The aim of this project is to identify, characterize and investigate a large number of cancer (sub)types for the expression levels and profile of the FRα. High-throughput tissue microarray screening for FRα expression will be performed at the University Hospital Zurich using state-of the art methodologies. Information about the FRα expression on a variety of tumor types will be essential in view of our goal to develop FR-targeted radionuclide therapy. At the Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences at Paul Scherrer Institute (Villigen-PSI), the design of FRα-targeting folate radioconjugates will be optimized to reduce undesired kidney retention and allow their use for therapeutic purposes. The project should form the basis for a new theragnostic concept with the long-term goal to provide a valid approach for personalized precision medicine in oncology.
Despite the current progress in cancer research, there is still a lack of efficient treatment options for patients with cancer at metastasized stage. Among the most promising concepts is “targeted radionuclide therapy” using tumor-specific carriers that deliver therapeutic radionuclides to the malignant cells (radiopharmaceuticals). While this concept is clinically applied for prostate cancer, there is an urgent need to develop radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of other cancer types. The FRα is an interesting target in this regard as it is expressed on a variety of cancer diseases and can be targeted with folate radioconjugates.
