Comparison of Two Chelator Scaffolds as Basis for Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting Bimodal Imaging Probes

Development and evaluation of dual-modality PET/fluorescence imaging agents targeting CCK2R for improved tumour detection and fluorescence-guided surgery.

Authors: Giacomo Gariglio, Katerina Bendova, Martin Hermann, Asta Olafsdottir, Jane K. Sosabowski, Milos Petrik, Elisabeth von Guggenberg, Clemens Decristoforo

Dual-modality imaging agents that combine positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescence imaging (FI) offer a powerful strategy for improving cancer detection and surgical guidance. In this study, researchers developed and evaluated two CCK2R-targeted bimodal probes, [68Ga]Ga-CyTMG and [68Ga]Ga-CyFMG, designed to enable both preoperative PET imaging and intraoperative fluorescence-guided tumor visualization.

Both probes demonstrated high receptor affinity, receptor-mediated cellular uptake, and specific accumulation in CCK2R-expressing tumors in preclinical models. Imaging studies confirmed that the agents enabled visualization of tumor lesions with PET/CT and fluorescence imaging, while differences in kidney uptake highlighted the impact of the chelator scaffold on pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. These findings support the potential of CCK2R-targeted bimodal probes for improving tumor detection and surgical precision.

Why read this article

• Advances bimodal imaging strategies for cancer surgery

  Demonstrates the development of PET/fluorescence probes designed for both tumour detection and fluorescence-guided resection.
• Evaluates the impact of chelator design on probe performance

  Provides a direct comparison of TRAP and FSC scaffolds and their influence on biodistribution and imaging contrast.
• Targets CCK2R-expressing tumours

  Focuses on cancers such as medullary thyroid carcinoma and small-cell lung cancer where CCK2R is highly expressed.
• Combines molecular imaging with surgical guidance

  Shows how PET imaging for preoperative planning can be integrated with fluorescence imaging for real-time tumour visualization.
• Supports development of next-generation theranostic probes
  
Offers insights that can guide the design of future targeted radiopharmaceuticals and dual-modality imaging agents.

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