Radiolabeling and in vitro evaluation of 67Ga-NOTA-modular nanotransporter – A potential Auger electron emitting EGFR-targeted radiotherapeutic

IntroductionModular nanotransporters (MNTs) are vehicles designed to transport drugs from the cell surface via receptor-mediated endocytosis and endosomal escape to nucleus. Hence their conjugation to Auger electron emitters, can cause severe cell killing, by nuclear localization. Herein we evaluate the use of MNT as a platform for targeted radiotherapy with 67Ga.MethodsEGF was the targeting ligand on the MNT, and NOTA was selected for its radiolabeling with 67Ga. In the radiolabeling study we dealt with the precipitation of MNT (pI 5.7) at the labeling pH (4.5–5.5) of 67Ga. Cellular and nuclei uptake of 67Ga-NOTA-MNT by the A431 cell line was determined. Its specific cytotoxicity was compared to that of 67Ga-EDTA, 67Ga-NOTA-BSA and 67Ga-NOTA-hEGF, in A431 and U87MGWTT, cell lines, by clonogenic assay. Dosimetry studies were also performed.Results67Ga-NOTA-MNT was produced with 90% yield and specific activity of 25.6 mCi/mg. The in vitro kinetics revealed an increased uptake over 24 h. 55% of the internalized radioactivity was detected in the nuclei at 1 h. The cytotoxicity of 67Ga-NOTA-MNT on A431 cell line was 17 and 385-fold higher when compared to non-specific 67Ga-NOTA-BSA and 67Ga-EDTA. While its cytotoxic potency was 13 and 72-fold higher when compared to 67Ga-NOTA-hEGF in the A431 and the U87MGWTT cell lines, respectively, validating its nuclear localization. The absorbed dose, for 63% cell killing, was 8 Gy, confirming the high specific index of 67Ga.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the feasibility of using MNT as a platform for single cell kill targeted radiotherapy by Auger electron emitters.