Claudia T. Mendler, Torben Gehring, Hans-Jürgen Wester, Markus Schwaiger, and Arne Skerra. (21-05-2015).

THE JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE, 2015, 56:1112–1118, DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.114.149690

Department: 

Research Area A

Abstract: 

Immuno-PET imaging of the tumor antigen HER2/neu allows for the noninvasive detection and monitoring of oncogene expression; such detection and monitoring are of prognostic value in patients with breast cancer. Compared with the full-size antibody trastuzumab, smaller protein tracers with more rapid blood clearance permit higher imaging contrast at earlier time points. Antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) of antibodies with moderately prolonged circulation achieved through the genetic fusion with a long, conformationally disordered chain of the natural amino acids Pro, Ala, and Ser (PASylation)—a biologic alternative to chemical conjugation with polyethylene glycol, PEG—offer a promising tracer format with improved pharmacokinetics for in vivo imaging. Recently, the transition metal radionuclide 89Zr has attracted increasing interest for immuno-PET studies, complementing the conventional halogen radionuclide 124I.