About this Research Topic
Copper (Cu) is a bioelement involved in a multitude of cellular functions and signalling pathways. Cu homeostasis is dysregulated in cancer cells and its concentration is significantly increased in tumors. Remarkably, strong experimental evidence has been recently obtained that copper is translocated into the cell nucleus of malignant cells.
Copper-64 (Cu-64) decays through the emission of low-energy-positrons and a cascade of Auger electrons and can be used for both imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and cancer therapy by taking advantage of the high linear-energy-transfer of Auger electrons. To elicit a potent therapeutic effect, Auger electrons should enter in close contact with the nuclear DNA of tumor cells. The nuclear and biological properties of Cu-64 ions may potentially lead to the development of the first DNA specific radionuclide therapy of cancer.
The advent of a reliable nuclear procedure for the production of the radioisotope Copper-64 (Cu-64) has been a breakthrough in the search aimed at understanding the fundamental cellular interactions of copper ions at the molecular level. Copper-64 decays through the emission of low-energy-positrons and a cascade of Auger electrons. Therefore, it can be used for both imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and radionuclide therapy of cancer. Recently, a clear-cut demonstration of the therapeutic potential of Cu-64 has been obtained in patients affected by glioblastoma. To take advantage of the high linear-energy-transfer (LET) of Auger electrons, the radionuclide should enter cell nucleus and come into close contact with its genetic material. Elucidation of the basic molecular processes responsible for the transport and localization of Cu-64 into the nucleus of malignant cells, and of its interaction with DNA molecules, may allow to disclose the therapeutic power of Cu-64 and, ultimately, lead to the development of an unprecedented treatment for deadly tumors.
Review articles, experimental studies, short communications of relevant novel results, and theoretical studies addressing the problem of the description of the molecular details of the processes controlling the in-vivo interactions between Cu-64 ions and the nucleus of cancerous cells are well suited for this Research Topic. Preliminary clinical data providing clear evidence of the potential therapeutic efficacy of Cu-64 for the treatment of various human tumors are also welcomed. Other important aspects that can further contribute to precisely delineate the potential role of Cu-64 in the development of an unprecedented therapeutic approach based on the specific targeting of nuclear DNA by Auger electrons are dosimetric studies aimed at determining a mechanistic picture of the interaction of Cu-64 Auger electrons with DNA along with the determination of the most effective cytotoxic dose and radiation burden to non-target organs. Finally, studies on alternative methods for delivering Cu-64 ions to the nucleus of cancer cells are also of high interest.
Copper-64 (Cu-64) decays through the emission of low-energy-positrons and a cascade of Auger electrons and can be used for both imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and cancer therapy by taking advantage of the high linear-energy-transfer of Auger electrons. To elicit a potent therapeutic effect, Auger electrons should enter in close contact with the nuclear DNA of tumor cells. The nuclear and biological properties of Cu-64 ions may potentially lead to the development of the first DNA specific radionuclide therapy of cancer.
The advent of a reliable nuclear procedure for the production of the radioisotope Copper-64 (Cu-64) has been a breakthrough in the search aimed at understanding the fundamental cellular interactions of copper ions at the molecular level. Copper-64 decays through the emission of low-energy-positrons and a cascade of Auger electrons. Therefore, it can be used for both imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and radionuclide therapy of cancer. Recently, a clear-cut demonstration of the therapeutic potential of Cu-64 has been obtained in patients affected by glioblastoma. To take advantage of the high linear-energy-transfer (LET) of Auger electrons, the radionuclide should enter cell nucleus and come into close contact with its genetic material. Elucidation of the basic molecular processes responsible for the transport and localization of Cu-64 into the nucleus of malignant cells, and of its interaction with DNA molecules, may allow to disclose the therapeutic power of Cu-64 and, ultimately, lead to the development of an unprecedented treatment for deadly tumors.
Review articles, experimental studies, short communications of relevant novel results, and theoretical studies addressing the problem of the description of the molecular details of the processes controlling the in-vivo interactions between Cu-64 ions and the nucleus of cancerous cells are well suited for this Research Topic. Preliminary clinical data providing clear evidence of the potential therapeutic efficacy of Cu-64 for the treatment of various human tumors are also welcomed. Other important aspects that can further contribute to precisely delineate the potential role of Cu-64 in the development of an unprecedented therapeutic approach based on the specific targeting of nuclear DNA by Auger electrons are dosimetric studies aimed at determining a mechanistic picture of the interaction of Cu-64 Auger electrons with DNA along with the determination of the most effective cytotoxic dose and radiation burden to non-target organs. Finally, studies on alternative methods for delivering Cu-64 ions to the nucleus of cancer cells are also of high interest.
Keywords: copper-64, nuclear DNA, positron emission tomography, radionuclide therapy, theragnostics, theranostics, auger electrons, linear energy transfer (LET), DNA targeting
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
