Radiolabelled CCK-2/Gastrin Receptor Analogue for Personalized Theranostic Strategy in Advanced MTC

The main goal of the study is to expand cancer preclinical research results on the usefulness of CCK-2/gastrin receptor in clinical practice. On the basis of last few years preclinical research outcome on new biomarkers, conjugate CP04 was chosen on the basis of its good stability and affinity to CCK-2/gastrin receptor in vitro, as well as its favourable biodistribution and pharmacodynamic properties in vivo, preclinically. Within this project the tracer may get a chance to be introduced to clinical practice as a more selective and efficient tool for the diagnosis, early detection and therapy of recurrent and metastatic MTC. Furthermore, the project may become the first step to establish a new, more effective strategy for the treatment of MTC patients leading to reduction of incidence and mortality as well as improvement of quality of life. CCK-2/gastrin receptors may become viable targets for radionuclide scintigraphy and radionuclide therapy, similarly to somatostatin receptors which have been instrumental to establish nuclear medicine efficacy in clinical practice. Achieving key project objectives (i.e. investigation of patients after administration of high peptide amount of the CCK-2/gastrin receptor labelled compound, performing complete patient peptide assessment and research nephrotoxicity in patients with or without administration for nephroprotective agent gelofusine/gelaspan), we will be able to define the exact molecular profile of an individual patient and tumour. Eventually, safe and efficacious personalized treatment will be planned using radiolabelled CCK-2/gastrin ligands of higher therapeutic efficacy.