Abstract
PURPOSE: P-selectin expression is significantly increased in tumor microvasculature following exposure to ionizing radiation. The purpose of this study was to image radiation-induced P-selectin expression in vivo using optical imaging and gamma camera imaging in a heterotopic lung cancer model by using ScFv antibodies to P-selectin. PROCEDURES: In vitro studies using endothelial cells were done using 3 Gy radiation and selected ScFv antibodies to P-selectin. In vivo studies were performed using Lewis lung carcinoma cells subcutaneously injected into the hind limbs of nude mice. Mice were treated with 6 Gy radiation and sham radiation 10 days post-inoculation. P-selectin expression was assessed with near-infrared imaging using Cy7 labeled antibody, and gamma camera imaging using( 111)In-DTPA labeled antibody. RESULTS: In vitro studies showed antibody binding to P-selectin in radiation treated endothelial cells. In vivo optical imaging and gamma camera imaging studies showed significant tumor-specific binding to P-selectin in irradiated tumors compared to unirradiated tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Optical imaging and gamma camera imaging are effective methods for visualizing in vivo targeting of radiation-induced P-selectin in lung tumors. This study suggests that fluorescent-labeled and radiolabeled ScFv antibodies can be used to target radiation-induced P-selectin for the tumor-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs and radionuclides in vivo.