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33 pages, 3967 KB  
Review
Radiation Biology of Radiopharmaceuticals: Beyond External Beam Radiation Therapy
by Aeli P. Olson, Jonathan W. Engle and Mukesh K. Pandey
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040591 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 782
Abstract
The dynamic field of radiopharmaceuticals is currently experiencing an explosion of growth due in part to excitement over the emerging field of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). Radiopharmaceuticals use physiological targeting methods to deliver radionuclides with medically relevant decay properties to disease biomarkers for [...] Read more.
The dynamic field of radiopharmaceuticals is currently experiencing an explosion of growth due in part to excitement over the emerging field of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). Radiopharmaceuticals use physiological targeting methods to deliver radionuclides with medically relevant decay properties to disease biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment, offering opportunities for early disease imaging and radiation therapy treatment in disease pathologies that are inoperable or refractory to other forms of radiotherapy. Sustaining this rapidly growing field depends heavily on the continued design and production of novel, effective radiopharmaceuticals. Effective therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals cause complex and varied cellular responses, and to choose radionuclides that maximize therapeutic response, researchers must understand radiation biology. Cellular radiation response depends heavily on factors including linear energy transfer (LET), dose, dose rate, targeted location, direct or indirect energy deposition mechanisms, the broader cellular matrix, cellular stress signaling pathways, and endogenous radiation protection mechanisms. Because of the extensive application of low-LET external beam radiation on clinical cancer treatments, biological responses to low-LET form the basis of radiation biology and are generally considered transferable to high-LET radiopharmaceuticals. However, increased focus on high-LET, radiopharmaceutical therapy-specific radiation biology is motivated by differences between low- and high-LET radiation, external beam versus radiopharmaceutical therapy-induced biological response, and the observed varied clinical responses to radiopharmaceutical therapies. This review article summarizes historical understanding of low- and high-LET radiation responses within cells, with emphasis on radiopharmaceutical-specific responses when available, and discusses current gaps in understanding in the radiation biology of radiotheranostic pharmaceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Will (Radio)Theranostics Hold Up in the 21st Century—and Why?)
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51 pages, 720 KB  
Review
Alpha and Beta Emitters in Translational Nuclear Medicine: Clinical Advances, Challenges, and Future Direction
by Hanieh Karimi, Thomas H. Shaffer, Erik Stauff, Vinay V. R. Kandula, Heidi H. Kecskemethy, Lauren W. Averill and Xuyi Yue
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2290; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052290 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) has emerged as a transformative modality in oncology, particularly for patients with metastatic or inoperable tumors. By leveraging molecularly targeted carriers conjugated to cytotoxic radionuclides, RPT enables precise delivery of ionizing radiation to tumor sites while minimizing off-target effects. Central [...] Read more.
Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) has emerged as a transformative modality in oncology, particularly for patients with metastatic or inoperable tumors. By leveraging molecularly targeted carriers conjugated to cytotoxic radionuclides, RPT enables precise delivery of ionizing radiation to tumor sites while minimizing off-target effects. Central to this approach are alpha (α) and beta (β) particle-emitting radionuclides. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all clinically relevant alpha and beta emitters and incorporates the most recent advances from 2017–2025, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective. Alpha and beta emitters hold significant promises for the future, especially in nuclear medicine, energy, and environmental monitoring. Medically, these emitters are at the forefront of targeted radiotherapy, offering new hope for cancer treatment. Alpha emitters such as Actinium-225 and Radium-223 are gaining attention for their high linear energy transfer, which allows them to effectively kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Beta emitters, including Lutetium-177 and Iodine-131, are already widely used for treating thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and prostate cancer. They offer a longer range in tissue penetration than alpha particles, making them suitable for larger or more diffuse tumors. Alpha and beta emitters hold tremendous promise in targeted radiotherapy. However, current research is limited by an incomplete understanding of resistance pathways, insufficient long-term safety and efficacy data, and underdeveloped personalized treatment frameworks. As production technologies improve and safety protocols advance, these emitters will likely play an even more prominent role in both health care and scientific innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Molecular Imaging and Therapy)
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25 pages, 2697 KB  
Review
Tumour Microenvironment-Informed Radiotheranostics: Why and How Nuclear Medicine Could Advance Precision Oncology in the Decade Ahead
by Kalyani Pandya, Zhaoguo Lin, Magdalena Wadsak, Jiahui Wang, Kuangyu Shi and Robert Seifert
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(3), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030382 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 743
Abstract
Despite significant progress in targeted cancer therapies and conventional imaging methodologies, the effective detection and treatment of solid tumours remain a major clinical challenge. This is thought to be caused by the complexity and heterogeneity found in the tumour microenvironment (TME), which significantly [...] Read more.
Despite significant progress in targeted cancer therapies and conventional imaging methodologies, the effective detection and treatment of solid tumours remain a major clinical challenge. This is thought to be caused by the complexity and heterogeneity found in the tumour microenvironment (TME), which significantly effects drug delivery and therapeutic response. Different levels of fibrosis, varying immune-cell infiltration, and disorganized vasculature form barriers for therapeutic approaches. However, in the next decade, radiotheranostics, defined here as the combined use of matched diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, could present a targeted and flexible strategy for addressing some of the challenges caused by the TME. By combining molecular imaging with therapeutic delivery, it enables the in vivo visualization of TME features and the selective treatment of tumour and stromal compartments. This provides the unique opportunity to target tumour regions resistant to conventional therapies, including those shaped by (extracellular matrix) ECM stiffness, immune infiltration, or hypoxia. However, new strategies are needed to identify targets and evaluate their efficacy for more precise therapies. In this review, we will discuss why radiotheranostics is an ideal field for advancing the therapeutic approaches to solid tumours by incorporating the growing understanding of the TME. We will discuss how key microenvironmental features affect radiotracer distribution and treatment outcomes. We will highlight emerging tools including ECM- and immune-targeted imaging, patient-derived organoids, and organ-on-chip models which will be instrumental in developing physiologically relevant radiopharmaceutical therapies. Finally, we will discuss how spatial/single-cell transcriptomic approaches can support target discovery and allow for patient outcome assessment, with the aim of integrating microenvironment-aware insights into the development of novel radiotheranostic agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Will (Radio)Theranostics Hold Up in the 21st Century—and Why?)
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38 pages, 1867 KB  
Review
Radiolabeled Vitamins and Nanosystems as Potential Agents in Oncology Theranostics: Developed Approaches and Future Perspectives
by Ghazal Basirinia, Albert Comelli, Pierpaolo Alongi, Muhammad Ali, Giuseppe Salvaggio, Costanza Longo, Domenico Di Raimondo, Antonino Tuttolomondo and Viviana Benfante
J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16010036 - 5 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 832
Abstract
Theranostic approaches employing radioactive materials have emerged as innovative strategies that integrate molecular imaging with targeted therapy using nanosystems, thereby advancing the paradigm of precision medicine in oncology. Each year, substantial research efforts are dedicated to developing molecular probes capable of detecting early-stage [...] Read more.
Theranostic approaches employing radioactive materials have emerged as innovative strategies that integrate molecular imaging with targeted therapy using nanosystems, thereby advancing the paradigm of precision medicine in oncology. Each year, substantial research efforts are dedicated to developing molecular probes capable of detecting early-stage tumors, with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity to the surrounding healthy tissues. Radiopharmaceuticals based on vitamins and nanoparticles are among the most promising developments in this field, as they possess a high level of specificity and low toxicity. Vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 represent notable examples, as their targeting properties exploit the overexpression of corresponding receptors in tumor cells. In this context, future directions may include the radiolabeling of nanoparticles functionalized with these vitamins using isotopes such as [68Ga] and [177Lu], thereby enabling both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. Despite the encouraging preclinical evidence, many in vitro and in vivo studies employing these strategies do not sufficiently address their translational applicability to radiotheranostics. This review highlights the most promising advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of vitamin and nanoparticle-based systems. It aims to critically evaluate current findings and propose hypotheses for further study in the emerging field of radiopharmaceutical theranostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives)
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18 pages, 1354 KB  
Article
Development and In Vitro Evaluation of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-PSMA, a Novel Radiotheranostic Agent Against Prostate Cancer
by Hoda Talebian, Samia Ait-Mohand, Prenitha Mercy Ignatius Arokia Doss, Léon Sanche and Brigitte Guérin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311651 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 684
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa), particularly in its metastatic form, remains a major clinical challenge due to limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. To address this, we developed a novel radiotheranostic agent, [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-PSMA, by conjugating a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand to a 64 [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer (PCa), particularly in its metastatic form, remains a major clinical challenge due to limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. To address this, we developed a novel radiotheranostic agent, [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-PSMA, by conjugating a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand to a 64Cu-radiolabeled terpyridine-platinum (TP) compound previously shown to exert selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. In this study, the biological performance of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-PSMA was compared with the monomeric analogs [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-PSMA and [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP through in vitro studies in PSMA-positive LNCaP prostate cancer cells and non-malignant HEK-293 cells. [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-PSMA showed high stability, PSMA binding affinity and exhibited substantially enhanced uptake, internalization, retention, and nuclear localization in LNCaP cells relative to the monomers, whereas uptake and nuclear accumulation in HEK-293 cells were negligible. Cytotoxicity assays further demonstrated potent and selective activity in LNCaP cells, with EC50 values in the low nanomolar range, and minimal toxicity in HEK-293 cells. Collectively, these results identify [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-PSMA as a promising radiotheranostic agent, warranting further in vivo evaluation for prostate cancer imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Full article
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32 pages, 1169 KB  
Review
Actinium-225/Bismuth-213 as Potential Leaders for Targeted Alpha Therapy: Current Supply, Application Barriers, and Future Prospects
by Mohamed F. Nawar, Adli A. Selim, Basma M. Essa, Alaa F. El-Daoushy, Mohamed M. Swidan, Claudia G. Chambers, Mohammed H. Al Qahtani, Charles J. Smith and Tamer M. Sakr
Cancers 2025, 17(18), 3055; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17183055 - 18 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4617
Abstract
Alpha therapy (TAT) relies on combining alpha-emitting radionuclides with specific cell-targeting vectors to deliver a high payload of cytotoxic radiation capable of destroying tumor tissues. TAT efficacy comes from the tissue selectivity of the targeting vector, the high linear energy transfer (LET) of [...] Read more.
Alpha therapy (TAT) relies on combining alpha-emitting radionuclides with specific cell-targeting vectors to deliver a high payload of cytotoxic radiation capable of destroying tumor tissues. TAT efficacy comes from the tissue selectivity of the targeting vector, the high linear energy transfer (LET) of the radionuclide, and the short range of alpha particles in tissues. Recent research studies have been directed to evaluate TAT on a preclinical and clinical scale, including evaluating damage to tumor tissues with minimal toxic radiation effects on surrounding healthy tissues. This review highlights the use of Actinium-225/Bismuth-213 radionuclides as promising candidates for TAT. Herein, we begin with a discussion on the production and supply of [225Ac]Ac/[213Bi]Bi followed by the formulation of [225Ac]Ac/[213Bi]Bi-radiopharmaceuticals using different radiolabeling techniques. Finally, we have summarized the preclinical and clinical evaluation of these potential radiotheranostic agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Therapy)
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16 pages, 1002 KB  
Article
A Targeted Radiotheranostic Agent for Glioblastoma: [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK)
by Alireza Mirzaei, Samia Ait-Mohand, Prenitha Mercy Ignatius Arokia Doss, Étienne Rousseau and Brigitte Guérin
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(8), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080844 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumors, with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Background/Objectives: Integrin αvβ3, a cell surface receptor overexpressed in GBM, specifically binds to cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate-D-phenylalanine-lysine (c(RGDfK)) motif, making [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumors, with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Background/Objectives: Integrin αvβ3, a cell surface receptor overexpressed in GBM, specifically binds to cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate-D-phenylalanine-lysine (c(RGDfK)) motif, making it a valuable target for tumor-specific delivery and PET imaging. This study explores a novel radiotheranostic agent, [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK), which combines the imaging and therapeutic capabilities of copper-64 (64Cu) and the cytotoxic activity of a terpyridine-platinum (TP) complex, conjugated to c(RGDfK). Methods: A robust protocol was developed for the small-scale preparation of NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK). Comparative cellular studies were conducted using U87 MG glioblastoma (GBM) cells and SVG p12 human astrocytes to evaluate the performance of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK) relative to [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-c(RGDfK), [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP, natCu-NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK), cisplatin, and temozolomide. Results: 64Cu-radiolabeling of NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK) was achieved with >99% radiochemical purity, and competition assays confirmed high binding affinity to integrin αvβ3 (IC50 = 16 ± 8 nM). Cellular uptake, internalization, and retention studies demonstrated significantly higher accumulation of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK) in U87 MG cells compared to control compounds, with 38.8 ± 1.8% uptake and 28.0 ± 1.0% internalization at 24 h. Nuclear localization (6.0 ± 0.5%) and stable intracellular retention further support its therapeutic potential for inducing localized DNA damage. Importantly, [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in U87 MG cells (IC50 = 10 ± 2 nM at 48 h), while maintaining minimal toxicity in normal SVG p12 astrocytes. Conclusions: These results highlight [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-TP-c(RGDfK) as a promising targeted radiotheranostic agent for GBM, warranting further preclinical development Full article
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15 pages, 3903 KB  
Article
PSMA-Targeted Radiolabeled Peptide for Imaging and Therapy in Prostate Cancer: Preclinical Evaluation of Biodistribution and Therapeutic Efficacy
by Ming-Wei Chen, Yuan-Ruei Huang, Wei-Lin Lo, Shih-Ying Lee, Sheng-Nan Lo, Shih-Ming Wang and Kang-Wei Chang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157580 - 5 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2938
Abstract
Albumin-binding agents enhance tumor uptake of radiopharmaceuticals targeting prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMAs) in radiotherapy. We synthesized PSMA-NARI-56, a molecule with both PSMA targeting activity and albumin-binding moiety, labeled with 177Lu as the therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to determine [...] Read more.
Albumin-binding agents enhance tumor uptake of radiopharmaceuticals targeting prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMAs) in radiotherapy. We synthesized PSMA-NARI-56, a molecule with both PSMA targeting activity and albumin-binding moiety, labeled with 177Lu as the therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to determine the specific binding of 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 towards PSMA, assess its biodistribution, and evaluate therapeutic effectiveness by tumor-bearing mice. The effect of 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 viability of PSMA-positive cell (LNCaP) was evaluated. Biodistribution and endoradiotherapy studies were utilized to determine the distribution, targeting, and anti-tumor efficacy by tumor-bearing mice identified by 111In-PSMA-NARI-56. 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 exhibited a significant impact on the viability of the LNCaP cell. Biodistribution results revealed the maximum tumor uptake of 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 occurring within 24 h, reaching 40.56 ± 10.01%ID/g. In radionuclide therapy, at 58 days post-injection (p.i.), 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 demonstrated superior tumor inhibition (98%) compared to 177Lu-PSMA-617 (58%), and the mouse survival rate after 90 days of radiotherapy (90%) was also higher than that of 177Lu-PSMA-617 (30%) in LNCaP tumor-bearing mice. In the PSMA-positive animal model, 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 shows higher potential radiotheranostic and prolonged accumulation (identify by 111In-PSMA-NARI-56/nanoSPECT/CT image), offering the potential for improved treatment effectiveness and increased survival rates when compared to 177Lu-PSMA-617. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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23 pages, 4589 KB  
Review
The Novel Achievements in Oncological Metabolic Radio-Therapy: Isotope Technologies, Targeted Theranostics, Translational Oncology Research
by Elena V. Uspenskaya, Ainaz Safdari, Denis V. Antonov, Iuliia A. Valko, Ilaha V. Kazimova, Aleksey A. Timofeev and Roman A. Zubarev
Med. Sci. 2025, 13(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030107 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1527
Abstract
Background/Objectives. This manuscript presents an overview of advances in oncological radiotherapy as an effective treatment method for cancerous tumors, focusing on mechanisms of action within metabolite–antimetabolite systems. The urgency of this topic is underscored by the fact that cancer remains one of the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives. This manuscript presents an overview of advances in oncological radiotherapy as an effective treatment method for cancerous tumors, focusing on mechanisms of action within metabolite–antimetabolite systems. The urgency of this topic is underscored by the fact that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide: as of 2022, approximately 20 million new cases were diagnosed globally, accounting for about 0.25% of the total population. Given prognostic models predicting a steady increase in cancer incidence to 35 million cases by 2050, there is an urgent need for the latest developments in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy, and strict adherence to oncological vigilance. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the relationship between the nature and mechanisms of past diagnostic and therapeutic oncology approaches, their current improvements, and future prospects. Particular emphasis is placed on isotope technologies in the production of therapeutic nuclides, focusing on the mechanisms of formation of simple and complex theranostic compounds and their classification according to target specificity. Methods. The methodology involved searching, selecting, and analyzing information from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as from available official online sources over the past 20 years. The search was structured around the structure–mechanism–effect relationship of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The manuscript, including graphic materials, was prepared using a narrative synthesis method. Results. The results present a sequential analysis of materials related to isotope technology, particularly nucleus stability and instability. An explanation of theranostic principles enabled a detailed description of the action mechanisms of radiopharmaceuticals on various receptors within the metabolite–antimetabolite system using specific drug models. Attention is also given to radioactive nanotheranostics, exemplified by the mechanisms of action of radioactive nanoparticles such as Tc-99m, AuNPs, wwAgNPs, FeNPs, and others. Conclusions. Radiotheranostics, which combines the diagnostic properties of unstable nuclei with therapeutic effects, serves as an effective adjunctive and/or independent method for treating cancer patients. Despite the emergence of resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, existing nuclide resources provide protection against subsequent tumor metastasis. However, given the unfavorable cancer incidence prognosis over the next 25 years, the development of “preventive” drugs is recommended. Progress in this area will be facilitated by modern medical knowledge and a deeper understanding of ligand–receptor interactions to trigger apoptosis in rapidly proliferating cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Section “Cancer and Cancer-Related Research”)
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19 pages, 3398 KB  
Article
Synthesis and Evaluation of [18F]AlF-NOTA-iPD-L1 as a Potential Theranostic Pair for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-iPD-L1
by Guillermina Ferro-Flores, Myrna Luna-Gutiérrez, Blanca Ocampo-García, Nallely Jiménez-Mancilla, Nancy Lara-Almazán, Rigoberto Oros-Pantoja, Clara Santos-Cuevas, Erika Azorín-Vega and Laura Meléndez-Alafort
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070920 - 16 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1337
Abstract
Background/Objective: Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), which is overexpressed in certain tumors, inhibits the body’s natural immune response by providing an “off” signal that enables cancer cells to evade the immune system. It has been demonstrated that [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-iPD-L1 (PD-L1 inhibitor [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), which is overexpressed in certain tumors, inhibits the body’s natural immune response by providing an “off” signal that enables cancer cells to evade the immune system. It has been demonstrated that [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-iPD-L1 (PD-L1 inhibitor cyclic peptide) promotes immune responses. This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate [18F]AlF-NOTA-iPD-L1 as a novel radiotracer for PD-L1 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and as a potential theranostic pair for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-iPD-L1. Methods: The NOTA-iPD-L1 peptide conjugate was synthesized and characterized by U.V.-vis, I.R.-FT, and UPLC-mass spectroscopies. Radiolabeling was performed using [18F]AlF as the precursor, and the radiochemical purity (HPLC), partition coefficient, and serum stability were assessed. Cellular uptake and internalization (in 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells), binding competition, immunofluorescence, and Western blot assays were applied for the radiotracer in vitro characterization. Biodistribution in mice bearing 4T1 tumors was performed, and molecular imaging (Cerenkov images) of [18F]AlF-NOTA-iPD-L1 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-iPD-L1 in the same mouse was obtained. Results: [18F]AlF-NOTA-iPD-L1 was prepared with a radiochemical purity greater than 97%, and it demonstrated high in vitro and in vivo stability, as well as specific recognition by the PD-L1 protein (IC50 = 9.27 ± 2.69 nM). Biodistribution studies indicated a tumor uptake of 6.4% ± 0.9% ID/g at 1-hour post-administration, and Cerenkov images showed a high tumor uptake of both [18F]AlF-NOTA-iPD-L1 and 177Lu-iPD-L1 in the same mouse. Conclusions: These results warrant further studies to evaluate the clinical usefulness of [18F]AlF-NOTA-iPD-L1/[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-iPD-L1 as a radiotheranostic pair in combination with anti-PD-L1/PD1 immunotherapy. Full article
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23 pages, 625 KB  
Review
Radionuclides Landscape in Prostate Cancer Theranostics
by Monica Neagu, Carolina Constantin, Mihail Eugen Hinescu, Petrisor Gabriel Bleotu, Mara-Georgiana Popovici, Maria-Iulia Zai and Klaus Michael Spohr
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6751; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146751 - 14 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4699
Abstract
Prostate cancer, a malignancy of significant prevalence, affects approximately half a million men in Europe, with one in twelve males receiving a diagnosis before reaching the age of 75. Radiotheranostics represents a paradigm shift in prostate cancer treatment, leveraging radionuclides for diagnostic and [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer, a malignancy of significant prevalence, affects approximately half a million men in Europe, with one in twelve males receiving a diagnosis before reaching the age of 75. Radiotheranostics represents a paradigm shift in prostate cancer treatment, leveraging radionuclides for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, with PSMA emerging as the primary molecular target. Regulatory bodies have approved various PSMA-targeted radiodiagnostic agents, such as [18F]DCFPyL (PYLARIFY®, Lantheus Holdings), [18F]rhPSMA-7.3 (POSLUMA®, Blue Earth Diagnostics), and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 (LOCAMETZ®, Novartis/ILLUCCIX®, Telix Pharmaceuticals), as well as therapeutic agents like [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (PLUVICTO®, 15 Novartis). The approval of PLUVICTO® in March 2022 for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have undergone prior treatments, including androgen receptor pathway-targeting agents and taxane-based chemotherapy, represents a significant advancement. Other radionuclides like 161Tb, 149Tb, 225Ac, 227Th, 223Ra, 211At, 213 Bi, 212Pb, 89Zr, and 125I are presented, emphasizing their clinical implementation or the stage of clinical trial they are in in the flow to biomedical implementation. Three clinically wise used radionuclides 177Lu, 225Ac, 223Ra are shown along with their characteristics. This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning PSMA, explore the clinical applications of PSMA-targeted radiotheranostics, and critically examine the diverse challenges these therapies encounter in the treatment of prostate cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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17 pages, 2255 KB  
Article
Engineering a Radiohybrid PSMA Ligand with an Albumin-Binding Moiety and Pharmacokinetic Modulation via an Albumin-Binding Competitor for Radiotheranostics
by Saki Hirata, Hiroaki Echigo, Masayuki Munekane, Kenji Mishiro, Kohshin Washiyama, Takeshi Fuchigami, Hiroshi Wakabayashi, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Seigo Kinuya and Kazuma Ogawa
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2804; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132804 - 29 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1623
Abstract
The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-established target for radiotheranostics in prostate cancer. We previously demonstrated that 4-(p-astatophenyl)butyric acid (APBA), an albumin-binding moiety (ABM) labeled with astatine-211 (211At), enables the modulation of pharmacokinetics and enhancement of therapeutic efficacy [...] Read more.
The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-established target for radiotheranostics in prostate cancer. We previously demonstrated that 4-(p-astatophenyl)butyric acid (APBA), an albumin-binding moiety (ABM) labeled with astatine-211 (211At), enables the modulation of pharmacokinetics and enhancement of therapeutic efficacy when combined with the post-administration of an albumin-binding competitor. However, this strategy has not been explored in PSMA-targeting ligands. We designed and synthesized [211At]6, a novel PSMA ligand structurally analogous to PSMA-617 with APBA. The compound was obtained via a tin–halogen exchange reaction from the corresponding tributylstannyl precursor. Comparative cellular uptake and biodistribution studies were conducted with [211At]6, its radioiodinated analog [125I]5, and [67Ga]Ga-PSMA-617. To assess pharmacokinetic modulation, sodium 4-(p-iodophenyl)butanoate (IPBA), an albumin-binding competitor, was administered 1 h postinjection of [125I]5 and [211At]6 at a 10-fold molar excess relative to blood albumin. The synthesis of [211At]6 gave a radiochemical yield of 15.9 ± 7.7% and a radiochemical purity > 97%. The synthesized [211At]6 exhibited time-dependent cellular uptake and internalization, with higher uptake levels than [67Ga]Ga-PSMA-617. Biodistribution studies of [211At]6 in normal mice revealed a prolonged blood retention similar to those of [125I]5. Notably, post-administration of IPBA significantly reduced blood radioactivity and non-target tissue accumulation of [125I]5 and [211At]6. We found that ABM-mediated pharmacokinetic control was applicable to PSMA-targeted radiotherapeutics, broadening its potential for the optimization of radiotheranostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Radiochemistry, 2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 1334 KB  
Review
Revolutionizing Prostate Cancer Detection: The Role of Approved PSMA-PET Imaging Agents
by Ute Hennrich, Laurène Wagner, Harun Taş, Luciana Kovacs and Martina Benešová-Schäfer
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060906 - 17 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 8138
Abstract
Locametz®/Illuccix®/GozellixTM (Novartis AG (Basel, Switzerland) and Telix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (Melbourne, Australia), all three [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11), Pylarify®/Pylclari® (Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (New York, USA) and Curium PET France SA (Paris, France), both [18F]DCFPyL), Radelumin [...] Read more.
Locametz®/Illuccix®/GozellixTM (Novartis AG (Basel, Switzerland) and Telix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (Melbourne, Australia), all three [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11), Pylarify®/Pylclari® (Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (New York, USA) and Curium PET France SA (Paris, France), both [18F]DCFPyL), Radelumin® (ABX GmbH (Radeberg, Germany), [18F]PSMA-1007), and Posluma® (Blue Earth Diagnostics, Ltd. (Oxford, UK), [18F]rhPSMA-7.3) are four approved PSMA-PET imaging agents that have significantly advanced the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. These agents offer a new level of precision and accuracy, enabling clinicians to detect prostate cancer with enhanced sensitivity. As a result, they play a critical role in improving detection, staging, and management, ultimately enhancing clinical outcomes for patients. Their use in routine clinical practice is expected to increase diagnostic precision and provide clearer pathways for personalized therapy. This review offers a comprehensive chemical, pharmaceutical, and medicinal overview, discusses comparative studies, and highlights additional highly relevant candidates for prostate cancer detection. Full article
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19 pages, 4454 KB  
Article
Reshaping [99mTc]Tc-DT11 to DT14D Tagged with Trivalent Radiometals for NTS1R-Positive Cancer Theranostics
by Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, Berthold A. Nock, Eric P. Krenning and Theodosia Maina
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030310 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1377
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Radiotheranostics of neurotensin subtype 1 receptor (NTS1R)-expressing tumors, like pancreatic, gastrointestinal, or prostate cancer, has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Still, the fast degradation of neurotensin (NT)-based radioligands, by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neprilysin (NEP), and other proteases, has [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Radiotheranostics of neurotensin subtype 1 receptor (NTS1R)-expressing tumors, like pancreatic, gastrointestinal, or prostate cancer, has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Still, the fast degradation of neurotensin (NT)-based radioligands, by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neprilysin (NEP), and other proteases, has considerably compromised their efficacy. The recently introduced [99mTc]Tc-DT11 (DT11, N4-Lys(MPBA-PEG4)-Arg-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu-OH; N4, 6-(carboxy)-1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane) has displayed promising uptake in NTS1R-positive tumors in mice and enhanced resistance to both ACE and NEP by virtue of the lateral MPBA-PEG4 (MPBA, 4-(4-methylphenyl)butyric acid; PEG4, 14-amino-3,6,9,12-tetraoxatetradecan-1-oic acid) chain attached to the ε-NH2 of Lys7. We were next interested in investigating whether these qualities could be retained in DT14D, likewise modified at Lys7 but carrying the universal chelator DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) via a (βAla)3 spacer at the α-NH2 of Lys7. This chelator switch enables the labeling of DT14D with a wide range of trivalent radiometals suitable for true theranostic applications, not restricted to the diagnostic imaging of NTS1R-positive lesions only by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: DT14D was labeled with Ga-67 (a surrogate for the positron emission tomography radionuclide Ga-68), In-111 (for SPECT), and Lu-177 (applied in radiotherapy). The resulting radioligands were tested in NTS1R-expressing pancreatic cancer AsPC-1 cells and mice models. Results: [67Ga]Ga/[111In]In/[177Lu]Lu-DT14D displayed high affinity for human NTS1R and internalization in AsPC-1 cells. They remained >70% intact 5 min after entering the mice’s circulation, displaying NTS1R-specific uptake in AsPC-1 xenografts. Conclusions: Suitably side-chain modified NT analogs show enhanced metabolic stability and hence better prospects for radiotheranostic application in NTS1R-positive cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics)
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Article
Monovalent and Divalent Designs of Copper Radiotheranostics Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein in Cancer
by Pawan Thapa, Sashi Debnath, Anjan Bedi, Madhuri Parashar, Paulina Gonzalez, Joshua Reus, Hans Hammers and Xiankai Sun
Cancers 2024, 16(24), 4180; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16244180 - 15 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5680
Abstract
Background: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted theranostic radiopharmaceuticals have shown desired tumor-to-background organ selectivity due to the ubiquitous presence of FAP within the tumor microenvironment. However, suboptimal tumor retention and fast clearance have hindered their use to deliver effective cancer therapies. With well-documented [...] Read more.
Background: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted theranostic radiopharmaceuticals have shown desired tumor-to-background organ selectivity due to the ubiquitous presence of FAP within the tumor microenvironment. However, suboptimal tumor retention and fast clearance have hindered their use to deliver effective cancer therapies. With well-documented FAP-targeting moieties and linkers appending them to optimal chelators, the development of copper radiopharmaceuticals has attracted considerable interest, given the fact that an ideal theranostic pair of copper radionuclides (64Cu: t1/2 = 12.7 h; 17.4% β+; Eβ+max = 653 keV and 67Cu: t1/2 = 2.58 d; 100% β; Eβmax = 562 keV) are available. Herein, we report our design, synthesis, and comparative evaluation of monovalent and divalent FAP-targeted theranostic conjugates constructed from our previously reported bifunctional chelator scaffold (BFS) based on 1,4,8,11-tetraaza-bicyclo [6.6.2]hexadecane-4,11-diacetic acid (CB-TE2A), which forms the most stable complex with Cu(II). Methods: After synthesis and characterization, the monovalent and divalent conjugates were radiolabeled with 64Cu for in vitro cell assays, followed by in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging evaluation in relevant mouse models. Results: Both 64Cu-labeled conjugates showed high in vitro stability and anticipated FAP-mediated cell binding and internalization. The divalent one showed significantly higher FAP-specific tumor uptake than its monovalent counterpart. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the BFS-based multivalent approach can be practically used to generate FAP-targeted radiotheranostic agents for effective cancer diagnosis and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Drug Development)
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