Agents for Specific NMR and SQUID Imaging of Prostate Cancer

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We will develop critically-needed, non-invasive magnetic imaging agents for prostate cancer detection and staging, using a novel imaging approach that combines Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) imaging. Developing new methods for prostate cancer detection is important because it is one of the most common American-male cancers, and current detection methods result in inaccurate staging in as many as 40% of patients undergoing prostate resection. No imaging method currently exists which is specific for detecting and staging extracapsular or metastatic prostate cancer. We aim to address this problem by developing sensitive detection methods based on magnetic imaging agents that specifically target and bind to cancer cells. These agents will consist of specific cell surface recognition ligands attached to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), which can be detected by both MRI and SQUID imaging. The cell surface markers these agents will target include Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA), the Neurotensin Receptor (NTR), and an integrin intimately involved in angiogenesis (alpha-v-beta-3). To determine which agent performs the best for the specific detection of prostate cancer, we will develop in vitro and in vivo biological models, using human prostate cancer cell lines. Expression levels for these markers will be evaluated by RT-PCR and flow cytometry in a series of human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU-145, PC-3, and C4-2, and lines developed in house from prostatectomy specimens). The binding of the imaging agents to these cells will be measured in vitro by MRI and SQUID to select the agents or combination of agents that will provide the best MRI contrast and the highest magnetic field for SQUID detection. The same cell lines will then be used to induce primary and metastatic prostate tumors in nude mice, and MRI and SQUID detection will be used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of these intravenous agents for locating and identifying disease in vivo. The proposed work will provide the thorough understanding needed for our next goal: clinical trials of these agents for the detection and staging of primary and metastatic prostate cancer in humans by MRI and SQUID imaging. Lay terms: We aim to develop a method to image prostate tumors and determine whether they are benign or cancerous using MRI. The proposed method would be more accurate and less invasive than needle biopsy.