Alberto
Fakultäten » Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät » Anorganisch-chemisches Institut » Dr. Roger Alberto » Alberto
Completed research project
| Title / Titel | Imaging and therapy for cancer and other diseases using radioisotopes of rhenium and technetium compounds linked to biologically active molecules | ||
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| Abstract (PDF, 14 KB) | |||
| Summary / Zusammenfassung | The overarching objective of this proposal is to expand the NTeMBI initiatives, which aims amongst other to evaluate the in vivo behaviour of Technetium and Rhenium compounds linked to biologically active molecules. Technetium compounds will be assessed for imaging applications for several diseases and Rhenium compounds for cancer therapy. The project aims to establish a national capability, through the consortium network, to assess Technetium and Rhenium containing compounds on a routine basis. It will lead to the development of new diagnostic imaging and therapeutic agents to allow more rapid diagnosis of pathologies contributing to the disease burden in South Africa (especially cancer, infection and inflammation). Efficacy of treatment can also be followed using the imaging agents enabling better patient management, and may lead to commercialisation of promising compounds for diagnosis and therapy of cancers and other pathologies. The project will focus initially on the evaluation of Tc and Re compounds already developed and characterised at two institutions – namely the Chemistry Departments of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and the University of the Free State (UFS), in collaboration with the Swiss partner at the University of Zurich. While the above known compounds are being tested, the Chemistry institutions will develop new compounds for assessment in later years of the project. More than 25 South African post-graduate students and research staff from 8 institutions are involved in this project. Compounds will be synthesised and characterised using 99gTc and “cold” rhenium. Promising compounds will be labelled with 99mTc and subjected to pre-clinical trials on small laboratory animals for initial biodistribution work. Promising compounds will be further tested on primates. At all times, ethical and regulatory conditions will be strictly adhered to. The possibility of using 186Re and/or 188Re for therapy will be investigated for compounds showing preferential uptake in tumours by imaging with 99mTc.The industrial partners will provide isotopes and radiochemistry labs to support the development of the new radiolabelled compounds. Such licenced facilities are not available at the South African universities collaborating in this project. |
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| Project leadership and contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte |
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| Funding source(s) / Unterstützt durch |
SNF (Personen- und Projektförderung) |
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| In collaboration with / In Zusammenarbeit mit |
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| Duration of Project / Projektdauer | Jan 2012 to Jan 2013 |