Synthesis of IR-780 dye-conjugated abiraterone for prostate cancer imaging and therapy.

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a novel imaging modality that allows for detection and real‑time monitoring of various pathophysiological states. IR-780 iodide has been used as an ideal platform to construct theranostic agents for cancer imaging and therapy. Abiraterone is a 17α‑hydroxylase/C17, 20‑lyase (CYP17) inhibitor that has been approved for use in patients with prostate cancer after androgen deprivation therapy. We report the synthesis and characterization of IR-780 conjugated abiraterone for the dual purpose of prostate cancer imaging and therapy. The new compound Abi-780 retained the excellent photophysical characteristics and NIRF imaging property of IR-780 dye. Abi-780 preferentially accumulated in plasmonic organelles of prostate cancer cells but not in normal prostate epithelial cells. Dose-dependent inhibition of cultured prostate cancer cells by Abi-780 was found. Abi-780 at 20 µM significantly reduced the capabilities of colony formation and migration/invasion potential as well as increasing the apoptosis rate of prostate cancer cells. NIRF imaging using Abi-780 selectively identified the tumors in mice bearing prostate cancer xenografts. Moreover, Abi-780 treatment significantly retarded the tumor growth. No severe systemic toxicity was observed in mice with daily injection of high-dose Abi-780 for one month. In conclusion, biocompatible Abi-780 is highly effective both in prostate cancer imaging and therapy. Constructing theranostic agents using the NIRF dye platform holds great promise in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancer.

Duke Scholars

Author Jiaoti Huang Pathology