Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancer Imaging: Trastuzumab Radiolabeling Studies

A new research study has been published in Molecular Imaging and Biology, outlining the steps for radiolabeling the antibody trastuzumab with zirconium-89 (89Zr) and copper-64 (64Cu) for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The study, conducted by researchers at Washington University, aims to provide a guide for conjugating trastuzumab with chelators and subsequent radiolabeling steps with 89Zr or 64Cu. This research has significant implications for cancer imaging and treatment, as trastuzumab is an antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and has been extensively studied for both preclinical and clinical cancer imaging.

Key Takeaways:

• The study provides a detailed guide for radiolabeling trastuzumab with 89Zr and 64Cu, including conjugation steps with chelators and subsequent radiolabeling.
• The steps described in the study can be adapted to radiolabeling other antibodies upon protocol optimization.
• Trastuzumab is an antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and has been extensively studied for both preclinical and clinical cancer imaging.
• The study was supported by The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Fellowship Program for Women in Graduate Study and the Imaging Sciences Pathway Fellowship.
• The research was conducted by Patricia M. R. Pereira, Cristina Simo, Alexander C. Vanover, and E. Carmen Azevedo, with Pereira serving as the lead author.

Statistics:

• 89Zr and 64Cu are radioactive isotopes used for PET imaging.
• Trastuzumab is an antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).
• The epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a protein that is overexpressed in some types of cancer.
• The study was published in Molecular Imaging and Biology, a peer-reviewed journal.

Sources:

• Molecular Imaging and Biology, 2025.
• Springer, One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, Ny, United States.
• NewsRx. Reports from Washington University Add New Data to Findings in Cancer Imaging (Mib Guides: [ 89 zr]Zr-dfo-trastuzumab and [ 64 cu]Cu-nota-trastuzumab for Preclinical Cancer Imaging). Cancer Weekly. July 22, 2025; p 597.