PSMA-targeted peptide-MRI contrast agent for prostate cancer-specific neutron capture therapy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18106
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56030:Urology-related
• Research Institution: Hirosaki University
• Principal Investigator: Kubota Yuka 弘前大学, 医学研究科, 客員研究員 (30866926)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: MRI / PSMA / 中性子捕捉療法

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we have investigated the use of a novel PSMA-binding peptide (L7 or R7) and a gadolinium contrast agent for neutron capture therapy as a low exposure and highly effective diagnostic imaging and treatment modality for prostate cancer, The L7 peptide was successfully combined with gadolinium (Gd) to form the L7-Gd-complex. Furthermore, we confirmed that the L7-Gd-complex accumulates specifically in prostate cancer tissue. Since the neutron capture experiment was delayed due to the problem of the neutron irradiation facility, we will continue to investigate the anti-tumor effect of neutron capture therapy using this L7-Gd complex after 2023. The obtained research results will be published in a paper.

Free Research Field

泌尿器科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本薬剤が前立腺癌に特異的に集積することから、学術的に前立腺癌の進展過程を検出できるツールとして意義があると考えられる。また前立腺癌の診断、ターゲット生検、転移巣の高精度検出など幅広い診療シーンで使用可能なモダリティとして期待され、さらに検出した病変に対して、中性子捕捉療法の抗腫瘍効果が明らかとなれば、将来的には、前立腺癌特異的な高精度放射線治療が実現するため、より低侵襲な前立腺癌治療につながる社会的意義が非常に高いと考えられる。