Introduction: The combination of a targeted biomolecule that specifically defines the target and a radionuclide that delivers a cytotoxic payload offers a specific way to destroy cancer cells. Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) aims to deliver cytotoxic radiation to cancer cells and causes minimal toxicity to surrounding healthy tissues. Recent advances using α-particle radiation emphasizes their potential to generate radiation in a highly localized and toxic manner because of their high level of ionization and short range in tissue. Areas covered: We review the importance of targeted alpha therapy (TAT) and focus on nanobodies as potential beneficial vehicles. In recent years, nanobodies have been evaluated intensively as unique antigen-specific vehicles for molecular imaging and TRNT. Expert opinion: We expect that the efficient targeting capacity and fast clearance of nanobodies offer a high potential for TAT. More particularly, we argue that the nanobodies’ pharmacokinetic properties match perfectly with the interesting decay properties of the short-lived α-particle emitting radionuclides Astatine-211 and Bismuth-213 and offer an interesting treatment option particularly for micrometastatic cancer and residual disease.

The use of nanobodies (Nbs) as vehicles in targeted alpha therapy (TAT) has gained great interest because of their excellent properties. They combine high in vivo affinity and specificity of binding with fast kinetics. This research investigates a novel targeted therapy that combines the αparticle emitter astatine-211 ( 211 At) and the anti-HER2 Nb 2Rs15d to selectively target HER2+ cancer cells. Two distinctive radiochemical methodologies are investigated using three different coupling reagents. The first method uses the coupling reagents, N-succinimidyl 4-(1,2-bis-tertbutoxycarbonyl)guanidinomethyl-3-(trimethylstannyl)benzoate (Boc 2 -SGMTB) and N-succinimidyl-3-(trimethylstannyl)benzoate (m-MeATE), which are both directed to amino groups on the Nb, resulting in random conjugation. The second method aims at obtaining a homogeneous tracer population, via a site-specific conjugation of the N-[2-(maleimido)ethyl]-3-(trimethylstannyl)benzamide (MSB) reagent onto the carboxylterminal cysteine of the Nb. The resulting radioconjugates are evaluated in vitro and in vivo. 2Rs15d is labeled with 211 At using Boc 2 -SGMTB, m-MeATE, and MSB. After astatination and purification, the binding specificity of the radioconjugates is validated on HER2+ cells, followed by an in vivo biodistribution assessment in SKOV-3 xenografted mice. α-camera imaging is performed to determine uptake and activity distribution in kidneys/tumors. 2Rs15d astatination resulted in a high radiochemical purity >95% for all radioconjugates. The biodistribution studies of all radioconjugates revealed comparable tumor uptake (higher than 8% ID/g at 1 h). [ 211 At]SAGMB-2Rs15d showed minor uptake in normal tissues. Only in the kidneys, a higher uptake was measured after 1 h, but decreased rapidly after 3 h. Astatinated Nbs consisting of m-MeATE or MSB reagents revealed elevated uptake in lungs and stomach, indicating the presence of released 211 At. α-Camera imaging of tumors revealed a homogeneous activity distribution. The radioactivity in the kidneys was initially concentrated in the renal cortex, while after 3 h most radioactivity was measured in the medulla, confirming the fast washout into urine. Changing the reagents for Nb astatination resulted in different in vivo biodistribution profiles, while keeping the targeting moiety identical. Boc 2 -SGMTB is the preferred reagent for Nb astatination because of its high tumor uptake, its low background signals, and its fast renal excretion. We envision [ 211 At]SAGMB-2Rs15d to be a promising therapeutic agent for TAT and aim toward efficacy evaluation.

Targeted alpha-particle therapy (TAT) might be a relevant therapeutic strategy to circumvent resistance to conventional therapies in the case of HER2-positive metastatic cancer. Single-domain antibody fragments (sdAb) are promising vehicles for TAT because of their excellent in vivo properties, high target affinity, and fast clearance kinetics. This study combines the cytotoxic α-particle emitter bismuth-213 ( 213 Bi) and HER2targeting sdAbs. The in vitro specificity, affinity, and cytotoxic potency of the radiolabeled complex were analyzed on HER2 pos cells. Its in vivo biodistribution through serial dissections and via Cherenkov and micro-single-photon emission computed tomography (CT)/CT imaging was evaluated. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy and potential associated toxicity of [ 213 Bi]Bi-DTPA-2Rs15d were evaluated in a HER2 pos tumor model that manifests peritoneal metastasis. In vitro, [ 213 Bi]Bi-DTPA-2Rs15d bound HER2 pos cells in a HER2-specific way. In mice, high tumor uptake was reached already 15 min after injection, and extremely low uptake values were observed in normal tissues. Co-infusion of gelofusine resulted in a 2-fold reduction in kidney uptake. Administration of [ 213 Bi]Bi-DTPA-2Rs15d alone and in combination with trastuzumab resulted in a significant increase in median survival. We describe for the very first time the successful labeling of an HER2-sdAb with the α-emitter 213 Bi, and after intravenous administration, revealing high in vivo stability and specific accumulation in target tissue and resulting in an increased median survival of these mice especially in combination with trastuzumab. These results indicate the potential of [ 213 Bi]Bi-DTPA-sdAb as a new radioconjugate for TAT, alone and as an add-on to trastuzumab for the treatment of HER2 pos metastatic cancer.

HER2-targeted therapies have drastically improved the outcome for breast cancer patients. However, when metastasis to the brain is involved, current strategies fail to hold up to the same promise. Camelid single-domain antibody-fragments (sdAbs) have been demonstrated to possess favorable properties for detecting and treating cancerous lesions in vivo using different radiolabeling methods. Here we evaluate the anti-HER2 sdAb 2Rs15d, coupled to diagnostic γ- and therapeutic α- and β−-emitting radionuclides for the detection and treatment of HER2pos brain lesions in a preclinical setting. 2Rs15d was radiolabeled with 111In, 225Ac and 131I using DTPA- and DOTA-based bifunctional chelators and Sn-precursor of SGMIB respectively and evaluated in orthotopic tumor-bearing athymic nude mice. Therapeutic efficacy as well as systemic toxicity were determined for 131I- and 225Ac-labeled sdAbs and compared to anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) trastuzumab in two different HER2pos tumor models. Radiolabeled 2Rs15d showed high and specific tumor uptake in both HER2pos SK-OV-3-Luc-IP1 and HER2pos MDA-MB-231Br brain lesions, whereas radiolabeled trastuzumab was unable to accumulate in intracranial SK-OV-3-Luc-IP1 tumors. Administration of [131I]-2Rs15d and [225Ac]-2Rs15d alone and in combination with trastuzumab showed a significant increase in median survival in 2 tumor models that remained largely unresponsive to trastuzumab treatment alone. Histopathological analysis revealed no significant early toxicity. Radiolabeled sdAbs prove to be promising vehicles for molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy of metastatic lesions in the brain. These data demonstrate the potential of radiolabeled sdAbs as a valuable add-on treatment option for patients with difficult-to-treat HER2pos metastatic cancer.