title: A 99mTc-labeled gemcitabine bisphosphonate drug conjugate as a probe to assess the potential for targeted chemotherapy of metastatic bone cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A novel compound with the potential for "targeted" therapy for cancer patients was prepared using a conjugate between the potent anticancer drug Gemzar (gemcitabine) and a bisphosphonate. This conjugate would be expected to accumulate at sites of bone metastatic cancer by virtue of an affinity of the bisphosphonate for bone undergoing osteoclastic and osteoblastic remodeling. Release of the anticancer drug at the site of the tumor would provide high local concentrations of the drug but avoid systemic toxicity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The conjugate was tested for bone binding by labeling with technetium-99m and using an in vitro test procedure with either purified hydroxyapatite (HA) or powdered bovine bone. Biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies in mice were used to determine the excretion and bone-binding characteristics of the test compound.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The conjugate binds readily to powdered bone and HA using the in vitro test systems. In animal studies, the conjugate is found predominantly in bone with low soft tissue uptake after intravenous dosing. Unbound compound undergoes renal excretion. The gemcitabine bisphosphonate complex is a promising lead compound for investigation in metastatic bone cancer that may provide a therapeutic effect without undue toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2N8, Canada.
authors.forename: Amal A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: El-Mabhouh
authors.forename: Christo A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Angelov
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cavell
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Mercer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D013667:Technetium; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D000093542:Gemcitabine
chemical_list: D004164:Diphosphonates; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D013667:Technetium; D000093542:Gemcitabine