Home Products Cited in Publications Worldwide Dual Function Molecular Imaging Probes for Breast Cancer
Rochester Institute of Technology,2023.
Christopher DeNyse
Breast cancer (BrCa) is a pressing health concern, necessitating the development of effective imaging and therapeutic agents. To address this need, we designed and synthesized molecularly targeted imaging and therapeutic agents that combine visualization and treatment of tumors in real-time. Our approach involved the development of dual-modal agents, incorporating the fluorescent near infrared (NIR) dye, IRDye78, and a chlorin-based photosensitizer (PS) dye, Mesopyropheoborbide-a (mPPa), coupled to a BrCa-targeting peptide," 18-4." Additionally, we created a water-soluble, single-modal targeted PS probe for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of BrCa for use guided by other imaging methods. Our methodology was based on a modular approach, wherein modules containing the dyes attached to a lysine scaffold were utilized to attach the dye payloads in two different combinations: one with the PS dye on the lysine side chain and fluorescent dye, IRDye78, on the n-terminus of lysine, and the other with reversed positions of the two dyes. Furthermore, we extended this method to synthesize palladium-metalated versions of these modules. For the water-soluble, targeted single-modal probe, we designed a module that incorporated the PS dye on the side chain of lysine, attached to a water-solubilizing tri-sulfonated arm on the n-terminus. This module was then coupled to the BrCa peptide, resulting in a single_x005f_x0002_modal PS for PDT of BrCa. Two probes were provided to the University of Rochester for evaluation in BrCa cells and murine models. Preliminary results confirmed the uptake of our first dual modal probe into BrCa cells through fluorescent microscopy. This work represents the first example of receptor-targeted, dual-modal imaging and therapy agents for combined imaging and PDT of BrCa. Additionally, a new approach to water-soluble, single-modal targeted PDT agent is introduced. Overall, this comprehensive approach offers hope for improved outcomes in lumpectomy and represents a substantial advancement in the fight against breast cancer.