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Ziel/Aim: Der Einsatz von Actinium-225 mit dem DOTA-Konjugat PSMA-617 befindet sich in der klinischen Entwicklung. DOTA ist jedoch nicht ideal, da hohe Temperaturen für die Markierung benötigt werden und der Komplex in vivo nicht stabil genug ist. Ziel ist es, einen besseren, macropa-basierten Chelator zu finden und mit von PSMA-617 abgeleiteten Bindungsvektoren zu verknüpfen. Methodik/Methods: Es wurden 4 verschiedene Konjugate hergestellt, welche sich hinsichtlich der Anzahl der Bindungsmotive sowie ihrer Fähigkeit, an Albumin zu binden, unterscheiden. Die Stabilität der markierten Komplexe wurde über 10 Tage in Puffer und Serum untersucht. Weiterhin wurden Bindungsaffinitäten und Koloniebildungsassays an PSMA-positiven LNCaP-Zellen durchgeführt. Alle Konjugate wurden hinsichtlich ihrer Organverteilung in LNCaP-Tumor-tragenden SCID-Mäusen untersucht. Ergebnisse/Results: Alle 4 Konjugate wurden unter milden Bedingungen radiomarkiert und zeigen bei Zugabe von Gentisinsäure die höchste Stabilität über 10 Tagen. Die Bindungsaffinitäten der Konjugate wurden als KD-Werte bestimmt und liegen zwischen (10-40) nM. Die Untersuchungen zum Zellüberleben zeigen einen therapeutischen Vorteil der bivalenten gegenüber den monovalenten Konjugaten. Alle vier Konjugate erreichten in unterschiedlichen Zeitspannen (bis 5 d p.i.) Tumoranreicherungen von (12-85) %ID/g. Unerwünschte Anreicherungen traten v. a. bei dem dimeren, albuminbindenden Konjugat in Form von Akkumulationen (Leber, Milz, Nieren) auf. Schlussfolgerungen/Conclusions: Die Verwendung von macropa-basierten Konjugaten für die Therapie mit Actinium‑225 oder die zukünftige Bildgebung mit Lanthan‑133 ist vorteilhaft, da die gebildeten Komplexe stabiler sind und damit eine Anreicherung der Aktivität in off-Target-Regionen verringert werden kann. Weiterhin ergibt sich ein Vorteil im Handling, da die Reaktionen schnell und bei Raumtemperatur durchgeführt werden können, was die spätere Umsetzung in eine GMP-gerechte Herstellung erleichtert.

Das prostataspezifische Membranantigen (PSMA) ist ein hoch attraktives biologisches Target für die molekulare Bildgebung und für die zielgerichtete Radionuklidtherapie bei kastrationsresistentem Prostatakrebs (mCRPC), da es in allen Phasen der Erkrankung bei den Tumorzellen expremiert ist. Somit bieten hoch affine, PSMA-bindende Biomoleküle eine exzellente Basis zur Entwicklung von Radiokonjugaten für die Therapie mit Alphastrahlern. Aufgrund seiner hervorragenden kernphysikalischen Eigenschaften wird zunehmend Actinium-225 für diese Zwecke in der Nuklearmedizin verwendet. Das dreiwertige Kation Ac3+ muss dazu in einem Chelator hoch stabil komplexiert werden. Um das zu realisieren, wird der Chelator macropa verwendet, welcher eine sehr hohe In-vivo-Stabilität zeigt und Radiomarkierungen unter sehr milden Bedingungen zulässt. Dieser wird mit einer bzw. zwei PSMA-bindenden Einheiten modifiziert, um den 225Ac-Komplex zu den Tumorzellen zu bringen. Zunächst wurden zwei Actinium-225-Radiokonjugate entwickelt und deren pharmakologische Eigenschaften, z.B. die Bindung an Tumorzellen, Anreicherung im Tumor (ca. 10%ID/g für beide Konjugate) und in anderen Organen überprüft. Hier wurde ein ähnliches Verhalten festgestellt, vergleichbar mit dem Standardkonjugat 225Ac-PSMA-617. Die beiden 225Ac-Radiokonjugate wurden weiterentwickelt und mit einem Albumin-Binder (4-Iodphenylbutyrat) versehen. Dadurch wurde eine längere Blutverweilzeit, kombiniert mit einer höheren Aufnahme in den Tumor, erreicht (bis 50%ID/g Monomer, bis 120 %ID/g Dimer), um die Effektivität der Radiotherapie zu erhöhen.

Objectives Theranostic concepts and the usage of alpha-particle emitting radionuclides belong to the emerging fields of radiopharmaceutical sciences. Especially and due to its excellent complexation properties, the chelator macropa (mcp)[1,2] was reported to be a suitable complexing agent for 225Ac conjugates[3] and as macrocycle a highly promising starting point for the development of 223/224Ra chelators as well. To follow the theranostic approaches with these alpha emitters, due to their chemical similarities 131Ba[4] for SPECT and 133La[5] for PET are available as diagnostic radionuclide surrogates of radium and actinium, respectively. In our recent study, we aim to establish a new workflow to evaluate and predict the complex stability of new chelating systems by obtaining both protonation constants for respective ligands and association constants for their metal complexes starting with mcp. Methods As a prerequisite for the calculation of stability constants (log(K)), the protonation constants (pKa) of mcp were determined by pH‑dependent 1H NMR studies in the first step. Based on these obtained data, the europium-mcp-complex was examined using time-resolved, laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and the log(K) was calculated as reference stability constant. Additionally, Eu-TRLFS was used to determine the Eu-mcp species during titration and pH-dependency of the complexation. The method of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to measure the complex stability constants of La-, Ba-mcp-complex, as well as Eu-mcp-complex to value the results in comparison with TRLFS data. The evaluation and calculation of the log(K) values were carried out by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Results Depending on the protonation ability of the functional groups found in mcp (amines and carboxylates), pKa values were obtained as well as the log(K) values for the respective mcp-complexes with Ba, Eu and La and are shown in Table 1. Conclusion By combining 1H-NMR, TRLFS and ITC we demonstrated a new approach to fully characterize the ligand, determine metal complex speciation, pKa values for the mcp chelator and log(K) values of the mcp complexes and agree with previous works by potentiometric titration. Furthermore, this method can be transferred to functionalized and improved chelators and their complexes with a wide variety of metal ions of radionuclides used in nuclear medicine, especially the heavy alkaline earth metal ions Ba2+ and Ra2+. Ultimately, this allows a reliable comparison of the individual affinities of the different chelators to the metal ions and thus a predictability of the complex stabilities for future radiopharmaceuticals.

The combination of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs with radionuclides or external radiation is discussed for a long period of time. The major advantage of a successful combination therapy is the reduction of severe side effects by decreasing the needed dose and simultaneously increasing therapeutic efficiency.In this study, pUC19 plasmid DNA was incubated with the cytostatic drug cisplatin and additionally irradiated withThe threshold concentration value of cisplatin, which was tolerated by pUC19 plasmid DNA was determined to be 18-24 nM. Nevertheless, even at higher dose values (100 Gy) and simultaneous incubation of cisplatin to 200 ng plasmid DNA, no significant increase in the number of induced single- and double-strand breaks was obtained, compared to the damage solely caused by the radionuclides.We thereby conclude that there is no direct dependence of the mechanism of strand break induction to the absence or presence of platinum atoms attached to the DNA. Reported increasing DNA damages in therapy approaches on a cellular level strongly depend on the study design and are mainly influenced by repair mechanisms in living cells. Nevertheless, the use of radioactive cisplatin, containing the Auger electron emitterZIEL: Die Kombination herkömmlicher Chemotherapeutika mit Radionukliden oder externer Bestrahlung wird seit Langem diskutiert. Der große Vorteil einer erfolgreichen Kombinationstherapie ist die Reduzierung schwerer Nebenwirkungen durch Verringerung der benötigten Dosis bei gleichzeitiger Erhöhung der therapeutischen Effizienz.In dieser Studie wurde pUC19-Plasmid-DNA mit dem Zytostatikum Cisplatin inkubiert und zusätzlich mitAls Schwellenkonzentrationswert von Cisplatin, der von pUC19-Plasmid-DNA toleriert wurde, wurde 18–24 nM bestimmt. Dennoch wurde selbst bei höheren Dosiswerten (100Gy) und gleichzeitiger Inkubation von Cisplatin mit 200ng Plasmid-DNA keine signifikante Erhöhung der Zahl der induzierten Einzel- und Doppelstrangbrüche im Vergleich zu den allein durch die Radionuklide verursachten Schäden festgestellt.Wir schließen daraus, dass keine direkte Abhängigkeit besteht, was den Mechanismus der Strangbruchinduktion und das Fehlen oder Vorhandensein von an die DNA gebundenen Platinatomen anbelangt. Die berichteten zunehmenden DNA-Schäden bei Therapieansätzen auf zellulärer Ebene hängen stark vom Studiendesign ab und werden hauptsächlich durch die Reparaturmechanismen in lebenden Zellen beeinflusst. Dennoch ist die Verwendung von radioaktivem Cisplatin, das den Auger-Elektronenemitter

Targeted Alpha Therapy is a research field of highest interest in specialized radionuclide therapy. Over the last decades, several alpha-emitting radionuclides have entered and left research topics towards their clinical translation. Especially, 225Ac provides all necessary physical and chemical properties for a successful clinical application, which has already been shown by [225Ac]Ac PSMA 617. While PSMA 617 carries the DOTA as the complexing agent, the chelator macropa as macrocyclic alternative provides even more beneficial properties regarding labeling and complex stability in vivo. Lanthanum-133 is an excellent positron-emitting diagnostic lanthanide to radiolabel macropa-functionalized therapeutics, since 133La forms a perfect matched theranostic pair of radionuclides with the therapeutic radionuclide actinium-225 which itself can optimally be complexed by macropa as well. 133La was thus produced by cyclotron-based proton irradiation of an enriched 134Ba target. The target (30 mg of [134Ba]BaCO3) was irradiated for 60 min at 22 MeV and 10-15 µA beam current. Irradiation side products in the raw target solution were identified and quantified: 135La (0.4%), 135mBa (0.03%), 133mBa (0.01%) and 133Ba (0.0004%). The subsequent work-up and anion-exchange-based product purification process took approx. 30 min and led to a total amount of (1.2 – 1.8) GBq (decay-corrected to EOB) of 133La, formulated as [133La]LaCl3. After complete decay of 133La, a remainder of ca. 4 kBq of long-lived 133Ba per 100 MBq of 133La was detected and rated as uncritical regarding personal dose and waste management. Subsequent radiolabeling was successfully performed with previously published macropa-derived PSMA inhibitors at a micromolar range (quantitative labeling at 1 µM) and evaluated by radio-TLC and radio-HPLC analyses. The scale up to radioactivity amounts that are needed for clinical application purposes would be easy to achieve by increasing target mass, beam current and/or irradiation time to produce 133La of high radionuclide purity (>99.5%) regarding labeling properties and side products.

The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed in approx. 80% of prostate cancer at considerably higher levels in tumor cells compared to healthy tissues. Its upregulation occurs in all stages of the disease. Therefore, PSMA has emerged as an attractive target for molecular imaging and especially targeted radionuclide therapy (endoradiotherapy) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Due to its favorable nuclear physical properties, actinium-225 belongs to the clinically applied alpha emitters for therapeutic applications. More than ten clinical trials are displayed for actinium-225-DOTA-based conjugates. A trial using [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-617 as the IMP in men with PSMA-positive prostate cancer is projected to start. Actinium-225 can be chelated with the standard DOTA chelator, but requires rather harsh labeling conditions such as high temperatures (80–95°C) or microwave assistance. Alternatively, with the complexing agent macropa mild labeling conditions, low reaction temperature and high in vivo stability can be realized owing to its perfect characteristics for Ac3+ chelation. Moreover, to further improve the tumor uptake for future targeted alpha therapy, albumin binding units based on 4-iodophenylbutyrate were introduced to increase the tumor uptake. Two 225Ac-radioconjugates with albumin binders were prepared, either containing one or two PSMA-binding units (based on PSMA-617), the second one to raise the binding affinity to the PSMA receptor. The synthetic approach consisted of the functionalization of one or two picolinic side arms with a clickable reactive site for the connection of the vector molecules. The azide-functionalized PSMA derivative, which also contains the albumin binder, was prepared using standard peptide coupling conditions. Cell culture-based studies regarding radioligand affinity and clonogenicity were performed using PSMA-positive LNCaP cells and the biodistribution of the radioconjugates was evaluated using LNCaP tumor-bearing mice. Radiolabeling of both PSMA ligands with [225Ac]Ac3+ was performed at up to 5 MBq/nmol with >99% radiochemical purity. Cell binding and survival studies revealed a higher cell binding affinity and an improved cell killing efficiency for the radioconjugate with two PSMA-binding entities compared to the derivative with only one targeting motif. A considerable binding of both radioligands to mouse, rat and human serum proteins was confirmed. Biodistribution studies revealed enhanced blood circulation times of both albumin-binding PSMA ligands compared to their counterparts without the albumin binders. A substantially higher accumulation in LNCaP tumors up to 50 %ID/g (one PSMA-binding moiety) and 120 %ID/g (two PSMA-binding moieties) after 120 h p.i., respectively, was also observed. Additionally, a considerable DNA damage and a massive decrease in cell proliferation was observed by immunohistochemical examination of LNCaP tumors, whereas necrosis in the kidneys of the animals was not observed.

Objectives The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed in most cases of prostate cancer at considerably higher levels in tumor cells compared to healthy tissues [1-3] and its upregulation occurs in all stage of the disease [4, 5]. Therefore, PSMA has emerged as an attractive target for molecular imaging and especially targeted radionuclide therapy (endoradiotherapy) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), given the example of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. We recently described the synthesis and in-depth characterization of PSMA radioligands for targeted alpha therapy with actinium-225 [6]. Our present study aimed at the design, synthesis and preclinical evaluation of albumin-binding PSMA ligands in order to optimize their tissue distribution profile and to improve their pharmacokinetic properties. Methods Two novel compounds were prepared by combining a macropa chelator with one or two lysine-ureido-glutamate–based PSMA-binding entities equipped with 4-(p-iodophenyl)butyrate residues. The albumin-binding properties of the 225Ac-labeled conjugates were investigated in vitro using mouse, rat and human serum. The specific interaction of both compounds with human serum albumin was confirmed by microscale thermophoresis. Cell culture-based studies regarding radioligand affinity and clonogenicity were performed on PSMA-positive LNCaP cells. The biodistribution of the radioconjugates was analyzed in LNCaP tumor-bearing mice with ensuing investigation of tissue toxicity by histological examinations. Results Radiolabeling of both PSMA ligands with 225Ac was achieved at up to 5 MBq/nmol with >99% radiochemical purity. In vitro assays confirmed considerable binding of the radioligands to mouse, rat and human serum proteins. Cell binding and survival studies revealed a higher cell binding affinity and an improved cell killing efficiency for the radioconjugate with two PSMA-binding entities compared to the derivative with only one targeting motif. Biodistribution studies revealed enhanced blood circulation times of the new albumin-binding PSMA ligands compared to their counterparts lacking the 4-(p-iodophenyl)butyrate residues as well as substantially higher accumulation in LNCaP tumors up to 50 %ID/g (one PSMA-binding moiety) and 150 %ID/g (two PSMA-binding moieties), respectively, after 120 h p.i. Considerable DNA damage and a massive decrease in cell proliferation was observed by histological examination of LNCaP tumors, whereas necrosis in the kidneys of the animals was not detected. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrate the development and evaluation of two new PSMA-targeting radioligands comprising 4-(p-iodophenyl)butyrate residues as albumin binder. The prolonged blood circulation of the novel radioligands resulted in greatly enhanced tumor uptake and retention over time. These radioconjugates have the potential to improve the efficacy of targeted alpha therapy and are promising candidates for the treatment of mCRPC.

We recognize 131Ba as a SPECT radionuclide, which provides a diagnostic match for the therapeutic alpha-emitting radionuclides 223Ra and 224Ra. The gamma-emitter barium-131 (t½ = 11.5 d) decays with an energy of 123.8 keV (30% intensity) of the first decay via cesium-131 (t½ = 9.7 d) to stable xenon-131, each by electron capture. Our aim was to develop of a straightforward resin-based radiochemical separation to yield 131Ba with high radionuclide purity. Furthermore, the radiolabeling of the complexing agent macropa with [131Ba]Ba2+ using mild labeling conditions was intended. For this purpose, different TLC systems as reaction control were utilized. The radiopharma-cological characterization of 131Ba-labeled macropa in comparison to uncomplexed [131Ba]Ba2+ was carried out in healthy mice, including biodistribution and small animal SPECT/CT experiments.

Currently, targeted alpha therapy is one of the most investigated topics in radiopharmaceutical cancer management. Especially, the alpha emitter 225 Ac provides excellent nuclear properties and is gaining increasing popularity for the treatment of various tumor entities. We herein report on the synthesis of two universal 225Ac-chelators for mild condition radiolabeling and binding sites to conjugate biomolecules via the copper-mediated click chemistry. A convenient radiolabeling procedure was investigated as well as the complex stability proved for both chelators and two PSMA-targeting model radioconjugates. Studies regarding affinity and cell survival were per-formed on LNCaP cells followed by biodistribution studies, which were performed using LNCaP tumor-bearing mice. High efficiency radiolabeling for all conjugates was demonstrated. Cell binding studies revealed a fourfold lower cell affinity for the PSMA conjugate with one targeting vector compared to the conjugate owing two targeting vectors. Additionally, these differences were verified by in vitro cell survival evaluation and biodistribution studies, both showing a higher therapeutic efficiency for the same dose on a cellular leve, a higher tumor up-take (15%ID/g) and a rapid whole body clearance after 24 hours. The synthesized chelators will overcome obstacles of lacking stability and worse labeling needs regarding 225Ac complexation using the DOTA chelator. Moreover, the universal functionalization expands the coverage of these chelators in combination with any sensitive bio(macro)molecule, thus improving treat-ment of any addressable tumor target.

Targeted alpha therapy is currently one of the most intensively investigated topics in radiopharmaceutical sciences and cancer management in nuclear medicine. Especially, the alpha emitter 225Ac provides excellent physical and chemical properties (t1/2 = 10 d, 4 α and 2 β decays). Thus, it is consistently gaining an increasing interest for the radioligand therapy (RLT) of various tumor entities. The aim of this study was to synthesize macropa-based chelators that allow room temperature labeling and offer the modular functionalization properties for a straightforward coupling of temperature-sensitive biomolecules by e.g. click chemistry approaches. As a proof of concept study, the chelators were coupled to known PSMA-targeting vector molecules and then evaluated in vitro as well as in vivo.

Barium-131 is a promising SPECT-compatible radionuclide for nuclear medicine and a promising diagnostic match for the alpha emitters radium-223/-224 by providing similar chemical properties as well as physical half-lives. Methods: Herein, we report on the sufficient production route 133Cs(p,3n)131Ba by using 28 MeV proton beams. Moreover, a sufficient purification process, based on SR Resin, was applied. For the first time, radiolabeling of macropa (literature-known chelator) with barium-131 was performed. Biodistribution studies and small animal SPECT/CT measurements were carried out with [131Ba]Ba(NO3)2 as reference and 131Ba-labeled macropa. Results: An average of 190 MBq barium-131 per irradiation was obtained. The purification process led to barium-131 in high radiochemical purity. Only an isotopic impurity of 0.01% barium-133 was detectable. Radiolabeling methods under mild conditions and reaction controls based on TLC systems were successfully applied for the labeling of the chelator macropa. For the first time, small animal SPECT imaging was performed using [131Ba]Ba(NO3)2 and 131Ba-labeled macropa in healthy mice. Biodistribution studies revealed the expected rapid bone uptake of [131Ba]Ba2+ ions, whereas 131Ba-labeled macropa showed a fast clearance from the blood, thereby showing a significantly (P < 0.001) lower accumulation in the bone. Conclusion: Barium-131 is a promising SPECT radionuclide and delivers appropriate imaging qualities in small animals. Furthermore, the relative stability of the 131Ba-labeled macropa complex in vivo forms the basis for the development of sufficient new chelators for heavy alkaline earth metal ions, especially for radium isotopes. Those radionuclides and the necessary stable chelation are of great interest in the research field of targeted alpha therapy. Thereby, barium-131 will reveal its meaning as diagnostic match to the alpha emitters radium-223 and radium-224.

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verbindung, die - eine Calixaren-Einheit, die n Phenoleinheiten aufweist, wobei n 4, 5, 6 oder 8 ist; - eine Ethereinheit, die unter Ausbildung eines Kronenethers an die Calixaren-Einheit gebunden ist; und - zumindest eine Sulfonsäureamid-Einheit der Formel -O-(CH)ₚ-C(O)-NH-S(O)₂-R¹ aufweist, wobei die zumindest eine Sulfonsäureamid-Einheiten jeweils an die Calixaren-Einheit gebunden ist und R¹ jeweils aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer perfluorierten verzweigten oder unverzweigten C₂-C₈-Alkylgruppe, einer perfluorierten Arylgruppe, und einer Gruppe Ar besteht, p eine Ganzzahl von 1 bis 4 ist und Ar eine Phenylgruppe ist, die mit einer oder mehreren perfluorierten verzweigten oder unverzweigten C₁-C₈-Alkylgruppen substituiert ist.

Aim/Introduction: A recently developed cyclohexanediaminetriazole- chelator enabling 18F-labelling using the Al[18F]F approach was conjugated via copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition to the PSMA-binding motif glutamate-urea-lysine connected with 1-naphthyl-D-alanine[1] (ligand L). In the present study radiolabelled L will be characterized on PSMA-positive prostate cancerspheroids. Three-dimensional cell models offer structure and functional properties closer to in vivo conditions than two-dimensional cell culture models. Spheroids show altered cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions and are useful for better understanding the nature of tumours concerning drug uptake, toxicity, hypoxia, tissue growth and therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the radiopharmacological potential of 18F- and 68Ga-labelled L using LNCaP-spheroids regarding binding properties and internalisation behaviour. The results will be compared with data obtained from LNCaP-monolayer cell culture. Materials and Methods: Spheroids of LNCaP and PC3 (PSMA-negative) cells were created according to a protocol by the vendor. Freshly harvested cells were incubated with magnetic nanoparticles overnight. After loading, the cells were distributed in a 24-well-plate (10-4 cells/well), covered with a lid equipped with 24 small magnet devices for 5 days and kept in an incubator so that the cells could form spheroids [2]. After incubation with radiolabelled ligand (RCY >95%) the spheroids were washed, exposed to a phosphor imaging plate and the data analysed. Internalisation experiments were carried out by the “acid wash” method. Results: The method of creating spheroids by magnetised prostate cancer cell lines and treating them with a magnet device was applied successfully and resulted in spheroids with a diameter size of about 500 μm. The evaluation of first saturation experiments with LNCaP spheroids provided preliminary affinity data with Kd values in the range of 30 to 40 nM. These results are comparable to that of monolayer cell homogenate. Internalisation experiments with LNCaP-spheroids are ongoing. Conclusion: The novel radiolabelled PSMA-ligand L can be radiopharmacologically characterised on prostate cancer cell homogenate but also spheroids. The establishing of three-dimensional cell aggregates by magnetised cells and, moreover, the investigation of new radiolabelled conjugates for potential PET/SPECT application or even therapeutic treatment of cancer entities using spheroids is a valuable and promising method. Next, it is planned to use the LNCaP-spheroids for evaluation of PSMA-radioligands in a proof-of-conceptstudy applying the technology of Micro-Physiological Systems (multiorgan-chips) [3]. References: [1] Sihver, Eur. J. Nucl. Med. Mol. Imaging 2019, 26 (Suppl 1), S132. [2] Turker, ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng. 2018, 4, 787. [3] Maschmeyer, Lab Chip 2015, 15, 2688.

Therapieansätze in der Nuklearmedizin mit Radium-223 beschränken sich zurzeit auf die Behandlung von Knochenmetastasen. Ziel ist es, das Anwendungsfeld für Radium-223 zu erweitern. Dafür werden Liganden entwickelt, die Radium-223 stabil binden und gleichzeitig eine spezifische Erkennungssequenz für diverse Krebsentitäten besitzen. Calixkronen mit funktionalisierten Seitenketten sind dafür vielversprechend. Calix[4]krone-6-derivate mit Trifluormethylsulfonyl- [1] und 4-Nitrophenylsulfonyl-Seitenketten wurden synthetisiert und mittels NMR und UV/Vis auf ihre Komplexierungseigenschaften für Ba2+ untersucht. Anschließend wurden mittels eines Extraktionsassays Komplexierungen durchgeführt und die resultierenden Komplexe auf ihre Stabilität in Gegenwart anderer Ionen wie Ca2+ untersucht. Die Extraktionsversuche wurden im Chloroform/Wasser-Zweiphasensystem durchgeführt. Dabei wurde eine wässrige Metallsalzlösung ([133Ba]Ba2+ c.a. bzw. [224Ra]Ra2+ n.c.a.) definierter Konzentration vorgelegt und mit einer definierten Stoffmenge des jeweiligen Liganden in Chloroform für 1 h bei RT extrahiert. Die beiden Calixarenderivate wurden in einer vierstufigen Synthese hergestellt. Anschließende Komplexierungsversuche mit Ba(ClO4)2 verliefen erfolgreich und die Komplexe wurden mittels NMR-Spektroskopie nachgewiesen. Für beide Liganden wurden Stabilitätskonstanten von 5,3-6,3 (Ba2+) bzw. 5,8 (Ra2+) berechnet. Die Radiumkomplexe beider Liganden waren gegenüber Ca2+-Ionen stabil (Release 2+ und Ra2+ als auch auf die Stabilität der resultierenden Komplexe in Gegenwart von zweiwertigen Fremdionen.

Although significant advances in the tailoring of BaSO4-based nanoparticles have been achieved, the synthesis of particles is strongly dependent on the use of templates, surfactants, and additives, especially when radiolabeled with 133Ba or 224Ra. Herein, direct facile preparation of radiolabeled alendronate-functionalized BaSO4 nanoparticles in an aqueous medium in a one-pot reaction is developed. Remarkably, the size of the formed BaSO4 nanoparticles can be controlled by the type of the organic solvent used. Upon the addition of alendronate, amine functionalities were introduced into the nanoparticles. Additionally, a fluorescence dye-containing alendronate was used to evidence the introduction of the alendronate during the formation of the nanoparticles. The variations in the functionalities were investigated by IR and the morphology of the resulting BASO4 nanoparticles are investigated in detail by transmission electron microscopy. DLS and TEM measurements provided an average diameter of the nanoparticles of approx. 140 nm. Radium-doped alendronate nanoparticles were successfully obtained in a one-pot labeling procedure from [224Ra]RaCl2, Na2SO4 Ba(NO3)2 and alendronate.

Due to their high biological effectiveness and suitable half-lives, there is increased interest in using the radionuclides radium-223 and radium-224 for radiopharmaceutical applications. Xofigo ([223Ra]radium chloride) is a bone-seeking, alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical with EMA and FDA approval. It is used to treat bone metastasis of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. To expand the possible applications for these promising radionuclides, it is necessary to stably bind the radionuclide within a chelator. Therefore, calixarene-based ligands have been synthesized, which show encouraging affinities to radium ions. In our recent studies, we have already presented the high potential of these ligands. Since radium and barium have similar chemistry, and therefore comparable affinities to our ligands, it is possible to create a matched pair for theragnostic approaches. The radionuclide barium-131 has a suitable physical half-life for therapeutic applications and the potential of being a SPECT nuclide.

Alpha therapy is continually discussed in radiopharmaceutical research. [223Ra]RaCl2 is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical so far. Since the use of 223Ra is only based on its calcimimetic behavior. It is directly bond to bone structures in the body. To enhance the therapeutic potential of radium isotopes, it is necessary to develop novel carrier systems for radium ions as a base of biological targeting units. By the combination of 223Ra or 224Ra, which both have suitable physical half-lives for therapeutic applications, and 131Ba which has a similar half-life but diagnostic radiation properties, a theragnostic idea can also be followed. Our project aims at the synthesis of calixarene-based ligands for the stable complexation of barium and radium ions. Recent studies in our group have already shown the high potential of such ligands.

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is continually focused and discussed in radiopharmaceutical research [1]. By the combination of an alpha emitting radionuclide with a biological targeting unit, tumor cells can be affected very efficiently by inducing a high number of double strand breaks to the DNA. 223Ra and 224Ra are two alpha-emitting radionuclides with suitable half-lives for TAT. 223Ra in form of [223Ra]RaCl2 (Xofigo®) is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical as well as the prime example for the working principle of TAT. Based on its calcimimetic behavior, radium is built into the bone structure. To exploit the therapeutic potential of alpha emitters like 223Ra and 224Ra, novel targeting strategies and carrier systems have to be developed. Therefore, it is worth to examine alternative carriers like nanoparticles, using the principle of co-precipitation of Ra/BaSO4. By the combination of a therapeutic alpha-emitting radionuclide like 223Ra on the one hand and the diagnostically applicable barium radioisotope 131Ba on the other hand with nearly identical physical half-lives it is also possible pursue theragnostic approaches. Thus, our research aims at developing a simple method for the synthesis of small radiolabeled Ra/BaSO4 nanoparticles and testing further surface functionalization regarding the ability of constructing biological targeting moieties.

1. Zielstellung: Durch die Alterung der Bevölkerung ist eine stetige Zunahme an Tumorneuerkrankungen zu verzeichnen und die Therapieoptimierung daher unabdingbar. Ein diskutierter Ansatz ist die Therapie mit Alphaemittern. Radionuklide wie 223/224Ra sind in der Lage, Tumorgewebe aufgrund ihres hohen linearen Energietransfers infolge einer Kaskade von Alpha-Zerfällen effizient zu zerstören ohne Beinflussung des gesunden Gewebes. Die stabile Fixierung von Barium- und Radiumionen kann durch Co-Fällung radiomarkierter [133Ba223/224Ra]Ba(Ra)SO4 Nanopartikel (NP) erfolgen, welche mit Alendronat funktionalisiert und anschließend mit einer targetspezifischen Einheit modifiziert werden. 2. Methodik Die Synthese der BaSO4-NP wurde durch Fällung realisiert. Die Partikelgröße wurde in Abhängigkeit der Reaktionsparameter (Lösungsmittelsystem, Verhältnis der Reaktanden, Fließgeschwindigkeit bei der Zugabe des zweiten Reaktanden) untersucht. NP-Größenverteilungen wurden mittels Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) ermittelt. Radiomarkierungen wurden unter analogen Bedingungen unter Zugabe von [133Ba]Ba2+ und [224Ra]Ra2+ durchgeführt. 224Ra wurde als [224Ra]Ra(NO3)2 aus einer 228Th-Quelle durch Ionenaustauschchromatographie separiert. 133Ba wurde als [133Ba]BaCl2 kommerziell bezogen. 3. Ergebnisse Nach Auswertung aller Syntheseansätze wurde die Fällung der Partikel mit einem sechsfachen Bariumüberschuss in einer Ethanol/Wasser-Mischung (1/11) bei Raumtemperatur als beste Methode identifiziert. Die Einlagerung von [133Ba]Ba2+- und [224Ra]Ra2+-Ionen konnte nachgewiesen werden. Die radiomarkierten NP zeigten über 7 Tage keinen relevanten Release. Die Modifikation der Partikel mit Alendronat konnte mittels IR-Spektroskopie, EDXS-Analyse und UV/Vis-Spektroskopie nachgewiesen werden. Die Partikelgröße wurde mittels DLS (140 ± 50 nm) analysiert und durch TEM verifiziert. Die weitere Funktionalisierung der NP wurde mittels Aktivesterkupplung eines fluoreszierenden NBD-Derivates und Fluoreszenzspektroskopie nachgewiesen. 4. Schlussfolgerungen Die Co-Fällung von Barium- und Radiumisotopen zur Gewinnung von NP definierter Größe ist ein Ausgangspunkt zukünftiger Therapieansätze. Die Funktionalisierung mit biologischen Targetmolekülen ermöglicht das zielgerichtete Aufspüren von Tumorzellen. Zukünftige Arbeiten fokussieren die Optimierung der Synthesemethode hinsichtlich der Verringerung der Partikelgröße und Ausbeute bei der Radiomarkierung sowie die anschließende Oberflächenmodifikationen bezüglich verschiedener biologischer Targets.

Durch fortschreitende Alterung der Bevölkerung ist eine kontinuierliche Zunahme von Tumorerkrankungen zu verzeichnen. Die Optimierung bestehender sowie die Entwicklung neuer Therapiekonzepte ist daher unabdingbar. Ein aktuell intensiv diskutierter Ansatz ist die nuklearmedizinische Therapie mit Alphastrahler-markierten Radiopharmaka. Radionuklide wie 223/224Ra oder 225Ac sind in der Lage, Tumorgewebe aufgrund ihres vergleichsweise hohen, linearen Energietransfers infolge einer Kaskade von Alpha-Zerfällen effizient zu zerstören. Ein theragnostischer Ansatz könnte mit dem „Matched Pair“ 131Ba/223/224Ra verfolgt werden. Die Herausforderung der stabilen Fixierung von Barium- und Radiumionen könnte durch Kofällung radiomarkierter [131/133Ba/223/224Ra]Ba(Ra)SO4-Nanopartikel (NP) erfolgen.

Understanding the coordination chemistry of heavy group 2 metals, especially of barium as surrogate for radium, is mandatory not only for radiopharmaceutical applications of radium. This is from high importance since radium-223 is the only approved therapeutic alpha-emitter (by EMA and FDA). Unfortunately, the applications are limited. To date, radium-223 is only in use as RaCl2 for the treatment of bone cancer metastases. To overcome this limitation, which is also true for other group 2 metals, special cage-like compounds have to be developed as ligands like sulfonated calix[4]crowns to stably bind the Ba2+ and Ra2+ to avoid a release in vivo. This will be the basis for a future application of heavy group 2 metals and not only of radium to treat other cancer entities than bone metastases. Ra2+ can then be included in radiopharmaceuticals which contain a chelator and a biologically active molecule part to find the tumor cell. For this purpose, a series of modified calix[4]crown-6 derivatives was synthesized to chelate barium, which serves as non-radioactive surrogate for radium-223/-224. These calixcrowns were functionalized sulfonate moieties including deprotonable groups and the corresponding barium complexes were synthesized. Stability constants of these complexes were measured using UV/Vis titration experiments to determine logK values. Further extraction studies were performed with [133Ba]Ba2+ and [224Ra]Ra2+ to further characterize the binding affinity of calixcrowns.

64Cu wird für die nuklearmedizinische Anwendung diskutiert. Neben der Kernumwandlung über Elektroneneinfang werden auch Positronen und Auger-Elektronen (AE) emittiert. Um deren Wirkungspotential an DNA zu untersuchen, wurden zunächst zwei Pyrenderivate mit unterschiedlicher Spacerlänge zwischen Pyreneinheit und DOTA-Chelator mit [64Cu]CuCl2 radiomarkiert. Die induzierten Strahlenschäden an pUC19 Plasmid-DNA wurden in Abhängigkeit von der Dosis untersucht.

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit zwei Schwerpunkten. Zum einen sollen eine Vielzahl von Derivaten eines modifizierten Calix[4]arengründgerüsts sowie ein modifiziertes Calix[6]arenderivat bezüglich ihrer komplexbildenden Eigenschaften untersucht und Komplexbildungskonstanten mit einer Methode unter der Verwendung der radioaktiven Barium- und Radiumisotope ermittelt werden. Diese Methode ist zunächst zu entwickeln und die erhaltenen Ergebnisse mit den Berechnungsmethoden, welche innerhalb der Arbeitsgruppe etabliert und bezüglich der Calix[4]arenderivate anwendbar sind, zu vergleichen. Der Komplex mit der größten Stabilität soll festgestellt werden, um ihn weiter zu modifizieren oder bei ausreichender Stabilität erste biologische Studien beginnen zu können. Zum anderen soll auf der strukturellen Grundlage von Carbazol ein zusätzlicher makrocyclischer potentieller Komplexbildner in Form eines Calix[3]carbazolderivates synthetisiert werden, welcher alternativ zu den Calix[4]aren- und Calix[6]arenderivaten verwendet werden kann. Abschließend sollen die Komplexstabiltäten der Calix[n]arene, der synthetisierten Calix[3]carbazolderivate und kommerzieller Chelatoren mit den zweifach positiv geladenen Barium- und Radiumionen untereinander verglichen werden. Da es kein natürlich vorkommendes, nicht radioaktives Radiumisotop gibt, wird aufgrund seiner chemischen Ähnlichkeit stabiles Barium als Surrogat verwendet, um nicht radioaktive Untersuchungen durchführen zu können. Die erhaltenen Erkenntnisse sollen anschließend auf Untersuchungen mit Radium übertragen werden. Auch für die radioaktiven Studien wird zunächst das radioaktive Bariumisotop Barium-133 verwendet, da es eine längere Halbwertszeit besitzt als die verfügbaren Radiumisotope.

Simultaneously with the known γ-emission, 99mTc causes radical-mediated DNA damage due to Auger electrons, which were also emitted. We have synthesized a series of new 99mTc-labeled pyrene derivatives (common DNA intercalators) with varied distances between the pyrene moiety and the radionuclide (Fig. 1). Plasmids (pUC 19) enable the investigation of the unprotected interactions between the labeled pyrene derivatives (3-15MBq) and DNA that results in single-strand breaks (SSB) or double-strand breaks (DSB) separated by gel electrophoresis in 1.4% agarose gel and quantified by fluorescent staining. We used the 99mTc(CO)3-core for pyrene labeling. 99mTc was tightly bound to the plasmid DNA and its damage is mainly dependent on the chain length between the pyrene residue and the Tc-core. It could not be completely prevented by DMSO, a known free radical scavenger. The effectiveness of the DNA-binding 99mTc-labeled pyrene derivatives was demonstrated by comparison to non-DNA-binding [99mTc]NaTcO4, since nearly all DNA damage caused by [99mTc]NaTcO4 was prevented by DMSO. We prepared a 99mTc-complex with an optimal distance between the [99mTc]Tc(CO)3-core and the pyrene residue to position the 99mTc in close proximity to the plasmid DNA to induce direct SSB and DSB. By increasing the distance between the DNA-intercalating moiety and the bonding moiety for 99mTc, we observed decrease of direct DNA damages. This distance dependence has not been reported for 99mTc until now. Clinical relevant Auger electron therapy is hampered by the prerequisite of DNA binding which is hindered by cell and nucleus membranes.

It is evident that 99mTc causes radical-mediated DNA damage due to Auger electrons, which were emitted simultaneously with the known γ-emission of 99mTc. We have synthesized a series of new 99mTc-labeled pyrene derivatives with varied distances between the pyrene moiety and the radionuclide. The pyrene motif is a common DNA intercalator and allowed us to test the influence of the radionuclide distance on damages of the DNA helix. In general, pUC 19 plasmid DNA enables the investigation of the unprotected interactions between the radiotracers and DNA that results in single-strand breaks (SSB) or double-strand breaks (DSB). The resulting DNA fragments were separated by gel electrophoresis and quantified by fluorescent staining. Direct DNA damage and radical-induced indirect DNA damage by radiolysis products of water were evaluated in the presence or absence of the radical scavenger DMSO. We demonstrated that Auger electrons directly induced both SSB and DSB in high efficiency when 99mTc was tightly bound to the plasmid DNA and this damage could not be completely prevented by DMSO, a free radical scavenger. For the first time, we were able to minimize this effect by increasing the carbon chain lengths between the pyrene moiety and the 99mTc nuclide. However, a critical distance between the 99mTc atom and the DNA helix could not be determined due to the significantly lowered DSB generation resulting from the interaction which is dependent on the type of the 99mTc binding motif. The effectiveness of the DNA-binding 99mTc-labeled pyrene derivatives was demonstrated by comparison to non-DNA-binding 99mTcO4–, since nearly all DNA damage caused by 99mTcO4– was prevented by incubating with DMSO.