Biodistribution Assessment of a Novel 68Ga-Labeled Radiopharmaceutical in a Cancer Overexpressing CCK2R Mouse Model: Conventional and Radiomics Methods for Analysis
- Authors: Pavone A.M.; Benfante V.; Giaccone P.; Stefano A.; Torrisi F.; Russo V.; Serafini D.; Richiusa S.; Pometti M.; Scopelliti F.; Ippolito M.; Giannone A.G.; Cabibi D.; Asti M.; Vettorato E.; Morselli L.; Merone M.; Lunardon M.; Andrighetto A.; Tuttolomondo A.; Cammarata F.P.; Verona M.; Marzaro G.; Mastrotto F.; Parenti R.; Russo G.; Comelli A.
- Publication year: 2024
- Type: Articolo in rivista
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/665549
Abstract
The aim of the present study consists of the evaluation of the biodistribution of a novel Ga-68-labeled radiopharmaceutical, [Ga-68]Ga-NODAGA-Z360, injected into Balb/c nude mice through histopathological analysis on bioptic samples and radiomics analysis of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images. The Ga-68-labeled radiopharmaceutical was designed to specifically bind to the cholecystokinin receptor (CCK2R). This receptor, naturally present in healthy tissues such as the stomach, is a biomarker for numerous tumors when overexpressed. In this experiment, Balb/c nude mice were xenografted with a human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell line (A431 WT) and overexpressing CCK2R (A431 CCK2R+), while controls received a wild-type cell line. PET images were processed, segmented after atlas-based co-registration and, consequently, 112 radiomics features were extracted for each investigated organ / tissue. To confirm the histopathology at the tissue level and correlate it with the degree of PET uptake, the studies were supported by digital pathology. As a result of the analyses, the differences in radiomics features in different body districts confirmed the correct targeting of the radiopharmaceutical. In preclinical imaging, the methodology confirms the importance of a decision-support system based on artificial intelligence algorithms for the assessment of radiopharmaceutical biodistribution.