FUNDED PROJECTS
All Funded Projects
The link between copper metabolism and hypoxic conditions in tumors, towards the use of 64/67Cu in cancer diagnostics and therapy
Increasing life expectancy comes along with escalating incidence of cancer and thus underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches in both early diagnosis and treatment. Hypoxia, a condition marked by low oxygen levels, is a distinctive trait of malignant tumors and warrants assessment prior initiating a therapy.
Tumor hypoxia gives rise to an aggressive phenotype, significantly affecting the survival rates of cancer patients. The identification of a biomarker for hypoxia enhances our comprehension of tumor physiology, and more importantly reveals immediately therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
Copper, the third most abundant transition metal in the human body, plays a crucial role in various biological processes. However, dysregulation of copper homeostasis can lead to neurological diseases and contribute to development and progression of cancer. Malignant tissues are characterized by elevated levels of copper accumulation, which are also linked to hypoxic conditions.
Understanding the intricate interplay between copper metabolism, hypoxia, and cancer progression can assist in customizing therapeutic interventions and monitoring responses to therapy. The radiopharmaceutical 64Cu holds promise for cancer diagnostics through PET-MRI and PET-CT imaging, while 67Cu, a beta emitter, has potential applications in radiotherapy.
Our recent development of the radiotracer 64CuCysPhe has demonstrated superior capabilities in tumor detection and identification of hypoxic regions. Our approach involves comprehensive in-vitro study followed by in-vivo micro PET-MRI imaging experiments, utilizing both free 64Cu ions and 64CuCysPhe across various cancer types. We aim to track changes in copper metabolism and hypoxia during different stages of cancer progression and throughout therapeutic interventions. Moreover, clinical trials will be conducted using 64Cu ions. Furthermore, we intend to explore the potential of 67Cu nucleotide for radiotherapy. This comprehensive study promises to shed new light on cancer development offering insights from a perspective that has yet to be thoroughly explored.