-free ¹⁸⁸Re. The overall yield of S-Bz-MAG₃ is higher than those published in the literature. Dependence of the labeling yield of ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃ upon concentration of reducing agent, pH, reaction time, and other parameters was examined and optimum conditions were obtained. The labeling yield of ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃ was more than 98%. The concentration procedure was succeeded with Sep-Pak C18 column to obtain highly concentrated ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃. The experimental conditions of labeling of IgG with carrier free ¹⁸⁸Re via S-Bz-MAG₃ as a bifunctional chelating agent (BFCA) by pre-radiolabeling of the chelate was studied. The conjugation conditions were optimized. The stability of ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃-IgG in vitro was high. The results of this studiy may be useful for ¹⁸⁸Re labeling of MAbs for radioimmunotherapy.     

Peptide labeling using 188Re, 188Re-MAG3 and 153Sm-H1ETA: A comparison on their in vitro lipophilicity

Lanreotide peptide was labeled with ¹⁵³Sm-H₁ETA and ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃ in order to evaluate whether or not their conjugation to the peptide produce significant differences of the in vitro lipophilicity with respect to the ¹⁸⁸Re-lanreotide prepared by the direct labeling method (highly lipophilic). The differences of lipophilicity between the complexes, were evaluated using a reverse phase HPLC system. The measured lipophilicity of ¹⁵³Sm-H₁ETA-lanreotide, ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃-lanreotide and ¹⁸⁸Re-lanreotide was taken to be the capacity factor [k" = (t _R-t ₀)/t ₀ where t _R is the retention time and t ₀ is the dead time] for each of the complexes under identical chromatography conditions. Results showed that the in vitro lipophilicity decreased in the order ¹⁸⁸Re-lanreotide (direct labeling), ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃-lanreotide and ¹⁵³Sm-H₁ETA-lanreotide. Since the last one has a capacity factor (k") similar to that of ¹⁸⁸Re-MAG₃, some renal elimination for ¹⁵³Sm-H₁ETA-lanreotide could be expected, which probably would reduce the unnecessary radiation dose to normal tissues.     

Pyridyl derivatives provide new pathways for labeling protein with fac-[<Superscript>188</Superscript>Re(CO)<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>+</Superscript>

The purpose of this work was to indirect label IgG with fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ and to check the radiochemical behavior of the labeled product. The compound of (bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino)-acetic acid (L²H) was synthesized and labeled with fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺. The labeling yield of ¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃–L²H was more than 90%. The effects of protein concentration, reaction time, pH and reaction temperature of labeling of IgG with ¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃–L²H were investigated. The conjugation conditions were optimized. The labeled product was analyzed by size exclusion HPLC and TLC. The stability of ¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃–L²H–IgG in vitro was high. The results of this study may be useful for [¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ labeling of protein for radioimmunotherapy.     

Characterization and application of the fac-[188Re(CO)3(H2O)3]+ core

Summary Fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ was synthesized with an overall radiochemical yield of 80±5%, and more than 95% radiochemical purity after a QMA Sep-Pak column separation. Fac-[Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ was also synthesized as a reference sample. The structure of the precursor, fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺, was confirmed by high performance of liquid chromatography (HPLC). MN-His (magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica and modified with an amino silane coupling agent, N-[3-(trimethyoxysilyl)propyl]-ethylenediamine (SG-Si900) and immobilized with histidine) was labeled with fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ and an initial animal test of MN-His was conducted for a magnetic targeting study.     

188Re-labeled hyperbranched polysulfonamine as a robust tool for targeted cancer diagnosis and radioimmunotherapy

Hyperbranched polysulfonamine (HPSA) is a promising biomaterial due to its highly branched spherical architecture and efficient intracellular translocation. To realize the functionalization of HPSA, both N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) for tethering the human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody CH12 and N-hydroxy succinimidyl S-acetylmercaptoacetyltriglycinate (NHS-MAG₃) for labeling ¹⁸⁸Re were sequentially grafted onto the primary amine terminals of HPSA via covalent linkages, attaining the SPDP-HPSA-MAG₃ intermediate. In order to reserve the structural integrity of CH12, the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region was also processed by oxidation of oligosaccharide moieties with sodium periodate and then reacted with N-(κ-maleimidoundecanoic acid) hydrazide (KMUH). After chelating ¹⁸⁸Re with MAG₃ group, the SPDP was reduced to PDP and connected onto the maleinimide group at the Fc region. As a result, both the epidermal growth factor receptor vIII (EGFRvIII) targeted monoclonal antibody CH12 and the radionuclide ¹⁸⁸Re were conjugated to the HPSA-based vehicles, forming the ¹⁸⁸Re-labeled and CH12-tethered HPSA (CH12-HPSA-¹⁸⁸Re). The molecular weight and in vitro stability of CH12-HPSA-¹⁸⁸Re were evaluated by gel electrophoresis and paper chromatography. On one hand, the CH12-HPSA-¹⁸⁸Re could specifically bind to the EGFRvIII-positive human hepatocarcinoma cells in vitro. On the other hand, it could also target at the tumor tissue of nude mice in vivo. Hence, the CH12-HPSA-¹⁸⁸Re could effectively target at the human hepatocarcinoma and facilitate the tumor detection and targeted radioimmunotherapy.     

Radiosynthesis and evaluation of 188Re-c(RGDyK)-His as a novel radiotherapeutic agent for integrin αvβ3 targeting tumour

The successes of noninvasive methods to visualize and quantify integrin α_vβ₃ expression in vivo have paved the way for radiolabeling anti-integrin therapy in clinic. Arginine-glycine-aspartice (RGD) peptide and related derivatives labeled with radionuclides for radio-therapy, which specifically targeting integrin α_vβ₃-positive tumors, could be used to treat these tumors. We have labeled c(RGDyK)-His, a RGD derivative, with ¹⁸⁸Re and the radio-therapy efficiency has been evaluated in model nude mice. c(RGDyK)-His was labeled with ¹⁸⁸Re by chelating with [¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ under a slightly basic condition. The in vitro specific binding affinity to U87 MG cell lines and the biodistribution of ¹⁸⁸Re-c(RGDyK)-His in the animal tumor models was measured. The inhibitory effects of ¹⁸⁸Re-c(RGDyK)-His were observed more than 1 month, and evaluated by microPET/CT imaging with ¹⁸F-FDG. Results of in vivo, cell uptake demonstrated ¹⁸⁸Re-c(RGDyK)-His had a high specific binding affinity to receptor integrin α_vβ₃. In biodistribution experiment, ¹⁸⁸Re-c(RGDyK)-His was accumulated in the tumor and cleared fast from the normal tissues. In radiotherapy study, tumor growth inhibition was significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the control groups. These studies showed that ¹⁸⁸Re-c(RGDyK)-His could be effectively used for integrin α_vβ₃ targeting therapy. This may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of integrin-positive tumors in clinic.     

188Rhenium-glucoheptonate: A radiopharmaceutical for intravascular radiation therapy

The preparation of ¹⁸⁸Re-glucoheptonate (GH) is described using ¹⁸⁸Re, which was obtained from an alumina based ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re generator. The dependence of the radiolabeling yields of ¹⁸⁸Re-GH on reducing agent concentration, GH concentration, pH, temperature and incubation time was examined. In the case of optimum conditions the yield of ¹⁸⁸Re-GH was ~99%. The ITLC technique was employed to monitor the different species formed. A biodistribution study of ¹⁸⁸Re-GH was carried out in rats and compared to the biological behavior of ^99mTc-GH.     

188Rhenium-EDTMP: A potential therapeutic bone agent

Bone seeking radiopharmaceuticals such as ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonate (EDTMP) complexes of ¹⁵³Sm and ¹⁶⁶Ho are receiving considerable attention for therapeutic treatment of bone metastases. Rhenium-188 has both beta-particle emissions for a therapeutic effect and gamma-emissions for imaging and it is available from an in-house generator system similar to the current ^99mTc generator, which makes it convenient for clinical use. The preparation of ¹⁸⁸Re-EDTMP is described using ¹⁸⁸Re, which was obtained from the alumina-based ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re generator. Dependence of the radiolabeling yield of ¹⁸⁸Re-EDTMP on reducing agent concentration, EDTMP concentration, incubation time, pH and addition of carrier was examined. In the case of optimum conditions, the radiolabeling yields of ¹⁸⁸Re-EDTMP were ~98% for carrier-free as well as carrier-added ¹⁸⁸Re. The addition of ascorbic acid plays an important role in the stability of carrier-free as well as carrier-added ¹⁸⁸Re-EDTMP preparations. The biodistribution of carrier-free and carrier-added ¹⁸⁸Re-EDTMP compounds in rats was also studied. The results show that ¹⁸⁸Re (carrier-added)-EDTMP is a potential bone pain palliation radiopharmaceutical due to its high skeletal uptake, rapid blood clearance and relatively low soft tissue absorption.     

Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo behavior of 188Re(I)-tricarbonyl complexes for the future functionalization of biomolecules

Radiolabeling of biologically active molecules with fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ unit has been of primary interest in recent years. Therefore, we herein report ligands L¹−L⁴ (L¹=histidine, L²=nitrilotriacetic acid, L³=2-picolylamine-N,N-diacetic acid, L⁴=bis(2-pyridymethy)amine) that have been evaluated by radiochemical reactions with fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺. These reactions yielded the radioactive complexes of fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃L] (L = L¹−L⁴, ¹⁸⁸Re tricarbonyl complexes 1–4), which were identified by HPLC. Complexes 1–4, with log P _o/w values ranging from −2.23 to 2.18, were obtained with yields of ≥95% using ligand concentrations within 10⁻⁶–10⁻⁴M range. Thus, specific activities of 220 GBq/μmol could be achieved. Challenge studies with cysteine and histidine revealed high stability for all of these radioactive complexes, and biodistribution studies in mice indicated a fast rate of blood clearance and high rate of total radioactivity excretion occurring primarily through the renal-urinary pathway. In summary, the ligands L¹–L⁴ are potent chelators for the future functionalization of biomolecules labeling with fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺.     

Solvent Extraction of Rhenium(VII) for Preparation of No-Carrier-Added 186Re Saline Solution with High Specific Volume Activity

By using ¹⁸⁸Re as a radiotracer, the extraction behavior of Re(VII) by a tertiary amine extractant N-235 from HCl and the back-extraction behavior of Re(VII) by HNO₃ and ammonia were studied. A chemical separation procedure, which combined the acid alumina column and solvent extraction was established. The procedure was rapid and efficient for the separation of ¹⁸⁶Re from ¹⁸⁶W irradiated by 16 MeV deuterons. No-carrier-added ¹⁸⁶ReO₄ ^– saline solution with high specific volume activity was obtained. The overall recovery yield of ¹⁸⁶Re was about 85%.     

Synthesis of pyridyl derivatives for the future functionalization of biomolecules labeled with the fac-[<Superscript>188</Superscript>Re(CO)<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>+</Superscript> precursor

In this paper, we investigated three ligand systems, symmetric and asymmetric pyridyl-containing tridentate ligands (L¹NH₂ = (bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino)-ethylamine, L²H = (bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino)-acetic acid, L³NH₂ = [(6-amino-hexyl)-pyridyl-2-methyl-amino]-acetic acid) as bifunctional chelating agents for labeling biomolecules. These ligands reacted with the precursor fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ and yielded the radioactive complexes fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃L] (L = three ligands), which were identified by RP-HPLC. The corresponding stable rhenium tricarbonyl complexes (1–3) were allowed for macroscopic identification of the radiochemical compounds. ¹⁸⁸Re tricarbonyl complexes, with log P _o/w values ranging from −1.36 to −0.32, were obtained with yields of ≥90% using ligand concentrations within the 10⁻⁶−10⁻⁴M range. Challenge studies with cysteine and histidine revealed the high stability properties of these radioactive complexes, and biodistribution studies in normal mice indicated a fast rate of blood clearance and high rate of total radioactivity excretion, primarily through the renal-urinary pathway. In summary, these asymmetric and symmetric pyridyl-containing tridentate ligands are potent bifunctional chelators for the future biomolecules labeling of fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺.     

Preparation and evaluation of two 188Re-radiopharmaceuticals for endovascular irradiation

Procedures for complexing DTPA with ¹⁸⁸Re from a ready kit and by conventional manipulation were elaborated and the study of the stability and biodistribution of ¹⁸⁸Re perrhenate and ¹⁸⁸Re-DTPA were performed. Best labeling was achieved using DTPA (38 mM) with 2 mg/ml of SnCl₂ ·2H₂O. The radiochemical purity was 95.9±2.9%. The complex was stable for 24 hours when ascorbic acid was used. Greatest uptake of ¹⁸⁸Re-DTPA was by kidneys (19.3±2.1%ID/g) and for ¹⁸⁸Re-perrhenate by stomach (21.3±2.8%ID/g). In conclusion a kit of freeze-dried DTPA was developed. Organ damage is unlikely by virtue of its rapid urinary excretion. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Separation of Clinical Grade 188Re from 188W Using Polymer Embedded Nanocrystalline Titania

Currently, ¹⁸⁸Re is obtained from ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re chromatographic generator containing alumina which has a limited capacity (~80 mg Wg^?1) for ¹⁸⁸W. This results in high bolus volumes of ¹⁸⁸Re, which often needs to be concentrated before radiolabeling. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using polymer embedded nano crystalline titania (TiP), a novel high capacity sorbent material (~300 mg Wg^?1), for developing a ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re chromatographic generator. A TiP based chromatographic ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re generator was developed in which ¹⁸⁸Re could be eluted with 0.9% saline solution. About 90% of the ¹⁸⁸Re could be recovered in the first 4–5 mL of total activity with more than 80% yield. The purity of ¹⁸⁸Re is adequate for clinical applications.     

Separation of Clinical Grade 188Re from 188W Using Polymer Embedded Nanocrystalline Titania

Currently, ¹⁸⁸Re is obtained from ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re chromatographic generator containing alumina which has a limited capacity (~80 mg Wg⁻¹) for ¹⁸⁸W. This results in high bolus volumes of ¹⁸⁸Re, which often needs to be concentrated before radiolabeling. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using polymer embedded nano crystalline titania (TiP), a novel high capacity sorbent material (~300 mg Wg⁻¹), for developing a ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re chromatographic generator. A TiP based chromatographic ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re generator was developed in which ¹⁸⁸Re could be eluted with 0.9% saline solution. About 90% of the ¹⁸⁸Re could be recovered in the first 4–5 mL of total activity with more than 80% yield. The purity of ¹⁸⁸Re is adequate for clinical applications.

     

An improved tungsten-188/rhenium-188 gel generator based on zirconium tungstate

An improved¹⁸⁸W-¹⁸⁸Re gel generator based on Zr tungstate is described. The influence of synthesis parameters and pre-treatment conditions on¹⁸⁸Re elution yields and the¹⁸⁸W breakthrough was studied with 0.15M aqueous solution of NaCl at pH 5.3 to 7.3 as well as with some organic solvents. An elution efficiency of 80% was achieved during 3 month of explotation with 0.15M NaCl at pH=6.3. The¹⁸⁸W breakthrough was 10^–4 to 10^–3%. The¹⁸⁸W breakthrough may be decreased to 10^–6% when converted into tandem generator with an alumina column. However,¹⁸⁸Re yields are reduced by 8–12% with a tandem generator.     

Studies of gel metal-oxide composite samples as filling materials for W-188/Re-188 generator column

Studies of zirconium tungstate gels for production of ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re generators using tungsten of natural isotopic abundance irradiated in a moderate flux nuclear reactor have been carried out. Composites of WO₃–ZrO₂ have been synthesized by Complex Sol–Gel Process developed in INCT and other techniques. Different proportions of metal oxides and temperature were applied. Elution profiles of columns filled with gel samples irradiated in nuclear reactor have been studied using as an eluent 0.9% NaCl solution. Purity of ¹⁸⁸Re fraction and efficiency of elution were determined. Ageing effect on elution efficiency was also examined. It was found that the best elution performance showed zirconium tungstate gel prepared in 110 °C or 500 °C in which molar ratio of metal oxides was 1:2.     

Production of carrier-free 188Re in the past ten years in Taiwan

Twenty clinical scale alumina-based ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re generators and carrier-free ¹⁸⁸Re has been produced at the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER-Taiwan) for over ten years. 2845.6 GBq (76.9 Ci) of ¹⁸⁸Re-perrhenate solution has been eluted from generators during the past ten years. We have used the harvesting ¹⁸⁸Re solution for labeling radiopharmaceuticals, such as ¹⁸⁸Re-HEDP, ¹⁸⁸Re-MDP, ¹⁸⁸Re-microsphere, ¹⁸⁸Re-lipiodol, and ¹⁸⁸Re-sulfur colloid, etc. The average eluting yield of ¹⁸⁸Re is 78.6±5.8% that was investigated at 1115 harvesting times from 20 generators. Each generator can be used more than six months but the Millipore needs to be changed every two months for smooth harvesting and high yield of ¹⁸⁸Re solution.     

2,5-Diamino-5,5-diphosphonovaleric Acid as a Ligand for an Osteotropic <Superscript>188</Superscript>Re Radiopharmaceutical

A modified method for the preparation of 2,5-diamino-5,5-diphosphonovaleric acid (DADP5) has been developed in the search for new synthetically available organic ligands to produce ¹⁸⁸Re radiopharmaceuticals with an increased accumulation in the bone tissue. Interaction of the obtained acid with ¹⁸⁸Re was studied by radio-TLC. An optimal system for separating unbound ¹⁸⁸Re and labeled complex in a yield of at least 95% was found. The biological distribution of ¹⁸⁸Re-DADP5 was studied based on direct radiometric data. The osteotropicity of ¹⁸⁸Re-DADP5 and its increased accumulation in bone fracture sites, which represent oncological pathology models, was detected at a level comparable to known radiopharmaceuticals.     

Analytical and radioanalytical quality control of purity and stability of radiopharmaceutical compound [186gRe]Re-HEDP for bone metastases pain palliation

Summary The nuclear properties of ^186gRe make it a useful agent for radionuclide therapy and imaging. The coordination compound [^186gRe]Re-HEDP has proved to be a successful bone seeking agent for palliation of metastatic bone pain. Chemical, radiochemical and radionuclidic purity of commercial radiopharmaceutical [^186gRe]Re-HEDP have been checked by means by γ- and β-spectrometries, INAA and paper radio-chromatography. The results indicate a good radionuclidic purity, with levels of contamination from the short-lived ¹⁸⁸Re well below the required specifications. After injection of the radiopharmaceutical, the radiochemical measurements conducted in vivo, on biological matrices, blood, plasma and urine, have shown that, entering the systemic circulation, ^186gRe dissociates from the bis-phosphonate complex as hydrosoluble [^186gRe]ReO₄-, and the two chemical species follow different biokinetics.     

Porous ZrC-carbon microspheres as potential insoluble target matrices for production of <Superscript>188</Superscript>W/<Superscript>188</Superscript>Re

New microsphere sorbents are reported, which could find application in demanding radiation environments and especially as targets for the production of nuclear medicines by neutron irradiation. An easily-synthesized Zr anionic complex was introduced into quaternary amine-functionalised polystyrene-divinylbenzene-based anion-exchange resins by batch adsorption. Upon carbothermal reduction, the precursors were converted to porous carbon matrices containing particles of ZrC and ZrO₂ polymorphs. The most phase-pure material, ZrAX-1, possessed high surface area, multi-scale porosity and high mechanical strength. Adsorption of Re and W was investigated and its possible deployment as a reusable host for the production of ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re is discussed.