Evaluation of 99mTc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin(7-14) as an agent for pancreas tumor detection in mice

• Published in: Brazilian journal of medical and biological research 2015-10, Vol.48 (10), p.923-928
• Main Authors: Carlesso, F.N., Fuscaldi, L.L., Araújo, R.S., Teixeira, C.S., Oliveira, M.C., Fernandes, S.O.A., Cassali, G.D., Reis, D.C., Barros, A.L.B., Cardoso, V.N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 99mTc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin; Biodistribution; BIOLOGY; Capan-1; MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL; Pancreas tumor; Scintigraphic images
• ISSN: 0100-879X; 1414-431X; 1414-431X
• DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20154506

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is important in oncology because of its high mortality rate. Deaths may be avoided if an early diagnosis could be achieved. Several types of tumors overexpress gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPr), including pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, a radiolabeled peptide derivative of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) may be useful as a specific imaging probe. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using 99m Tc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin (7-14) as an imaging probe for Capan-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Xenographic pancreatic tumor was developed in nude mice and characterized by histopathological analysis. Biodistribution studies and scintigraphic images were carried out in tumor-bearing nude mice. The two methods showed higher uptake by pancreatic tumor when compared to muscle (used as control), and the tumor-to-muscle ratio indicated that 99m Tc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin (7-14) uptake was four-fold higher in tumor cells than in other tissues. Scintigraphic images also showed a clear signal at the tumor site. The present data indicate that 99m Tc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin (7-14) may be useful for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.