Introduction Opportunity Program Scope Process Requests for Support Evaluation Criteria Intellectual Property & Industrial Intervention Assessment & Oversight Metrics for Judging Success Additional Sources of Information FAQs Approved DCIDE Projects

Projects Approved October 2000

PreClinical and Correlative Imaging of Tumor Angiogenesis
Mark D. Bednarski, Ph.D., Targasome, Inc.
Phone: 650-842-1823
Fax: 650-842-1828

Summary: The agent is a recently developed molecular imaging technology using a paramagnetic particle targeted toward a cell surface receptor upregulated during the process of tumor angiogenesis. The method uses the human monoclonal antibody, Vitaxin 2, conjugated to polymerized vesicles (V2-PV) labeled with gadolinium ions that bind to the endothelial marker α_vβ₃ (V2-PV-Gd).

Pre-Clinical Testing of F-18 Fluorocholine
Timothy R. DeGrado, Ph.D., Duke University
Phone: 919-684-7727
Fax: 919-684-7130

Summary: The aim of the project is to develop [18F]fluorocholine (FCH) for detection and localization of cancer using positron emission tomography (PET). The approach is motivated by the findings of elevated choline and choline kinase activity in a variety of cancer types, and recent reports of the utility of [11C]choline in PET studies in prostate carcinoma, brain tumors, and esophageal carcinoma.

Projects Approved September 2002

[F-18]FACBC A Novel Agent for Tumor Imaging by PET
Mark M. Goodman, Ph.D., Emory University
Phone: 404-727-9366
Fax: 404-727-4366

Summary: The objective of this project is to develop a novel fluorine-18 labeled positron emitting alicyclic amino acid, [18F]FACBC, into a clinical project for the diagnostic imaging of human tumors. The movement of amino acids across tumor capillaries is up-regulated in comparison to most normal tissues by carrier-mediated facilitated transport involving both the "L" and "A" amino acid transport systems.

MRI Detection of Angiogensis with α_vβ₃-Nanoparticles
Gregory M. Lanza, M.D., Ph.D., Washington University
Phone: 314-454-8635
Fax: 314-454-5265

Summary: The subject of this research is the preclinical development of a novel, paramagnetic, targeted contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of the α_vβ₃-integrin expressed by neovascular vessels associated with solid tumors.

Cu-ATSM: Preclinical Development via the DCIDE Program
Jason S. Lewis, Ph.D., Washington University
Phone: 314-362-4696
Fax: 314-362-9940

Summary: Cu-ATSM, labeled with a radioisotope of copper, Cu-64, will have a significant clinical impact for both the imaging of hypoxia and the radiotherapy of cancer. The supporting evidence demonstrates that this compound has rapid uptake for hypoxic tissue for use as an imaging agent and is also effective in treating tumor burdens as a therapeutic agent.
Safety Testing and Toxicology Reports for Cu-ATSM
Preclinical Toxicology Summary
Rabbits: 14-Day Toxicity Study
Rats: 14-Day Toxicity Study
Beagle Dogs: Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Safety Testing
Salmonella Reverse Mutation: Potential Mutagenic Activity
Mouse Lymphoma Assay: Potential Mutagenic Activity

Pharmacology and Toxicology of F-19-Galacto-RGD
Markus Schwaiger, M.D., Technische Universitat Munchen
Phone: +49-89-4140-2971
Fax: +49-89-4140-4841

Summary: The integrin α_vβ₃ plays an important role in several diseases such as tumor cell metastasis, angiogenesis and inflammation. Galacto-RGD is a recently developed glycosylated cyclic pentapeptide (c(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys(SAA)) with selective, high-affinity binding to α_vβ₃. Radiolabeled F-18-Galacto-RGD and positron emission tomography (PET) have been successfully used in animal models to image α_vβ₃ expression in xenotransplanted tumors as well as in chronic inflammatory processes.

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