Comparative cytotoxicity of 177Lu on various lung cancer cells and in vivo targeting of 177Lu-labeled cetuximab

Differences in cellular radiosensitivity and the binding affinity of radiopharmaceuticals could directly affect the radiotherapeutic effects. In this study, we investigated the radionuclide ( 177 Lu) induced radiosensitivity of serval non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NSCLCs) as well as the binding affinity of cetuximab to those cells. The apoptosis of NSCLCs caused by 177 Lu was related to the DNA double-strand damage and was cell-type dependent. We also proved that the introduction of 177 Lu to the antibody could enhance its cytotoxic effect on NSCLCs. The [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTA-cetuximab could accumulate in the HCC827 tumor xenografts with excellent stability according to in vivo SPECT/CT imaging and the biodistribution results. The [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTA-cetuximab showed high potential to be used for targeting diagnosis and radiotherapy in lung cancers.