Gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs) are overexpressed in prostate and breast cancer, and are therefore attractive molecular targets for diagnosis and therapy with radiolabeled GRPR-directed peptide probes. The amphibian tetradecapeptide bombesin or the mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide and neuromedin C have been modified with a variety of chelators. As a result, labeling with radiometals attractive for SPECT or PET imaging and for radionuclide therapy has led to the development of peptide radioligands suitable for in vivo targeting of prostate cancer. A shift of paradigm from internalizing GRPR-agonists to antagonists has occurred owing to the higher biosafety and superior pharmacokinetics of radioantagonists.
PET clinics. 2017 Jan 31 [Epub]
Theodosia Maina, Berthold A Nock
Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Attikis, Athens 15310, Greece. Electronic address: ., Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Attikis, Athens 15310, Greece.