Biodistribution imaging of a paclitaxel-hyaluronan bioconjugate.
BACKGROUND
Gamma-ray detectors represent sensitive and noninvasive instruments to evaluate in vivo the metabolic trapping of radiopharmaceuticals. This study aimed to assess the imaging biodistribution of a [(99m)Tc]-radiolabelled new prototype bioconjugate composed of paclitaxel linked to hyaluronan (ONCOFID-P).


METHODS
A small gamma camera providing high-resolution images was employed. Imaging of biodistribution following intravenous, intraperitoneal, intravesical and oral administration was carried out for a 2-h period in anesthetized mice receiving [(99m)Tc]ONCOFID-P. At the end of the observation time, radioactivity in organs was directly measured. As a control, groups of mice were treated with free [(3)H]paclitaxel given according to the same administration routes, and organ biodistribution of the drug was assessed after 2 h.


RESULTS
Intravenous inoculation of [(99m)Tc]ONCOFID-P was followed by a rapid and strong liver uptake. In fact, almost 80% of the imaging signal was detected in this organ 10 min after injection and such value remained constant thereafter, thus indicating that the bioconjugate given through the intravenous route could be well suited to targeting primary or metastatic liver neoplasias. Imaging of the bladder, abdomen and gastrointestinal tract after local administration disclosed that the radiolabelled compound remained confined to the cavities, suggesting a potential regional application for transitional bladder cell carcinomas, ovarian cancers and gastric tumors, respectively. Free [(3)H]paclitaxel biodistribution profoundly differed from that of [(99m)Tc]ONCOFID-P.


CONCLUSIONS
Conjugation of drugs with polymers results in new chemical entities characterized by a modified biodistribution pattern. Therefore, preclinical studies based on imaging analysis of such new compounds can suggest novel therapeutic applications.
Banzato
Alessandra
A
Department of Oncology and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.
Rondina
Maria
M
Meléndez-Alafort
Laura
L
Zangoni
Elena
E
Nadali
Anna
A
Renier
Davide
D
Moschini
Giuliano
G
Mazzi
Ulderico
U
Zanovello
Paola
P
Rosato
Antonio
A
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D005260:Female; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D017239:Paclitaxel