Polymer composite microspheres loading (177)Lu radionuclide for interventional radioembolization therapy and real-time SPECT imaging of hepatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with (90)Y-labeled glass and resin microspheres is one of the primary treatment strategies for advanced-stage primary and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, difficulties of real-time monitoring post administration and embolic hypoxia influence treatment prognosis. In this study, we developed a new biodegradable polymer microsphere that can simultaneously load (177)Lu and MgO nanoparticle, and evaluated the TARE therapeutic efficacy and biosafety of (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO microspheres for HCC treatment. METHODS: Chitosan microspheres were synthesized through emulsification crosslink reaction and then conducted surface modification with polydopamine (PDA). The (177)Lu and nano MgO were conjugated to microspheres using active chemical groups of PDA. The characteristics of radionuclide loading efficiency, biodegradability, blood compatibility, and anti-tumor effectwere evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. SPECT/CT imaging was performed to monitor bio-distribution and bio-stability of (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO after TARE treatment. The survival duration of each rat was monitored. HE analysis, TUNEL analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blot analysis were conducted to explore the anti-tumor effect and mechanism of composited microspheres. Body weight, liver function, blood routine examination were monitored at different time points to evaluate the bio-safety of microspheres. RESULTS: The composite (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO microsphere indicated satisfactory degradability, biocompatibility, radionuclide loading efficiency and radiochemical stability in vitro. Cellular evaluation showed that (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO had significant anti-tumor effect and blocked tumor cell cycles in S phase. Surgical TARE treatment with (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO significantly prolonged the medial survival time from 49 d to 105 d, and effectively inhibited primary tumor growth and small metastases spreading. Moreover, these microspheres indicated ideal in vivo stability and allowed real-time SPECT/CT monitoring for up to 8 weeks. Immunostaining and immunoblotting results also confirmed that (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO had potential in suppressing tumor invasion and angiogenesis, and improved embolic hypoxia in HCC tissues. Further evaluations of body weight, blood test, and pathological analysis indicated good biosafety of (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO microspheres in vivo. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that (177)Lu-PDA-CS-MgO microsphere hold great potential as interventional brachytherapy candidate for HCC therapy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: Polymer composite microspheres loading (177)Lu radionuclide and MgO nanoparticles for interventional radioembolization therapy and real-time SPECT imaging of hepatic cancer. [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40824-023-00455-x.