Preclinical Evaluation of Podoplanin-Targeted Alpha-Radioimmunotherapy with the Novel Antibody NZ-16 for Malignant Mesothelioma

Cells 2021 September 22 [Link]

Hitomi Sudo, Atsushi B Tsuji, Aya Sugyo, Mika K Kaneko, Yukinari Kato, Kotaro Nagatsu, Hisashi Suzuki, Tatsuya Higashi

Abstract

The prognosis of advanced mesothelioma is poor. Podoplanin (PDPN) is highly expressed in most malignant mesothelioma. This study aimed to evaluate the potential alpha-radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with a newly developed anti-PDPN antibody, NZ-16, compared with a previous antibody, NZ-12.

Methods: The in vitro properties of radiolabeled antibodies were evaluated by cell binding and competitive inhibition assays using PDPN-expressing H226 mesothelioma cells. The biodistribution of 111In-labeled antibodies was studied in tumor-bearing mice. The absorbed doses were estimated based on biodistribution data. Tumor volumes and body weights of mice treated with 90Y- and 225Ac-labeled NZ-16 were measured for 56 days. Histologic analysis was conducted.

Results: The radiolabeled NZ-16 specifically bound to H226 cells with higher affinity than NZ-12. The biodistribution studies showed higher tumor uptake of radiolabeled NZ-16 compared with NZ-12, providing higher absorbed doses to tumors. RIT with 225Ac- and 90Y-labeled NZ-16 had a significantly higher antitumor effect than RIT with 90Y-labeled NZ-12. 225Ac-labeled NZ-16 induced a larger amount of necrotic change and showed a tendency to suppress tumor volumes and prolonged survival than 90Y-labeled NZ-16. There is no obvious adverse effect.

Conclusions: Alpha-RIT with the newly developed NZ-16 is a promising therapeutic option for malignant mesothelioma.