Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) as a possible therapeutic target and its application to radioimmunotherapy using 125I-labelled anti-DLK1 antibody in lung cancer models (HOT1801 and FIGHT004)

ObjectivesDelta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) is a non-canonical Notch ligand known to be expressed in several cancers but whose role lung cancer not yet fully understood. We sought confirm DLK1 expression small-cell (SCLC) and non-small-cell (NSCLC), examine DLK1’s clinical significance. Furthermore, we examined the possible utility of as novel target radioimmunotherapy (RIT).MethodsWe retrospectively assessed correlation between features by immunohistochemistry resected specimens from 112 patients with SCLC 101 NSCLC. Moreover, performed cell animal experiments, possibility RIT targeting using iodine-125 (125I) -labeled anti-DLK1 antibody, knowing that 125I can replaced alpha-particle-emitter astatine-211 (211At).ResultsIn NSCLC, 20.5 % (23/112) 16.8 (17/101) (respectively) had DLK1-positive tumors. In was associated recurrence-free survival (P < 0.01) overall survival. SCLC, there no association addition, 125I-labeled antibody specifically targeted on human tumor lines. incorporated into tissue mouse model.ConclusionA proportion NSCLC exhibits expression. As feature, could promising prognostic factor for recurrence serve new therapeutic target, including RIT, suggested our pilot study radiolabeled SCLC.