Glycolytic phenotype and AMP kinase modify the pathologic response of tumor xenografts to VEGF neutralization.

Abstract VEGF antagonists are now widely used cancer therapeutics, but predictive biomarkers of response or toxicity remain unavailable. In this study, we analyzed the effects of anti-VEGF therapy on tumor metabolism and therapeutic response by using an integrated set of imaging techniques, including bioluminescence metabolic imaging, 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and MRI imaging and spectroscopy. Our results revealed that anti-VEGF therapy caused a dramatic depletion of glucose and an exhaustion of ATP levels in tumors, although glucose uptake was maintained. These metabolic changes selectively accompanied the presence of large necrotic areas and partial tumor regress…

Synthesis and evaluation of (S)-2-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)-4-([3-methyl-1-(2-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-butyl-carbamoyl]-methyl)-benzoic acid ([18F]repaglinide): a promising radioligand for quantification of pancreatic β-cell mass with positron emission tomography (PET)

18F-labeled non-sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agent (S)-2-(2-[(18)F]fluoroethoxy)-4-((3-methyl-1-(2-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-butylcarbamoyl)-methyl)-benzoic acid ([(18)F]repaglinide), a derivative of the sulfonylurea-receptor (SUR) ligand repaglinide, was synthesized as a potential tracer for the non-invasive investigation of the sulfonylurea 1 receptor status of pancreatic beta-cells by positron emission tomography (PET) in the context of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. [(18)F]Repaglinide could be obtained in an overall radiochemical yield (RCY) of 20% after 135 min with a radiochemical purity higher than 98% applying the secondary labeling precursor 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyltosylate. Specific activity w…

Predicting the in vivo release from a liposomal formulation by IVIVC and non-invasive positron emission tomography imaging

This study aimed to predict the in vivo performance from the in vitro release of a low-molecular weight model compound, [(18)F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([(18)F]FDG), from liposomes and by means of positron emission tomography (PET). Liposomes composed of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine (HPC) were prepared by a freeze-thaw method. Particle size distribution was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). In vitro release was examined with a dispersion method detecting the radioactivity of [(18)F]FDG. In vivo release of [(18)F]FDG, following i.p. injection of the liposomes in rats, was determined by using a Micro-PET scanner. Convolution was performed to predict the in vivo profiles from …

Impact of therapeutically induced reactive oxygen species and radical scavenging by α-tocopherol on tumor cell adhesion

Many tumor treatment modalities such as ionizing radiation or some chemotherapy induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in therapeutic cell damage. The aim of this study was to analyze whether such ROS induction may affect the mechanical stability of solid tumor tissue by degradation of the extracellular matrix proteins or by a loss of cell adhesion molecules. Additionally, the protective impact of alpha-tocopherol treatment on these processes was studied. Experimental DS-sarcomas in rats were treated with a combination of localized 44 degrees C hyperthermia, inspiratory hyperoxia and xanthine oxidase in order to induce pronounced oxidative stress. A second group of animals were pret…

No improvement in perfusion and oxygenation of experimental tumors upon application of vasodilator drugs

The oxygen deficiency seen in solid tumors is predominantly caused by an insufficient O2 supply as a result of inadequate tumor perfusion. The aim of this study was to analyze whether a number of vasodilator drugs might be suitable to increase tumor perfusion and consequently improve the oxygenation status of experimental tumors. Rats with s.c. DS-sarcomas were treated with either Na+-nitroprusside (7-25 microg x min(-1) x kg(-1) BW) or nifedipine (10 microg x min(-1) x kg(-1) BW). Red blood cell (RBC) flux was assessed continuously using laser-Doppler flowmetry and mean tumor pO2 was measured polarographically using O2-sensitive catheter electrodes. Systemic application of the vasodilator …

Tumor Oxygenation Under Normobaric and Hyperbaric Hyperoxia

Tumor hypoxia is an important factor limiting the efficiency of sparsely ionizing ra-diation and O2-dependent chemotherapy. Since the tumor pO2 is the result of a dynamic steady state between oxygen supply and O2 consumption of the tumor tissue, hypoxia could be reduced either by increasing the O2-supply or by reducing the O2 demand of the tumor cells. The O2 supply can be improved for instance by (i) increasing the arterial oxy-gen partial pressure, (ii) improving (and homogenizing) the tumor perfusion, or (iii) en-hancing the O2 release from blood into the tissue by right-shifting the HbO2 dissociation curve. Theoretically, it should also be possible to improve tumor oxygenation by a rela…

Combined hyperthermia and chlorophyll-based photodynamic therapy: tumour growth and metabolic microenvironment

The effects of combined and simultaneously applied localised 43 degrees C hyperthermia (HT) and an antivascular bacteriochlorophyll-serine-based photodynamic therapy (Bchl-ser-PDT) on tumour growth and several microenvironmental parameters were examined. Rats bearing DS-sarcomas were allocated to treatment groups: (i) sham-treatment (control), (ii) Bchl-ser-PDT (20 mg kg(-1) i.v.), (iii) localised HT, (iv) Bchl-ser-PDT+HT. The light source used was an infrared-A irradiator, which, by use of appropriate filters, delivered the different ranges of wavelengths required. Following treatment, tumour volume was monitored. The greatest tumour growth inhibition was seen with Bchl-ser-PDT+HT, and sub…

Pancreatic tumors show high levels of hypoxia: regarding Koong et al. IJROBP 2000;48:919–922

Predicting hypoxia in cystic fibrosis patients during exposure to high altitudes

Abstract Background For patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)-related partial respiratory insufficiency and reduced arterial oxygen tension at ground level, the mild hypobaric environment on commercial jet aircraft poses the risk of severe hypoxemia. Thus, physicians should be able to estimate the extent of in-flight hypoxia. Objectives To derive tools for estimating the expected drop in arterial oxygen partial pressure (paO 2 ) and oxygen saturation (saO 2 ) in young adult CF patients with mild to moderate airway obstruction during exposure to the hypobaric conditions aboard commercial aircraft and to test the predictive power of a hypobaric chamber simulation. Methods Blood gases of 12 CF pa…

Impact Of Hypoxic And Acidic Extracellular Conditions On Cytotoxicity Of Chemotherapeutic Drugs

In the microenvironment of solid growing tumors, pronounced hypoxia or extracellular acidosis is commonly found The aim of this study was the analysis of the cytotoxic effect of different chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, daunorubicin, docetaxel) under these conditions in vitro Prostate carcinoma cells (R3327-AT1) were exposed to hypoxia (pO 2 05 mmHg) or extracellular acidosis (pH=66) for 6h After 3h, cytotoxic drugs were added The cytotoxic effect was assessed by measuring caspase 3-activity (apoptosis), LDH release (necrosis) and repopulation of the cells after chemotherapy (cell death) Compared to aerobic control conditions, severe hypoxia over 6h per se led to a slight increase in ap…

Current Status of Knowledge and Critical Issues in Tumor Oxygenation

In 1972 we started the systematic investigation of oxygenation status in (a) experimental tumor systems in rats and mice [e.g., 1–6], (b) in human tumors xenotransplanted into immune-deficient rnu/rnu-rats [e.g., 7–9], (c) in tumors derived from spontaneously tumorigenic or ras-transformed cell lines [10], and (d) in human tumors in situ [e.g., 11–15] under various pathophysiological conditions using polarographic O2 needle electrodes. In the earlier studies a cryospectrophotometric ex vivomicrotechnique was also used that allowed the measurement of HbO2 saturation in individual red blood cells in tumor microvessels [e.g., 16, 17]. Besides polarographic and cryospectrophotometric microtechn…

Radioactive labeling of defined HPMA-based polymeric structures using [18F]FETos for in vivo imaging by positron emission tomography.

During the last decades polymer-based nanomedicine has turned out to be a promising tool in modern pharmaceutics. The following article describes the synthesis of well-defined random and block copolymers by RAFT polymerization with potential medical application. The polymers have been labeled with the positron-emitting nuclide fluorine-18. The polymeric structures are based on the biocompatible N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methacrylamide (HPMA). To achieve these structures, functional reactive ester polymers with a molecular weight within the range of 25,000-110,000 g/mol were aminolyzed by 2-hydroxypropylamine and tyramine (3%) to form (18)F-labelable HPMA-polymer precursors. The labeling procedure…

Impact of oxygenation status and patient age on DNA content in cancers of the uterine cervix.

Abstract Purpose In carcinomas of the uterine cervix, the tumor oxygenation status has been shown to be a prognostic indicator that is independent of treatment modality. In vitro studies suggest gene amplification and polyploidization to be among the major consequences of hypoxia (with or without consecutive reoxygenation) and to be associated with treatment resistance and tumor progression. This study analyzed whether hypoxia alters net DNA content in uterine cervix cancer cells to the extent that it is identifiable by DNA image cytometry. Methods and materials In 64 patients with primary cervical cancer, tumor oxygenation was assessed polarographically and correlated with cell DNA content…

Microenvironmental adaptation of experimental tumours to chronic vs acute hypoxia

This study investigated long-term microenvironmental responses (oxygenation, perfusion, metabolic status, proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and vascularisation) to chronic hypoxia in experimental tumours. Experiments were performed using s.c.-implanted DS-sarcomas in rats. In order to induce more pronounced tumour hypoxia, one group of animals was housed in a hypoxic atmosphere (8% O(2)) for the whole period of tumour growth (chronic hypoxia). A second group was acutely exposed to inspiratory hypoxia for only 20 min prior to the measurements (acute hypoxia), whereas animals housed under normal atmospheric conditions served as controls. Acute hypoxia reduced…

Activity of Drug Efflux Transporters in Tumor Cells Under Hypoxic Conditions

Tumor cells exhibit mechanisms by which chemotherapeutic drugs can be actively pumped out of the cell (e.g., p-glycoprotein pGP, MRP1), resulting in a multidrug resistant phenotype. Many human tumors show pronounced hypoxia which can result in a local ATP depletion which in turn may compromise the efficacy of these transporters. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the transport activity and expression of drug transporters under hypoxic conditions. Prostate carcinoma cells (R3327-AT1) were exposed to hypoxia (pO2≶0.5 mmHg) for up to 24h and pump activity was determined by an efflux assay. The results showed that exposing cells to hypoxia for 3–6 h led to a moderate increase in pGP …

Modifying the body distribution of HPMA-based copolymers by molecular weight and aggregate formation.

There is a recognized need to create well-defined polymer probes for in vivo and clinical positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to guide the development of new generation polymer therapeutics. Using the RAFT polymerization technique in combination with the reactive ester approach, here we have synthesized well-defined and narrowly distributed N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide homopolymers (pHPMA) (P1* and P2*) and random HPMA copolymers consisting of hydrophilic HPMA and hydrophobic lauryl methacrylate comonomers (P3* and P4*). The polymers had molecular weights below (P1* and P3*) and above the renal threshold (P2* and P4*). Whereas the homopolymers dissolve in isotonic solution as in…

Treatment Resistance of Solid Tumors

Hypoxia is a characteristic property of locally advanced solid tumors, resulting from an imbalance between the supply and consumption of oxygen. Major pathogenetic mechanisms for the development of hypoxia are (1) structural and functional abnormalities of the tumor microvasculature, (2) increased diffusion distances, and (3) tumor-associated and therapy-induced anemia. The oxygenation status is independent of clinical tumor size, stage, grade, and histopathological type, but is affected by the hemoglobin level. Hypoxia is intensified in anemic patients, especially in tumors with low perfusion rates. Hypoxia and anemia (most probably via worsening of tumor hypoxia) can lead to therapeutic p…

Computer-assisted interpretation of flow cytometry data in hematology.

A computer program has been developed for computer-assisted diagnosis (including subclassification) of flow cytometry data of acute leukaemias and non-Hodgkin lymphomas by means of artificial intelligence. The knowledge base for the system has been formulatedas semantic networks that describe physiological hematopoiesisas well as the pathological situation (eg., aberrant antigen expression) of hematological disorders. The semantic networks reflect the hierarchy of cells and their occurrence in diseases, the normal and pathological antigen expression patterns of cells, cell maturation, and the frequency of cell populations in normal blood and bone marrow. Using these semantic networks, the d…

Erythropoietin restores the anemia-induced reduction in radiosensitivity of experimental human tumors in nude mice

Abstract Purpose The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on the radiosensitivity of human tumor xenografts growing in anemic and nonanemic nude mice was studied. Methods and materials Anemia was induced by total body irradiation ([TBI], 2 × 4 Gy) of mice before tumor implantation into the subcutis of the hind leg. The development of anemia was prevented by rhEPO (750 U/kg s.c.) given 3 times weekly starting 2 weeks before TBI. Fourteen days after fractionated TBI (tumor volume of approx. 40 mm 3 ), single-dose irradiation of the tumor with varying doses was performed so that in full dose–response relationship for the probability of tumor cure was obtained. Results Radiation-i…

Hypoxia-Induced Extracellular Acidosis Increases p-Glycoprotein Activity and Chemoresistance in Tumors in Vivo via p38 Signaling Pathway

Due to inadequate perfusion, tumors develop hypoxia and extracellular acidosis. In vitro, this acidic environment (pH=6.6) has a strong impact on the acitvity of the p-glycoprotein (pGP) drug transporter responsible for multidrug resistance. This effect is most probably mediated via p38 and/or ERK1/2 signalling pathways. The aimof the studywas to analyzewhether these findings also play a role for chemosensitivity in solid growing tumors in vivo. Therefore, experimental R3327-AT1 tumors of the rat were exposed to an acidifying treatment leading to forced glycolysis. The intratumoral pO21 was determined polarographically and the extracellular pH was measured with needle electrodes. In additio…

Lack of Association Between Tumor Hypoxia, Glut-1 Expression and Glucose Uptake in Experimental Sarcomas

Hypoxia is a common phenomenon in experimental and human tumors which not only limits the efficacy of non-surgical treatment modalities such as irradiation and 02-dependent chemotherapy but also affects the long-term prognosis of cancer patients. Numerous studies have clearly demonstrated that patients with more hypoxic tumors have a reduced probability for survival and disease-free survival’. For this reason it might be helpful to non-invasively identify patients with hypoxic malignancies.

Back Cover: Macromol. Biosci. 10/2014

Oxygenation Status of Gynecologic Tumors: What is the Optimal Hemoglobin Level?

Tumor hypoxia has been linked to the development of treatment resistance, tumor progression, and poor prognosis. Since anemia is a major causative factor for the development of hypoxia, the association between blood hemoglobin concentration (cHb) and tumor oxygenation was examined in this study.Pretreatment O(2) tension (pO(2)) measurements were performed in 59 primary carcinomas of the uterine cervix in which a stringent histopathologic examination of the electrode tracks was mandatory in order to exclude measurements in necrotic, stromal or normal cervical tissue. In addition, pO(2) readings in twelve primary cancers and 17 local recurrences of vulvar cancers were included in this study. …

Regional perfusion and oxygenation of tumors upon methylxanthine derivative administration

Abstract Purpose: The use of methylxanthine derivatives has been postulated as a means of increasing tumor perfusion and thus ameliorating tumor hypoxia. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the effects of three methylxanthine derivatives: pentoxifylline (PX), torbafylline (TB), and HWA 138 (HW) on tumor perfusion and oxygenation. Methods and Materials: Anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats with DS-sarcomas implanted subcutaneously onto the hind foot dorsum were used in this study. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was measured throughout experiments. Regional red blood cell (RBC) flux was monitored using a multichannel laser Doppler device and tumor oxygenation on a more global l…

Expression pattern of the urokinase-plasminogen activator system in rat DS-sarcoma: Role of oxygenation status and tumour size

The urokinase plasminogen activator system plays a central role in malignant tumour progression. Both tumour hypoxia and enhancement of urokinase plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator-receptor and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 have been identified as adverse prognostic factors. Upregulation of urokinase plasminogen activator or plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 could present means by which hypoxia influences malignant progression. Therefore, the impact of hypoxia on the expression pattern of the urokinase plasminogen activator system in rat DS-sarcoma in vivo and in vitro was examined. In the in vivo setting, tumour cells were implanted subcutaneously into rat…

Enhanced effects of aminolaevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy through local hyperthermia in rat tumours.

The possibility of enhancing aminolaevulinic acid (ALA)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) by simultaneous application of localised hyperthermia (HT) was evaluated. Treatments of rat DS-sarcomas included: (i) control, (ii) ALA administration (375 mg kg(-1), i.p.), no illumination, (iii) 'nonthermal' illumination, (iv) ALA-PDT: that is, ALA administration, 'nonthermal' illumination, (v) localised HT, 43 degrees C, 60 min (vi) ALA-PDT+HT: ALA administration with full spectrum irradiation resulting in ALA-PDT and HT. Tumour volume was monitored for 90 days or until a target volume (3.5 ml) was reached. No differences were seen between the first three groups, with all tumours reaching the target …

Preliminary assessment of the imaging capability of the YAP–(S)PET small animal scanner in neuroscience

The new and fully engineered version of the YAP–(S)PET small animal scanner has been tested at the University of Mainz for preliminary assessment of its imaging capability for studies related to neuropharmacology and psychiatry. The main feature of the scanner is the capability to combine PET and SPECT techniques. It allows the development of new and interesting protocols for the investigation of many biological phenomena, more effectively than with PET or SPECT modalities alone. The scanner is made up of four detector heads, each one composed of a 4 � 4c m 2 of YAlO3:Ce (or YAP:Ce) matrix, and has a field of view (FOV) of 4 cm axially � 4c m + transaxially. In PET mode, the volume resoluti…

Acidosis induces multi-drug resistance in rat prostate cancer cells (AT1) in vitro and in vivo by increasing the activity of the p-glycoprotein via activation of p38.

Because solid growing tumors often show hypoxia and pronounced extracellular acidosis, the aim of this study was to analyze the impact of an acidotic environment on the activity of the p-glycoprotein (pGP) and on the cellular content and cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic drug daunorubicin in the AT1 R-3327 Dunning prostate carcinoma cell line cultured in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, extracellular acidosis (pH 6.6) activated p38 and ERK1/2 and thereby induced daunorubicin resistance via a pronounced activation of pGP. De-novo protein synthesis was not necessary and analysis of transport kinetics indicated a fast and persistent pGP activation at pH 6.6 (when compared with 7.4). Intracellul…

Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of (R,R)(S,S) 5-(2-(2-[4-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-methylethylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl)-benzene-1,3-diol ([18F]FEFE) for the in vivo visualisation and quantification of the β2-adrenergic receptor status in lung

The 18 F-labeled b2-adrenergic receptor ligand (R,R)(S,S) 5-(2-(2-(4-(2-( 18 F)fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-1-methylethylamino)-1- hydroxyethyl)-benzene-1,3-diol, a derivative of the original highly selective racemic fenoterol, was synthesized in an overall radio- chemical yield of 20% after 65 min with a radiochemical purity higher than 98%. The specific activity was in the range of 50-60 GBq/mmol. In vitro testing of the non-radioactive fluorinated fenoterol derivative with isolated guinea pig trachea was conducted to obtain an IC50 value of 60 nM. Preliminary ex vivo organ distribution and in vivo experiments with positron emission tomography (PET) on guinea pigs were performed to study the biod…

Blood flow, oxygenation, metabolic and energetic status in different clonal subpopulations of a rat rhabdomyosarcoma.

Differentiation of a tumor plays an important role in terms of biological aggressiveness. The question arises as to whether this is reflected in differences in the metabolic and energetic status of solid tumors. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of clonal tumor cell differentiation on the microenvironment of rat rhabdomyosarcomas. Two distinct lines of a rhabdomyosarcoma (BA-HAN-1) with different histomorphological properties were used (line F1, co-existence of mononuclear stellate cells and multinuclear myotube-like giant tumor cells; G8, polygonal, mononuclear tumor cells). Solid tumors were grown s.c. on the hind food dorsum of Lewis rats. Tumor oxygenation was measured …

44Sc-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH2 in comparison to 68Ga-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH2 in pre-clinical investigation. Is 44Sc a potential radionuclide for PET?

In the present study we demonstrate the in vitro and in vivo comparison of the (44)Sc and (68)Ga labeled DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2). (44)Sc is a positron emitter with a half life of 3.92 h. Hence it could be used for PET imaging with ligands requiring longer observation time than in the case of (68)Ga.The binding affinity of (nat)Sc-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) and (nat)Ga-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) to GRP receptors was studied in competition to [(125)I-Tyr(4)]-Bombesin in the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. A preliminary biodistribution in normal rats was performed, while first microPET images were assessed in male Copenhagen rats bearing the androgen-independent Dunning R-3327-AT-1 prostate cancer tumor.The …

Modulation of Spatial O2Tension Distribution in Experimental Tumors by Increasing Arterial O2Supply

Tumor oxygenation has been measured polarographically in s.c. implanted DS-sarcomas on the dorsum of the hind foot of male Sprague-Dawley rats. pO2 was determined in all 3 spatial dimensions and 3-dimensional pO2 distributions as well as the mean extent of confluent areas with pO25 mmHg were calculated. Finally, the effect of elevating arterial pO2 (by carbogen breathing) as well as of increasing tumor blood flow (by angiotensin infusion) on the spatial pO2 distribution was analyzed. Depending on the tumor volume, the spatial pO2 distribution is more or less anisotropic. In smaller tumors, areas with physiological pO2 values are found adjacent to large hypoxic areas whereas larger tumors ar…

Impact of Extracellular Acidity on the Activity of P-glycoprotein and the Cytotoxicity of Chemotherapeutic Drugs

AbstractThe expression and activity of P-glycoprotein (pGP) play a role in the multidrug resistance of tumors. Because solid-growing tumors often show pronounced hypoxia or extracellular acidosis, this study attempted to analyze the impact of an acidic environment on the expression and activity of pGP and on the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. For this, prostate carcinoma cells were exposed to an acidic extracellular environment (pH 6.6) for up to 24 hours. pGP activity was more than doubled after 3 to 6 hours of incubation in acidic medium, whereas cellular pGP expression remained constant, indicating that increased transport rate is the result of functional modulation. In paralle…

Direct determination of intracellular daunorubicin in intact confluent monolayers of AT1 prostate carcinoma cells using a multiwell–multilabel counter

The cytostatic drug daunorubicin exerts its toxic action by intercalating into the DNA. The efficacy of daunorubicin depends on the intracellular amount in the tumor cell. Here we have evaluated the use of a multiwell-multilabel reader for the direct determination of the fluorescent cytostatic drug daunorubicin in a prostate carcinoma cell line (AT1 R-3327 Dunning prostate carcinoma cells) grown on 24-well plates. We present evidence that this simple fluorescent parameter is a good measure for the toxicologically relevant amount of the drug intercalated into the DNA and, therefore, is a good predictor for the drug's cytotoxicity. The amount of cationic cytostatics in a tumor cell is primari…

Dynamics of tumor oxygenation and red blood cell flux in response to inspiratory hyperoxia combined with different levels of inspiratory hypercapnia.

Abstract Background and purpose : Increasing arterial oxygen partial pressure (pO 2 ) by breathing hyperoxic gases is an effective means of improving tumor oxygenation, although the efficacy of adding CO 2 to the inspiratory gas has been discussed controversially. This study aimed at analyzing the impact of different inspiratory CO 2 fractions on the time course of oxygenation and perfusion changes in experimental tumors during and after inspiratory hyperoxia. Material and methods : Perfusion and oxygenation of rat DS-sarcomas were studied during spontaneous breathing of pure oxygen or hyperoxic gas mixtures containing different CO 2 fractions (1, 2.5 or 5%). Red blood cell (RBC) flux was a…

Changes in Perfusion Pattern of Experimental Tumors Due to Reduction in Arterial Oxygen Partial Pressure

Enhanced radiosensitivity in experimental tumours following erythropoietin treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia.

The radiosensitivity of solid tumours in anaemic rats treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO, epoetin beta) was studied. Anaemia was induced by a single dose of carboplatin (45 mg kg(-1) i.v.), resulting in a reduction in the haemoglobin concentration by 30%. In a second group, the development of anaemia was prevented by rhEPO (1000 IU kg(-1)) administered s.c. three times per week starting 6 days before the carboplatin application. Three days after carboplatin treatment, DS-sarcomas were implanted subcutaneously onto the hind foot dorsum. Neither carboplatin nor rhEPO treatment influenced tumour growth rate. Five days after implantation, tumours were irradiated with a single …

HPMA-LMA copolymer drug carriers in oncology: an in vivo PET study to assess the tumor line-specific polymer uptake and body distribution.

Polymeric drug carriers aim to selectively target tumors in combination with protecting normal tissue. In this regard polymer structure and molecular weight are key factors considering organ distribution and tumor accumulation of the polymeric drug delivery system. Four different HPMA based copolymer structures (random as well as block copolymers with lauryl methacrylate as hydrophobic block) varying in molecular weight, size and resulting architecture were analyzed in two different tumor models (AT1 prostate carcinoma and Walker-256 mammary carcinoma) in vivo. Polymers were labeled with (18)F and organ/tumor uptake was followed by μPET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution. Vascular permeabi…

Intensified oxidative and nitrosative stress following combined ALA-based photodynamic therapy and local hyperthermia in rat tumors.

Oxidative stress-related changes in tumors upon localized hyperthermia (HT), 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) and their combination (ALA+HT) were examined after the observation that the antitumor effects of ALA-PDT could be significantly enhanced upon simultaneous application of HT. Rats bearing s.c. DS-sarcomas (0.6–1.0 ml) on the hind foot dorsum were anesthetized and underwent one of the following treatments: (i) ALA-PDT (375 mg/kg 5-ALA i.v.); (ii) localized HT, 43°C for 60 min; (iii) combined ALA-PDT and HT [=ALA+HT]. Appropriate control experiments were also performed. After treatment, tumors were excised and rapidly frozen for later analysis of nitrosative s…

Hypoxyradiotherapy: lack of experimental evidence for a preferential radioprotective effect on normal versus tumor tissue as shown by direct oxygenation measurements in experimental sarcomas

Abstract Aim : In order to investigate possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the postulated preferential protective effect of hypoxia on normal tissue during radiotherapy, the impact of acute respiratory hypoxia (8.2% O 2 + 91.8% N 2 ) on tissue oxygenation was assessed. Methods : Tumor and normal tissue oxygenation was directly determined using O 2 -sensitive electrodes in two experimental rat tumors (DS and Yoshida sarcomas) and in the normal subcutis of the hind foot dorsum. Results : During respiratory hypoxia, arterial blood O 2 tension (pO 2 ), oxyhemoglobin saturation and mean arterial blood pressure decreased. Changes in the arterial blood gas status were accompanied by …

PEGylation of HPMA-based block copolymers enhances tumor accumulation in vivo: a quantitative study using radiolabeling and positron emission tomography.

Abstract This paper reports the body distribution of block copolymers (made by controlled radical polymerization) with N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) as hydrophilic block and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) as hydrophobic block. They form micellar aggregates in aqueous solution. For this study the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance was varied by incorporation of differing amounts of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) side chains into the hydrophilic block, while keeping the degree of polymerization of both blocks constant. PEGylation reduced the size of the micellar aggregates (Rh = 113 to 38 nm) and led to a minimum size of 7% PEG side chains. Polymers were labeled with the positron emitter 18F,…

Role of the tumor microenvironment in the activity and expression of the p-glycoprotein in human colon carcinoma cells.

The metabolic microenvironment of solid tumors is characterized by an oxygen deficiency and increased anaerobic glycolysis leading to extracellular acidosis and ATP depletion, which in turn may affect other energy-dependent cellular pathways. Since many tumors overexpress active drug transporters (e.g. the p-glycoprotein) leading to a multidrug-resistant phenotype, this study analyzes the impact of the different aspects of the extracellular microenvironment (hypoxia and acidosis) on the activity and expression of the p-glycoprotein (pGP) in the human colon carcinoma cell line LS513. For up to 24 h cells were exposed to hypoxia (pO2<0.5 mmHg), an acidic extracellular environment (pH 6.6), or…

Comparison of different phosphorus-containing ligands complexing 68Ga for PET-imaging of bone metabolism

Abstract 99mTc-phosphonate structures are well established tracers for bone tumour imaging. Our objective was to investigate different 68Ga-labelled phosphonate ligands concerning labelling kinetics, binding to hydroxyapatite and bone imaging using μ-PET. Seven macrocyclic phosphorus-containing ligands and EDTMP were labelled in nanomolar scale with n.c.a. 68Ga in Na-HEPES buffer at pH∼4. Except for DOTP, all ligands were labelled with &gt;92% yield. Binding of the 68Ga-ligand complexes on hydroxyapatite was analysed to evaluate the effect of the number of the phosphorus acid groups on adsorption parameters. Adsorption of 68Ga-EDTMP and 68Ga-DOTP was &gt;83%. For the 68Ga-NOTA-phosphonates …

Theoretical approach and clinical application of kinetic modelling in dialysis.

Using kinetic modelling for shaping profile dialysis, we present a promising approach to improve the cardiovascular stability of patients during dialysis treatment. In order to obtain an insight into the physiological mechanisms of increased stability, a model considering alterations of electrolytes and water distribution and of acid-base status was developed. This algorithm was used for the evaluation of 114 dialysis sessions, which were performed with highly individualised profiles. Each profile was developed for one patient by trying empirically to prevent episodes of hypotension as well as other clinical problems throughout dialysis. The main advantage of profile dialysis compared to st…

Nifedipine improves blood flow and oxygen supply, but not steady-state oxygenation of tumours in perfusion pressure-controlled isolated limb perfusion.

Isolated limb perfusion allows the direct application of therapeutic agents to a tumour-bearing extremity. The present study investigated whether the dihydropyridine-type Ca2+-channel blocker nifedipine could improve blood flow and oxygenation status of experimental tumours during isolated limb perfusion. Perfusion was performed by cannulation of the femoral artery and vein in rats bearing DS-sarcoma on the hind foot dorsum. Perfusion rate was adjusted to maintain a perfusion pressure of 100–140 mmHg throughout the experiment. Following equilibration, nifedipine was continuously infused for 30 min (8.3 μg min−1 kg−1 BW). During constant-pressure isolated limb perfusion, nifedipine can signi…

Modulation of tumor oxygenation

There is a large body of evidence suggesting that deficiencies in the O2 supply of tumors exist due to restrictions (i) in the O2 delivery by perfusion and/or diffusion, and (ii) in the O2 transport capacity. Whereas the former are mostly based on inadequate and heterogeneous microcirculatory functions, the latter are predominantly due to tumor-associated anemia. Possible uses and limitations of measures are discussed which can increase the microvascular O2 content and thus may preferentially serve to enhance diffusion-limited O2 availability. In addition, means are described for improving and increasing the uniformity of microcirculation thus possibly enhancing perfusion-limited O2 deliver…

Tumour oxygenation during fractionated radiotherapy--comparison with size-matched controls.

The effect of fractionated irradiation on the oxygenation status of experimental tumours was investigated using polarographic assessment of the pO2 distribution. Since an improvement in tumour oxygenation could simply be the result of tumour shrinkage, a comparison of pO2 readings of untreated size-matched control tumours was performed. Irradiation was carried out using 6 fractions of 6 Gy applied within 11 days. A comparison of polarographic pO2 data with size-matched untreated tumours revealed a significant improvement in oxygenation after the irradiation. The median pO2 was 0.9+/-0.1 mm Hg for unirradiated tumours at a volume of 180 mm3, while the corresponding data for irradiated tumour…

Microcirculatory Function, Tissue Oxygenation, Microregional Redox Status and ATP Distribution in Tumors Upon Localized Infrared-A-Hyperthermia at 42°C

Since local hyperthermia (HT) affects microenvironmental parameters, the aim of the study was to analyze the impact of 42°C-HT on microcirculatory function, tumor pO2, microregional redox status and ATP distribution in experimental rat tumors. Subcutaneously growing DS-sarcomas were treated with localized HT using infrared-A radiation resulting in a mean tumor temperature of 42°C. The relative red blood cell (RBC) flux in the tumor was assessed using the laser Doppler technique and the mean tumor pO2 measured continuously using O2-sensitive catheter electrodes. In a second series of experiments, the microregional distribution of the mitochondrial redox status and ATP concentration was measu…

Long-term biodistribution study of HPMA- ran -LMA copolymers in vivo by means of 131 I-labeling

Abstract Background For the evaluation of macromolecular drug delivery systems suitable pre-clinical monitoring of potential nanocarrier systems is needed. In this regard, both short-term as well as long-term in vivo tracking is crucial to understand structure-property relationships of polymer carrier systems and their resulting pharmacokinetic profile. Based on former studies revealing favorable in vivo characteristics for 18 F–labeled random (ran) copolymers consisting of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) – including prolonged plasma half-life as well as enhanced tumor accumulation – the presented work focuses on their long-term investigation in the li…

Endocytotic uptake of HPMA-based polymers by different cancer cells: impact of extracellular acidosis and hypoxia.

Daniel G&amp;uuml;ndel,1 Mareli Allmeroth,2 Sarah Reime,1 Rudolf Zentel,2 Oliver Thews1 1Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), 2Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany Background: Polymeric nanoparticles allow to selectively transport chemotherapeutic drugs to the tumor tissue. These nanocarriers have to be taken up into the cells to release the drug. In addition, tumors often show pathological metabolic characteristics (hypoxia and acidosis) which might affect the polymer endocytosis.Materials and methods: Six different N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based polymer structures (homopolymer as well as…

A novel miniature telemetric system for recording EEG activity in freely moving rats

Telemetric recording systems offer the advantage to monitor physiological parameters in freely moving animals without any restrictions in their explorative behaviour. We present a novel, inexpensive, portable and reusable telemetric system to record the electroencephalogram (EEG) from adult freely moving rats under various experimental conditions. Our system consists of an implantable transmitter which communicates at a sampling rate of 500 Hz bi-directional with a receiver via radio transmission (in EU: 868.35 MHz; in USA: 916.5 MHz) over a distance of up to 3 m. The switching time between receiving and transmitting signals is 20s and the data transmission rate amounts to 115.2 kbps. The r…

Impact of Hypoxia-Related Tumor Acidosis on Cytotoxicity of Different Chemotherapeutic Drugs In Vitro and In Vivo

Extracellular acidosis in tumors leads to an activation of the p-glycoprotein (Pgp) drug transporter. In the present study the cytotoxicity of different chemotherapeutic drugs and its dependence on the Pgp activity during acidosis were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Treating R3327-AT1, Pgp-positive tumor cells at pH 7.4 with daunorubicin, cisplatin or docetaxel led to marked apoptosis induction and cell death. Under acidic (pH 6.6) conditions cytotoxicity of daunorubicin or docetaxel was significantly reduced whereas cisplatin-induced cell death was almost pH-independent. Inhibiting Pgp with verapamil reversed the acidosis-induced chemoresistance against daunorubicin and docetaxel. The Pgp …

Acidic Environment Leads to ROS-Induced MAPK Signaling in Cancer Cells

Tumor micromilieu often shows pronounced acidosis forcing cells to adapt their phenotype towards enhanced tumorigenesis induced by altered cellular signalling and transcriptional regulation. In the presents study mechanisms and potential consequences of the crosstalk between extra- and intracellular pH (pH(e), pH(i)) and mitogen-activated-protein-kinases (ERK1/2, p38) was analyzed. Data were obtained mainly in AT1 R-3327 prostate carcinoma cells, but the principle importance was confirmed in 5 other cell types. Extracellular acidosis leads to a rapid and sustained decrease of pH(i) in parallel to p38 phosphorylation in all cell types and to ERK1/2 phosphorylation in 3 of 6 cell types. Furth…

PET Imaging of the Impact of Extracellular pH and MAP Kinases on the p-Glycoprotein (Pgp) Activity

The functional activity of p-glycoprotein (Pgp) can be increased in vitro by an extracellular acidosis via activation of MAP kinases (p38, ERK1/2). In order to study these effects in vivo a new (68)Ga-labeled PET tracer was developed which serves as a substrate of the Pgp and therefore indirectly mirrors the Pgp activity. For in vivo studies, experimental tumors were imaged under acidic conditions (inspiratory hypoxia, injection of lactic acid) and during inhibition of MAP kinases in a μ-PET system. In vitro, [(68)Ga]MFL6.MZ showed an accumulation within the cells of about 20% which was increased to 30% by Pgp inhibition. In solid tumors a marked tracer uptake was observed showing spatial h…

Impact of Reactive Oxygen Species on the Expression of Adhesion Molecules in Vivo

Many non-surgical tumor treatments induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) which result in cell damage. This study investigated the impact of ROS induction on the expression of adhesion molecules and whether alpha-tocopherol pre-treatment could have a protective effect. Experimental rat DS-sarcomas were treated with a combination of localized 44 degrees C-hyperthermia, inspiratory hyperoxia and xanthine oxidase which together lead to a pronounced ROS induction. Further animals were pre-treated with alpha-tocopherol. The in vivo expression of E- and N-cadherin, alpha-catenin, integrins alpha v, beta 3 and beta 5 as well as of the integrin dimer alpha v beta 3 was assessed by flow cytometry. The…

Effect of Cell Line and Differentiation on the Oxygenation Status of Experimental Sarcomas

Since the measurement of tumor oxygenation status and the fraction of hypoxia within tumor tissue by computerized pO2-histography [10] has become increasingly im-portant in the clinical setting, many studies on tumor oxygenation in different experimental malignancies as well as in various human tumors have been carried out. Because pO2-histography is an invasive technique, this method has been used in humans mostly in superficial primary tumors and lymph node metastases [1,3,10] (for a review see [9]). Experimental studies in animals have been carried out on a wide range of isotransplanted rodent sarcomas or carcinomas [2,4,6–8,11] and of xenotransplanted human tumors [6]. The results obtai…

Can Tumor Oxygenation be Improved by Reducing Cellular Oxygen Consumption?

Tumor hypoxia, which can be found in many experimental and human tumors is an important factor influencing the therapeutic efficacy of standard radiotherapy, O2-dependent chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (Hall, 1994) and might be responsible for the development of aggressive tumor cell subpopulations (Graeber et al., 1996). Since this oxygen deficiency results from a disparity between O2 supply to the tumor tissue and the oxygen demand of the cells, several attempts have been undertaken to improve tumor oxygenation primarily by increasing the arterial oxygen supply. The O2 supply to the tumor cells can be improved by (a) increasing the arterial O2 content (by breathing hyperoxic gases …

18F-labeling of peptides by means of an organosilicon-based fluoride acceptor.

Fluorine-18 is among the most commonly used radionuclides for positron emission tomography (PET). This non-invasive imaging technique is capable of providing in vivo information about the distribution of radiolabeled biomolecules by 1808 coincidence detection of two simultaneously emitted photons from positron–electron annihilation. Although a number of different radiotracers have been successfully employed in PET, only a few, such as 2-[F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) and [F]fluorodopa, have gained widespread application in nuclear medicine. The reason for this is that the regioselective introduction of F into tracer molecules is often non-specific and radiochemical yields (RCY) of the Fl…

Recombinant human erythropoietin increases the radiosensitivity of xenografted human tumours in anaemic nude mice

Purpose: The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) on the radiosensitivity of human tumour xenografts growing in anaemic nude mice was studied. Methods and materials: Anaemia was induced by total body irradiation (TBI) of mice prior to tumour transplantation. The development of anaemia was prevented by Epo (1000 U/kg s.c.) given 3 times weekly starting 2 weeks prior to TBI (5 Gy). Epo treatment did not influence the growth rate of the tumours, which were transplanted into the subcutis of the hind leg of mice. Thirteen days after TBI (tumour volume of approx. 40 mm3), a single-dose irradiation (12 Gy) of the tumour was performed resulting in a growth delay with subsequent regrowth…

18F-Markierung von Peptiden mithilfe eines Organosilicium-Fluoridacceptors

Tumor Oxygenation in Anemic Rats: Effects of Erythropoietin Treatment Versus Red Blood Cell Transfusion

Anemia was induced in rats by the development of a hemorrhagic ascites. These animals also bore solid tumors (DS-sarcomas) on the hind foot dorsum. The effects of two methods for anemia correction on oxygenation in the solid tumors were compared in this study. Anemia was corrected either chronically by erythropoietin administration (1000 IU/kg) over 14 days (EPO) or acutely by transfusion with red blood cells (TR). Non-anemic and untreated anemic animals served as controls. Tumor oxygenation was determined in anesthetized animals using polarographic needle electrodes and pO2 histography. The reduction in hematocrit and hemoglobin content found in anemic animals could successfully be correct…

Small animal tumour imaging with MRI and the ECAT EXACT scanner: application of partial volume correction and comparison with microPET data.

Objective Partial volume effects caused by limited spatial resolution of conventional positron emission tomography (PET) scanners result in an underestimation of the activity concentration in small tumours. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of small animal tumour imaging with the clinical PET scanner ECAT EXACT after partial volume correction based on MRI calculations. The same tumour model was examined additionally with the small animal PET system, microPET focus 120. Methods Before the ECAT EXACT studies recovery coefficients for different sphere volumes were generated with phantom experiments. For the following in-vivo study DS-sarcoma cells were implanted on both hind…

O2 extraction is a key parameter determining the oxygenation status of malignant tumors and normal tissues

The aim of this study was to assess pivotal factors determining the oxygenation status of malignant tumors, and, for comparison, of normal tissues. For this purpose, microvascular patterns, blood flow data, O2 consumption rates and O2 extractions were correlated to the median pO2 values of isografted rodent and xenografted human tumors, and of various normal tissues. No correlations were found between median pO2 values and vascular patterns, O2 consumption rate or blood flow rate. When O2 extraction, however, was considered (a comprehensive parameter which encompasses all of the above factors), a strong inverse correlation was found between this parameter and the median pO2 values, both for…

Localized hypothermia: impact on oxygenation, microregional perfusion, metabolic and bioenergetic status of subcutaneous rat tumours.

The effect of localized hypothermia on microcirculatory and metabolic parameters in s.c. DS sarcomas on the hind foot dorsum of Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated. Tumours were cooled by superfusion of the tumour surface with cooled saline solution to 25 degrees C or 15 degrees C. Control tumours remained at 35 degrees C. These temperatures were maintained for 30 min. In tumour oxygenation measurements, hypothermia at 25 degrees C and 15 degrees C caused progressive decreases in the size of the fraction of pO2 measurements between 0 and 2.5 mmHg together with a reduction in pO2 variability. No significant changes in median or mean pO2 or in the fraction of pO2 measurements between 0 and 5…

Lack of Association Between Tumor Oxygenation and Cell Cycle Distribution or Proliferation Kinetics in Experimental Sarcomas

In tumor cells, pronounced hypoxia induces an arrest of cell cycle in the late G1phase1−3. Since hypoxia is a common phenomenon in experimental and human tumors the hypoxia-induced disturbance of the cell cycle may play a role in the reduced efficacy of non-surgical treatment modalities resulting in a reduced long-term prognosis and a higher rate of local recurrences in hypoxic tumors4,5. It has been shown that a cell cycle arrest reduces the efficacy of standard radiotherapy6,7 and may alter the cytotoxic effects of various chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, alkylating agents, doxorubicin or taxols8−12 and of cytokines13. If tumor hypoxia plays a relevant role in affecting the cell…

68Ga-BPAMD: PET-imaging of bone metastases with a generator based positron emitter

Abstract Purpose Bone metastases are a serious aggravation for patients suffering from cancer. Therefore, early recognition of bone metastases is of great interest for further treatment of patients. Bisphosphonates are widely used for scintigraphy of bone lesions with 99m Tc. Using the 68 Ge/ 68 Ga generator together with a macroyclic bisphosphonate a comparable PET-tracer comes into focus. Procedures The bisphosphonate DOTA-conjugated ligand BPAMD was labelled with 68 Ga. [ 68 Ga]BPAMD was evaluated in vitro concerning binding to hydroxyapatite and stability. The tracer's in vivo accumulation was determined on healthy rats and bone metastases bearing animals by μ-PET. Results BPAMD was lab…

18F-Radiolabeling, Preliminary Evaluation of Folate-pHPMA Conjugates via PET

The synthesis of a 10.5 kDa and a 52.5 kDa polymer, based on pHPMA functionalized with tyramine for (18) F-labeling and a folate derivative as targeting moiety, is reported. FCS studies are conducted using Oregon Green-labeled conjugates. No aggregation is observed for the 10.5 kDa conjugate, but strong aggregation for the 52.5 kDa conjugate. In vivo studies are conducted using Walker-256 mammary carcinoma model to determine body distribution as function of size and especially targeting unit. These in vivo studies show a higher short time (2 h) accumulation for both conjugates in the tumor than for untargeted pHPMA, confirmed by blockade studies. The 10.5 kDa polymer accumulates with 0.46% …

Quantitative changes of metabolic and bioenergetic parameters in experimental tumors during fractionated irradiation.

Abstract Purpose: Previous studies with rat rhabdomyosarcomas indicate that during fractionated irradiation profound alterations of the tumor microvasculature and the oxygenation status occur when the total dose exceeds 45 Gy. At this dose a destruction which included all structures of the vessels and a significant worsening in tumor oxygenation were found. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether these effects of fractionated irradiation on the microvasculature and on tumor oxygenation also induce changes in the bioenergetic and metabolic status in the tumors during radiation treatment. Methods and Materials: R1H rhabdomyosarcomas of the rat implanted into the flank were irradia…

Hot Topic Water-filtered infrared-A radiation: a novel technique for localized hyperthermia in combination with bacteriochlorophyll-based photodynamic therapy

A novel application of an infrared-A (IR-A) radiation source equipped with a water-filter in the radiation path is described, which allows for tumour treatment with a simultaneous combination of localized hyperthermia (HT) and bacteriochlorophyll-serine (Bchl-ser) based photodynamic therapy (PDT). Using this system, the IR-A radiation was used to heat tumours to 43 degrees C for 60 min, while at the same time activating the Bchl-ser which was injected i.v. at a dose of 20 mg/kg, 10 min following commencement of HT. The growth of tumours undergoing this combined therapy was compared to that of tumours undergoing HT alone or sham-treated controls. Within the 90 day observation period, 100% of…