Dual Targeting of Norepinephrine Transporter (NET) Function and Thyrointegrin αvβ3 Receptors in the Treatment of Neuroblastoma

Therapeutic targeting of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) function with benzylguanidine (BG), conjugated with the high-affinity thyrointegrin αvβ3 antagonist triazole tetraiodothyroacetic acid, TAT, via noncleavable bonding to poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG400) (P) might allow for effective treatment options in neuroblastoma. BG-P-TAT is a dual-targeting agent, targeting the NET function and the thyrointegrin αvβ3 receptors that are overexpressed in neuroblastoma and other neuroendocrine tumors. Various cancer cells and actively dividing tumor-endothelial cells express the thyrointegrin αvβ3 receptors. In this work, the novel compound BG-P-TAT was synthesized and evaluated in the neuroblastoma SK-N-FI cell line for improved targeting and to offer a new strategy for patients with neuroblastoma. BG-P-TAT demonstrated significant suppression of neuroblastoma tumor progression, growth, and viability in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, BG-P-TAT represents a potential lead candidate for the treatment of neuroblastoma and other neuroendocrine tumors.