Diagnosis of Melanoma with 61Cu-Labeled PET Tracer

J Med Chem. 2024 Jun 13;67(11):9342-9354. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00479. Epub 2024 May 16.

Abstract

Until the recent years, substances containing radioactive 61Cu were strongly considered as potential positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals for use in positron emission tomography (PET) applications; however, due to their suitably long half-life, and generator-independent and cost-effective production, they seem to be economically viable for human imaging. Since malignant melanoma (MM) is a major public health problem, its early diagnosis is a crucial contributor to long-term survival, which can be achieved using radiolabeled α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog NAPamide derivatives. Here, we report on the physicochemical features of a new CB-15aneN5-based Cu(II) complex ([Cu(KFTGdiac)]-) and the ex vivo and in vivo characterization of its NAPamide conjugate. The rigid chelate possesses prompt complex formation and suitable inertness (t1/2 = 18.4 min in 5.0 M HCl at 50 °C), as well as excellent features in the diagnosis of B16-F10 melanoma tumors (T/M(SUVs) (in vivo): 12.7, %ID/g: 6.6 ± 0.3, T/M (ex vivo): 22).

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Coordination Complexes / chemical synthesis
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry
  • Copper Radioisotopes* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma, Experimental* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Positron-Emission Tomography* / methods
  • Radiopharmaceuticals* / chemical synthesis
  • Radiopharmaceuticals* / chemistry
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Copper Radioisotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Coordination Complexes