Imaging and radioimmunotherapy of multiple myeloma with anti-idiotypic Nanobodies

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the monoclonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) and the production of monoclonal protein (M-protein). With the implementation of autologous stem cell transplantation and highdose chemotherapy using dexamethasone, bortezomib, thalidomide and lenalidomide, the survival rate has improved but MM patients still relapse, even if they achieve complete remission
(CR). Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to target residual malignant cells and eliminate minimal residual disease (MRD) in order to improve patient outcome.
Nanobodies are the smallest (15 kDa) antigen-binding fragments derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies. Because of their biochemical characteristics including high stability, solubility and target affinity, they are ideal therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Nanobodies can also recognize epitopes that remain undetected by conventional antibodies. Previous work has already demonstrated that Nanobody conjugates are able to reach, bind and kill cancer cells. Moreover, Nanobodies conjugated with radionuclides have been successfully used with the single-positron emission tomography (SPECT) technology combined with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for imaging purposes. Despite the extensive Nanobody-based research, there is so far only little evidence about their potential for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications in MM.

Jaar van publicatie:2014

Trefwoorden:myeloma