Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
1-7-2025
Journal
Cancers
DOI
10.3390/cancers17020162
PMID
39857944
PMCID
PMC11763341
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
1-7-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Background: While the clinical use of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs is well established in neuroendocrine tumors, there is growing interest in expanding their application to other somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2)-expressing cancers. This study investigates the potential utility of SSTR2-targeted theranostics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods: SSTR2 expression in HCC cell lines and clinical samples was evaluated using qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and a public dataset. 67Ga-DOTATATE uptake was measured, 177Lu-DOTATATE cytotoxicity was assessed, and 68Ga-DOTATATE tumor targeting was evaluated in HCC animal models and a patient via PET/CT imaging.
Results: SSTR2 expression was confirmed in HCC cell lines and clinical samples. Radioligand uptake studies demonstrated SSTR2-mediated 67Ga-DOTATATE uptake. 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment reduced cell proliferation and enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scans successfully identified tumors in HCC animal models and spinal metastases in a patient with HCC.
Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that SSTR2-based theranostics could have significant implications for the detection and treatment of HCC.
Keywords
hepatocellular carcinoma, theranostics, SSTR2
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Momeny, Majid; AghaAmiri, Solmaz; Hernandez Vargas, Servando; et al., "SSTR2-Targeted Theranostics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 2546.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/2546
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