Multifunctional molecular imaging probes for estrogen receptors: Tc labeled diethylstilbestrol (DES) conjugated, cuinp quantum dot nanoparticles (DESCIP).

A theranostic nanoparticle was synthesized based on diethylstilbestrol conjugated with phosphate, copper, and indium (DESCIP) and labelled with Tc which can be used for SPECT imaging of ER-enriched cancers. In vitro biological activity of Tc-DESCIP was examined in breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7), prostatic carcinoma cells (PC-3), and pulmonary epithelial cells (A-549). In vivo lymph node imaging was performed in normal and receptor blocked female New Zealand rabbits. Results demonstrated that Tc-DESCIP and DESCIP has potential for imaging ER-enriched tumors such as breast and prostate tumors, and their metastases in the lung, as well as improving management for their therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]