ImmunoPET Emerges as a Promising Virtual Biopsy for Personalizing Glioblastoma Treatment

A study led by the Imaging and Molecular Therapy group at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and the Gene Expression and Cancer group at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) has developed a technology, known as ImmunoPET, to help select glioblastoma patients and predict and study their response to therapies. The study was published in the journal ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science.

Glioblastoma is one of the most complex and difficult-to-treat tumors. It exhibits significant heterogeneity, a poor response to available treatments, and often requires biopsies to obtain information about its status. These biopsies, in addition to being invasive and costly, only reflect a very small part of the tumor’s heterogeneity, thus yielding only 2D information. Therefore, the search for new techniques that act as a virtual biopsy and allow for in vivo tumor monitoring, obtaining quantifiable 3D data of the entire tumor without invasive interventions, is a priority in this field. ImmunoPET could change that.

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been identified as a molecule secreted by some tumors , such as glioblastoma, and associated with growth and survival, immune evasion, and treatment resistance. In recent years, therapies targeting LIF (anti-LIF) have been developed, but the high degree of tumor heterogeneity means that, in many cases, these therapies are ineffective. Understanding and diagnosing LIF expression in 3D, while obtaining comprehensive tumor information, is essential for improving the diagnosis and therapeutic response of glioblastoma.

ImmunoPET acts as a virtual biopsy

To detect LIF, the research team has developed a radiopharmaceutical based on an antibody capable of specifically recognizing this molecule and visualizing its presence using PET imaging techniques, as it is labeled with 89Zr. This technology is known as ImmunoPET.

“ImmunoPET acts as a kind of virtual biopsy that allows for a complete molecular diagnosis of the tumor and, therefore, a better understanding of tumor behavior and more personalized treatment,” explained Raúl Herance , head of the Imaging and Molecular Therapy group at VHIR.

Thanks to the use of a specific radiopharmaceutical, it is possible to identify LIF expression. In this work, carried out in animal models, it has been shown that the agent targets and concentrates mainly in tumors that express LIF, confirming its specificity and stability.

Advancing glioblastoma care through ImmunoPET based tumor mapping

“This technique, ImmunoPET, will allow us to classify patients according to whether or not they express LIF, in order to select those who may benefit from anti-LIF therapies. Furthermore, monitoring LIF levels over time will help to more accurately track disease progression and the effectiveness of treatments. All of this will contribute to improving the prognosis for people with glioblastoma,” highlighted Joan Seoane, ICREA professor, director of the Immuno-oncology and Tumor Microenvironment Program, and head of the Gene Expression and Cancer group at VHIO.

The results obtained in the preclinical phase demonstrate the potential of ImmunoPET as a tool for advancing more precise and personalized medicine in the treatment of glioblastoma. In the coming months, work will begin to launch clinical trials to validate the usefulness of this agent in humans and to continue the drug development process.

__

(Featured image by CDC via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Gaceta Medica. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.