Synthesis, quality control and in vivo evaluation of [I-123] rhTIMP-2, a potential tumour-imaging agent

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the turnover of the extracellular matrix. Their overexpression in tumours may provide a target for diagnostic imaging by using labelled MMP inhibitors. MMPs are inhibited by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The enhanced production of MT1-MMP, located on the surface of cells within or in the direct vicinity of the tumour, and the high affinity interaction between TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP suggested that TIMP-2 could be a potential agent for non-invasive monitoring of cancer MMP levels, diagnosis of primary and secondary tumours and tumour response to MMP inhibitor therapy. There is also evidence that I-125-rhTIMP-2 internalizes, which is an important feature for its possible use as a radiotherapeuticum if labelled with I-131. Labelling of rhTIMP-2 was performed using the iodogen method resulting in a radiochemical yield of 51.1 +/- 11.8% (n = 5) and a radiochemical purity of > 98%. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitability of I-123 rhTIMP-2 was 95.2%. SDS-PAGE confirmed the correct size (21 kDa) of the purified I-123 rhTIMP-2 without degradation. HPLC showed one radioactive peak with a retention time corresponding to the nonlabelled rhTIMP-2. In vivo biodistribution showed no long-term accumulation in organs and the possibility to accumulate in the tumour. These results show the potential of I-123 rhTIMP-2 as tumour-imaging agent. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley