[18F]-RGD-K5 microPET imaging of tumor angiogenesis during anti-angiogenic therapy in mouse models.

Integrins are transmembrane glycoproteins consisting of two noncovalently bound alfa and beta subunits that mediate cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. The integrin subtypes alfavbeta3 and alfavbeta5 have been reported to play an important role in tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. They are significantly upregulated in newly sprouting vasculature and are upregulated on commonly used tumor cell lines, with their expression correlating with tumor aggressiveness. The ability to visualize alfavbeta3/alfavbeta5 in vivo would a valuale tool to follow the expression of these integrins during tumor development and metastasis, develop novel anti-integrin therapies, monitor treatment efficacy, and aid in patient selection Fluorine-18 radiolabelled RGD-K5 was developed by Siemens and the radiolabelling of this molecule has been optimized in our labs. We will evaluate whether 18F-RGD-K5 can be used to evaluate pre-clinical anti-angiogenic therapy in mouse models of colorectal cancer. This project will serve as basis for a similar project in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Keywords:Integrins, PET, Positron emission tomography, Angiogenesis

Disciplines:Morphological sciences, Oncology, Medical imaging and therapy