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Imaging and radioimmunotherapy of multiple myeloma with anti-idiotypic Nanobodies

Leukemia volume 28, pages 444–447 (2014)Cite this article

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Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the monoclonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) and the production of monoclonal protein (M-protein). With the implementation of autologous stem cell transplantation and high-dose chemotherapy using dexamethasone, bortezomib, thalidomide and lenalidomide, the survival rate has improved but MM patients still relapse, even if they achieve complete remission (CR).1 Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to target residual malignant cells and eliminate minimal residual disease (MRD) in order to improve patient outcome.

Nanobodies are the smallest (15 kDa) antigen-binding fragments derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies.2 Because of their biochemical characteristics including high stability, solubility and target affinity, they are ideal therapeutic and diagnostic tools.3, 4, 5 Nanobodies can also recognize epitopes that remain undetected by conventional antibodies. Previous work has already demonstrated that Nanobody conjugates are able to reach, bind and kill cancer cells.4 Moreover, Nanobodies conjugated with radionuclides have been successfully used with the single-positron emission tomography (SPECT) technology combined with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for imaging purposes.6 Despite the extensive Nanobody-based research, there is so far only little evidence about their potential for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications in MM.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Cindy Peleman, Carine Seynaeve, Marie Joos de ter Beest and Angelo Willems for their technical assistance. This research was funded by an interdepartmental research grant (HOA) from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and by the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF).

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Author notes

  1. N Devoogdt and K Vanderkerken: These authors share senior authorship.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium

    M Lemaire, E Van Valckenborgh, E Menu, E De Bruyne & K Vanderkerken

  2. Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

    M D'Huyvetter, T Lahoutte & N Devoogdt

  3. Radiobiology Unit, Molecular and Cellular Biology Expert Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium

    M D'Huyvetter

  4. Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

    T Lahoutte

  5. Department of Gezondheidszorg, Laboratory for Biotechnology, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

    P Kronenberger

  6. Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    U Wernery

  7. Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

    S Muyldermans

  8. Department of Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Brussels, Belgium

    S Muyldermans

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  1. M Lemaire
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to K Vanderkerken.

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Lemaire, M., D'Huyvetter, M., Lahoutte, T. et al. Imaging and radioimmunotherapy of multiple myeloma with anti-idiotypic Nanobodies. Leukemia 28, 444–447 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/leu.2013.292

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