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Wahl Lab

Projects

Evaluation of Next-Generation CD20 Antibodies as PET Imaging Agents for CD20-Expressing Diseases

Goal

To prepare, characterize and utilize 89Z-labeled-CD20 antibodies as PET imaging agents.

The Wahl Lab prepares first-generation and next-generation anti-CD20 antibodies with Zr-89. We investigate biodistribution, tumor targeting and PET-imaging capabilities of these agents using pre-clinical models to evaluate their potential utility for the localization and quantification of tumors and for dosimetric estimation.

Evaluation of Next-Generation Anti-CD20 Antibodies Labeled with 89 Zr in Human Lymphoma Xenografts

177Lu-Labeled Anti-CD20 Agent for Targeted Lymphoma Therapy

Goal

To develop a novel 177Lu-based targeted radiotherapeutic for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma or other CD20-expressing diseases.

The Wahl Lab aims to prepare a novel 177Lu-labeled, human anti-CD20 antibody and characterize it in vitro, using radiochemical purity, radiochemical yield and stability and affinity-binding assays. We investigate tumor targeting and biodistribution in murine xenograft models of and to estimate human dosimetry of the 177Lu-anti-CD20 antibody. We also determine if this targeted, beta-particle-emitting radiopharmaceutical has therapeutic efficacy in murine models with disseminated or solid lymphoma tumors and translate the agent, if successful, into clinical trials in humans.

225Ac-Labeled Anti-CD20 Agent for Targeted Lymphoma Therapy

Goal

To develop a novel 225Ac-based targeted radiotherapeutic for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma or other CD20-expressing diseases.

The Wahl Lab aims to prepare a novel 225Ac-labeled, human anti-CD20 antibody and characterize it in vitro, using radiochemical purity, radiochemical yield and stability and affinity-binding assays. We investigate tumor targeting and biodistribution in murine xenograft models of and to estimate human dosimetry of the 225Ac-anti-CD20 antibody. We also determine if this targeted, alpha-particle-emitting radiopharmaceutical has therapeutic efficacy in murine models with disseminated or solid lymphoma tumors and translate the agent, if successful, into clinical trials in humans.

89Z-Labeled Anti PDL1 Antibodies to Assess Immunotherapy

Goal

To develop novel 89Z-labeled anti PDL1 antibodies to assess immunotherapy response in vivo in bladder cancer.

The Wahl Lab aims to prepare a novel 89Z-labeled anti PDL1 antibody and characterize it in vitro, using radiochemical purity, radiochemical yield and stability and affinity-binding assays. We investigate tumor targeting and biodistribution in murine xenograft models of and estimate human dosimetry. We also aim to translate the agent, if successful, into clinical trials in humans.

Targeting of PD-L1 in mouse xenograft tumors by 89Zr-atezolizumab is specific but strongly mass-dependent

Imaging Brown Adipose Biology in Man

Goal

To systematically image brown adipose tissue in man using PET and MRI techniques and to link BAT imaging to BAT biology including as a risk/protective factor for diabetes and risk states for diabetes.

We have developed sophisticated and highly reproducible methods for quantifying BAT volume and activity in vivo in humans. We are attempting to link the BAT to diabetes axis in in in vivo studies. We also are exploring how and why BAT disappears with aging.

Our People

The lab, led by Richard L. Wahl, MD, features a team of researchers focused on developing and improving targeted imaging and therapy for cancer using radionuclide-based approaches.

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