WP1: WP1 ensured that an appropriate project management structure and governance, reflecting the project’s needs was set up in agreement with all partners. WP1 activities covered all aspects of project monitoring, reporting, financial and contractual administration in accordance with the Commission’s rules, ensuring proper communication within the consortium and implementing the project governance’s decisions.
WP2: Through WP2, numerous MRI methodologies were developed including advanced CEST readouts from 3T-9.4T robust adiabatic spin-lock pulses, and pTx CEST methods. Numerical quantification and optimization of glucoCEST MRI at 3T ,7T and 9.4T were performed and impact of motion artefacts in dynamic CEST imaging was assessed. This led to positive and reproducible results using GlucoCEST with adiabatic pulses and motion and dynamic B0 correction at 9.4T and 3T.
WP3: OM’s main output was to build a CEST data post-processing tool in Olea Sphere® to process CEST clinical and pre-clinical data of GLINT partners. Different plug-ins were delivered (APT, glucoCEST and Iopamidol-CEST). The performance and resilience of the SW solution was tested. The SW has been used in a clinical study conducted by UCL in glioma staging and IDH status detection. The results were divulged through a dedicated symposium on CEST imaging and through different publications/dissemination activities. The required documentation for commercialisation was compiled.
WP4: Within WP4, the potential biochemical pathways and the sources of the GlucoCEST signal for glucose analogues were assessed by exploring the uptake and metabolism of 3-O-Methyl-D-glucose (3OMG). Additionally, other glucose analogues such as glucosamine (GlcN), 2-O-Methyl-Dglucose (2OMG), and 6-deoxy-D-glucose (6DG) were tested. The 3OMG CEST MRI technology was found to be as effective as the FDG PET/CT method. The 13C NMR results together with in vivo CEST MRI suggest that the most pronounced CEST effect is achieved by GlcN metabolites.
WP5: WP5 aimed at characterizing the CEST contrast efficiency of glucose and 3OMG in different conditions and to assess their value as alternative to the FDG-PET technique. Different pH dependences were observed for glucose and 3OMG and CEST contrast detection was influenced by dosage, administration route and magnetic field strength, with contrast detectability at 3T requiring doses up to 3g/kg. A similar trend between GlucoCEST contrast and FDG-PET uptake was observed in murine tumour models with different glucose avidity and in some tumour models GlucoCEST contrast was more informative of the therapeutic response in comparison to FDG-PET.
WP6: The nonclinical safety pharmacology of 3OMG was evaluated in two in vivo studies in CD-1 mice. A safety pharmacology study (Irwin test) was aimed at the evaluation of the possible adverse effects of 3OMG on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and was performed according to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). A supplemental safety pharmacology study in healthy mice aimed at evaluating the glycaemic levels following intravenous administration of 3OMG was also performed. The pharmacokinetics of 3OMG was evaluated in vivo. Plasma kinetics and distribution studies were performed in rats while elimination study was performed in mice. The toxicology of 3OMG was examined in two single-dose in vivo studies in rats, with a recovery period up to 14 days after dosing, one of them being in GLP.
WP7: WP7 aimed to characterise the CEST signal in three types of cancer with varying blood volume and expected metabolic rates (lymphoma, prostate cancer, glioma) at 3T. GlucoCEST protocols were established based on rapid assessment of B1+ and B0. Results showed that motion correction and B0 field inhomogeneity correction are crucial to avoid mistaking signal changes for a glucose response while field drift is a substantial contributor. After B0 field drift correction, glucoCEST signal were detected in all glioma patients with BBB breakdown whereas no significant glucoCEST signal enhancement was observed in tumour regions of patients with lymphoma and prostate cancer in vivo.
WP8: Several dissemination activities were carried out and GLINT was presented at major congresses and events as part of WP8. A project’s knowledge management strategy was developed and implemented. The project’s progress, its results and their potential impact and opportunities for exploitation were monitored. A detailed exploitation plan was developed, identifying the expected results and adequate exploitation routes, including dedicated business plans by the project’s industry partners.
WP9: This Work package was automatically generated by the European Commission’s online system to track the completion of the Ethics Requirements. Eighteen deliverable reports were completed to ensure that all the activities carried out in the GLINT project comply with ethical principles and relevant national, EU and international legislation.
