Contrast Agents for Breast Cancer Diagnosis by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Targeting the Folate Receptor
Abstract
Folate receptors are overexpressed on a variety of human cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, but are highly restricted in normal tissues. Folate-conjugated radiopharmaceuticals have shown specificity for folate-receptor-bearing cells and promise in cancer imaging in animal models. We proposed to explore the coupling to folate of a series of MR contrast agents and work is in progress in this area. Folate is being coupled with a series of ligands for complexation with paramagnetic metal ions, including iron(III) and gadolinium(III) to yield a series of new MR contrast agents. Following completion of the synthesis and characterization of these novel contrast agent-conjugates, selectivity for breast cancer cells that overexpress the high-affinity folic acid receptor will be examined Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that have been modified to overexpress FR-beta have been cloned and grown. Western blot analysis has been performed to confirm the overexpression of FR-beta.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA408779
Entities
People
- Julian A. Davies
Organizations
- University of Toledo