On the 25th of February 2025, the CIBM Breakfast & Science Seminar 48, was given by Olivia Bejuy, CIBM PET HUG-UNIGE and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, UNIGE. The event was chaired by Bernard Lanz, 14T MRI & PET Operational Manager, Research Staff Scientist, CIBM MRI EPFL Animal Imaging and Technology Section.
Preclinical proof-of-concept of a novel CCR5-targeted cancer theranostic strategy
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are aggressive malignancies with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Theranostic radiopharmaceuticals, combining molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy, offer a promising approach but are hindered by a lack of validated targets.
CCR5, overexpressed in TNBC and mCRC, drives tumor progression, metastasis, and immune evasion, making it a strong theranostic candidate. We developed radiolabeled CCR5-targeting CCL5 analogs for diagnostic (⁶⁸Ga) and therapeutic (¹⁷⁷Lu, ²²⁵Ac, ²²⁶Ac) applications, demonstrating high binding specificity and favorable pharmacokinetics.
Preliminary in vitro results confirm CCR5-specific cancer cell uptake. Ongoing studies focus on plasma stability, cytotoxicity, and in vivo biodistribution and efficacy using PET/SPECT/CT and MRI preclinical imaging in TNBC and mCRC xenograft models.
Olivia Bejuy
CIBM PET HUG-UNIGE and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, UNIGE
About the speaker
Olivia Bejuy earned her Master’s degree in Biology, specializing in Oncology, Preclinical Models, and Molecular Imaging, from the University of Geneva in September 2018. Her master’s thesis, which focused on developing preclinical models of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, earned her the ARDITI Prize for the best biology thesis at the University of Geneva in 2019.
Following her Master’s degree, Olivia joined the Small Animal Preclinical Imaging Platform (UNIGE) in January 2019, where she contributed her expertise in MRI, CT, and optical imaging to support research projects across the university. In January 2020, she transitioned to the CIBM PET HUG-UNIGE Molecular Imaging Section as PET Operational Manager, where she has since guided and supported PET/SPECT/CT users—from project conception and study design to data management, processing, and publication.
In August 2024, Olivia embarked on a PhD project under the co-supervision of Prof. Valentina Garibotto (CIBM PET HUG-UNIGE) and Prof. Oliver Hartley (Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, UNIGE). Her research focuses on the development and validation of radioligands for cancer theranostics, specifically targeting chemokine receptors.