Reduction of renal uptake of 111In-DOTA-labeled and A700-labeled RAFT-RGD during integrin αvβ3 targeting using single photon emission computed tomography and optical imaging

Integrin av beta 3 expression is upregulated during tumor growth and invasion in newly formed endothelial cells in tumor neovasculature and in some tumor cells. A tetrameric RGD-based peptide, regioselectively addressable functionalized template-(cyclo-[RGDfK])4 (RAFT-RGD), specifically targets integrin av beta 3 in vitro and in vivo. When labeled with indium-111, the RAFT-RGD is partially reabsorbed and trapped in the kidneys, limiting its use for further internal targeted radiotherapy and imaging investigations. We studied the effect of Gelofusine on RAFT-RGD renal retention in tumor-bearing mice. Mice were imaged using single photon emission computed tomography and optical imaging 1 and 24 h following tracer injection. Distribution of RAFT-RGD was further investigated by tissue removal and direct counting of the tracer. Kidney sections were analyzed by confocal microscopy. Gelofusine significantly induced a >50% reduction of the renal reabsorption of 111In-DOTA-RAFT-RGD and A700-RAFT-RGD, without affecting tumor uptake. Injection of Gelofusine significantly reduced the renal retention of labeled RAFT-RGD, while increasing the tumor over healthy tissue ratio. These results will lead to the development of future therapeutic approaches. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 11051110)