Epichaperome-targeted Myocardial Imaging by 124I-PU-H71 PET

Abstract Background 124 I-PU-H71 is an imaging biomarker of epichaperome formation, localizing in tissues under chronic stress. A first-in-human positron emission tomography (PET) trial in cancer patients revealed unexpected tracer accumulation in the myocardium. Results Myocardial accumulation of 124 I-PU-H71 was prominent in all patients, with median LVmyo SUVmean of 2.8, 2.5, 2.4 and 1.0 at 1-9min, 14-23min, 3-4hrs and 21-25hrs, respectively. Myocardium uptake peaked within 2 minutes post-injection, remaining sustained after 4hrs post-injection. Uniform tracer uptake was observed in LV and myocardial segments; with LVEF of 57.7±3.5%; no patients suffered cardiac events over subsequent 12-month period. Conclusion PU-H71 PET merits further study as a myocardial epichaperome biomarker, with potential application in drug development, and as biomarker in subclinical cardiac dysfunction.