Design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of heterobivalent peptidic radioligands targeting both GRP- and VPAC-Receptors concomitantly overexpressed on various malignancies - Is the concept feasible?

Radiolabeled heterobivalent peptidic ligands (HBPLs), being able to address different receptors, are highly interesting tumor imaging agents as they can offer multiple advantages over monovalent peptide receptor ligands. However, few examples of radiolabeled HBPLs have been described so far. One promising approach is the combination of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)- and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor subtype 1 (VPACR)-targeting peptides into one single radioligand since gastrinomas, prostate and breast cancer have been shown to concomitantly or complementarily overexpress both receptors.

Fully Automated Production and Characterization of Cu and Proof-of-Principle Small-Animal PET Imaging Using Cu-Labelled CA XII Targeting 6A10 Fab.

Cu is a cyclotron-produced radionuclide which offers, thanks to its characteristic decay scheme, the possibility of combining positron emission tomography (PET) investigations with radiotherapy. We evaluated the Alceo system from Comecer SpA to automatically produce Cu for radiolabelling purposes. We established a Cu production routine with high yields and radionuclide purity in combination with excellent operator radiation protection.

Associations to pain and analgesics in Indian pain patients and health workers.

Aim: This study explores the attitudes toward analgesic therapy among persistent pain patients and health workers in palliative care in India.

Methods: Free word association was used and quantitative content analysis was performed.

Results: A total of 59 patients and 28 health workers participated.