Development of [90Y]DOTA-conjugated bisphosphonate for treatment of painful bone metastases

Introduction: Based on the concept of bifunctional radiopharmaceuticals, we have previously developed Re-186-complex-conjugated bisphosphonate analogs for palliation of painful bone metastases and have demonstrated the utility of these compounds. By applying a similar concept, we hypothesized that a bone-specific directed Y-90-labeled radiopharmaceutical could be developed. Methods: In this study, 1,4,7,10-tetrazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) was chosen as the chelating site, and DOTA was conjugated with 4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate. [Y-90]DOTA-complex-conjugated bisphosphonate ([Y-90]DOTA-HBP) was prepared by coordination with Y-90, and its biodistribution was studied in comparison to [Y-90]citrate. Results: In biodistribution experiments, [Y-90]DOTA-HBP and [Y-90]citrate rapidly accumulated and resided in the bone. Although [Y-90] citrate showed a higher level of accumulation in the bone than [Y-90]DOTA-HBP, the clearances of [Y-90]DOTA-HBP from the blood and from almost all soft tissues were much faster than those of [Y-90]citrate. As a result, the estimated absorbed dose ratios of soft tissues to osteogenic cells (target organ) of [Y-90]DOTA-HBP were lower than those of [Y-90]citrate. Conclusions: [Y-90]DOTA-HBP showed superior biodistribution characteristics as a bone-seeking agent and led to a decrease in the level of unnecessary radiation compared to [Y-90]citrate. Since the DOTA ligand forms a stable complex not only with Y-90 but also with lutetium (Lu-177), indium (In-111), gallium (Ga-67/68), gadolinium (Gd) and so on, complexes of DOTA-conjugated bisphosphonate with various metals could be useful as agents for palliation of metastatic bone pain, bone scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.