PET imaging of zirconium-89 labelled cetuximab: A phase I trial in patients with head and neck and lung cancer

Judith van Loon*, Aniek J.G. Even, Hugo J.W.L. Aerts, Michel Öllers, Frank Hoebers, Wouter van Elmpt, Ludwig Dubois, Anne Marie C. Dingemans, Roy I. Lalisang, Pascal Kempers, Boudewijn Brans, Véronique Winnepenninckx, Ernst Jan Speel, Eric Thunnissen, Kim M. Smits, Ronald Boellaard, Danielle J. Vugts, Dirk De Ruysscher, Philippe Lambin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and purpose:

PET imaging of cetuximab uptake may help selecting cancer patients with the highest chance of benefit. The aim of this phase I trial was to determine the safety of the tracer 89Zr-cetuximab and to assess tumour uptake. 

Methods:

Two dose schedules were used; two consecutive doses of 60 MBq 89Zr-cetuximab or a single dose of 120 MBq, both preceded by 400 mg/m2 of unlabelled cetuximab. Toxicity (CTCAE 3.0) was scored twice weekly. PET-CT scans were acquired on days 4, 5 and 6 (step 1) or 5, 6, 7 (step 2). Because tumour uptake could not be assessed satisfactorily, a third step was added including EGFR overexpressing tumours.

Results:

Nine patients were included (6 NSCLC; 3 HNC). No additional toxicity was associated with administration of 89Zr-cetuximab compared to standard cetuximab. A tumour to blood ratio (TBR) > 1 was observed in all but one patient, with a maximum of 4.56. TBR was not different between dose schedules. There was a trend for higher TBR at intervals > 5 days after injection. 

Conclusions:

Both presented 89Zr-cetuximab administration schedules are safe. The recommended dose for future trials is 60 MBq, with a minimum time interval for scanning of 6 days.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)267-273
Number of pages7
JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology
Volume122
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd

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