Synthesis, chemical and biochemical characterization of Lu2O3-iPSMA nanoparticles activated by neutron irradiation.

Among the nanomaterials, rare sesquioxides (lanthanide oxides such as Lu2O3) are of interest due to their adequate thermal conductivity, excellent chemical stability, and high light output. The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is an integral multifunctional protein overexpressed in various types of cancer cells. The radiolabeled PSMA inhibitor peptides (iPSMA) have demonstrated their usefulness as specific probes in the treatment and detection of a wide variety of neoplasms, mainly due to their high in vivo recognition by the PSMA protein. The objective of this research was to synthesize Lu2O3-iPSMA nanoparticles (NPs) and characterize their physicochemical properties before and after neutron activation, as well as to assess their biodistribution profile and in vitro potential to target cells overexpressing PSMA. The Lu2O3 NPs were synthesized by the precipitation-calcination method and conjugated to the iPSMA peptide using DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazocyclodecane-N,N',N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid) as a linking agent. Results of the physicochemical characterization by FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies, SEM, TEM, DLS, HRTEM, SAED, DSC-TGA, and X-ray diffraction indicated the formation of Lu2O3-iPSMA NPs (diameter of 29.98 ± 9.07 nm), which were not affected in their physicochemical properties after neutron activation. 177Lu2O3-iPSMA NPs showed high affinity (Kd = 5.7 ± 1.9 nM) for the PSMA protein, evaluated by the saturation assay on HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (PSMA-positive). The biodistribution profile of the nanosystem in healthy mice showed the main uptake in the liver. After irradiation, radioactive Lu2O3-iPSMA NPs exhibited radioluminescent properties, making the in vivo acquisition of their biodistribution, via optical imaging, possible. The results obtained from this research validate the execution of additional preclinical studies with the objective of evaluating the potential of the 177Lu2O3-iPSMA NPs for the targeted radiotherapy and in vivo imaging of tumors overexpressing the PSMA protein.

Synthesis and Biochemical Evaluation of Samarium-153 Oxide Nanoparticles Functionalized with iPSMA-Bombesin Heterodimeric Peptide.

Developments in the design of lanthanide oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have unleashed a wide variety of biomedical applications. Several types of hepatic cancer cells overexpress two proteins: the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr), which specifically recognizes the bombesin (BN) peptide, and the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which specifically binds to several peptides that inhibit its activity (iPSMA). This research synthesized and physicochemically characterized Sm2O3 nanoparticles functionalized with the iPSMA-BN heterodimeric peptide and studied the effects on their structural, biochemical and preclinical properties after activation by neutron irradiation for possible use in molecular dual-targeted radiotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. The Sm2O3 NPs were synthesized by the precipitation-calcination method and functionalized with iPSMA-BN peptide using the DOTA macrocycle as a linking agent. Analysis of physicochemical characterization via TEM, EDS, XRD, UV-Vis, FT-IR, DSL, and zeta potential results showed the formation of Sm2O3-iPSMA-BN NPs (94.23 ± 5.98 nm), and their physicochemical properties were not affected after neutron activation. The nanosystem showed a high affinity with respect to PSMA and GRPr in HepG2 cells ( Kd = 6.6 ± 1.6 nM) and GRPr in PC3 cells ( Kd = 10.6 ± 1.9 nM). 153Sm2O3-iPSMA-BN NPs exhibited radioluminescent properties, making possible in vivo optical imaging of their biodistribution in mice. The results obtained from this research support further preclinical studies designed to evaluate the dosimetry and therapeutic efficacy of 153Sm2O3-iPSMA-BN nanoparticles for in vivo imaging and molecular dual-targeted radiotherapy of liver tumors overexpressing PSMA and/or GRPr proteins.

Monte Carlo calculations of the cellular S-values for α-particle-emitting radionuclides incorporated into the nuclei of cancer cells of the MDA-MB231, MCF7 and PC3 lines.

S-values (dose per unit of cumulated activity) for alpha particle-emitting radionuclides and monoenergetic alpha sources placed in the nuclei of three cancer cell models (MCF7, MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells and PC3 prostate cancer cells) were obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. The MCNPX code was used to calculate the fraction of energy deposited in the subcellular compartments due to the alpha sources in order to obtain the S-values. A comparison with internationally accepted S-values reported by the MIRD Cellular Committee for alpha sources in three sizes of spherical cells was also performed leading to an agreement within 4% when an alpha extended source uniformly distributed in the nucleus is simulated. This result allowed to apply the Monte Carlo Methodology to evaluate S-values for alpha particles in cancer cells. The calculation of S-values for nucleus, cytoplasm and membrane of cancer cells considering their particular geometry, distribution of the radionuclide source and chemical composition by means of Monte Carlo simulation provides a good approach for dosimetry assessment of alpha emitters inside cancer cells. Results from this work provide information and tools that may help researchers in the selection of appropriate radiopharmaceuticals in alpha-targeted cancer therapy and improve its dosimetry evaluation.

Assessment of cell death mechanisms triggered by 177Lu-anti-CD20 in lymphoma cells.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the cell cycle redistribution and activation of early and late apoptotic pathways in lymphoma cells after treatment with 177Lu-anti-CD20. Experimental and computer models were used to calculate the radiation absorbed dose to cancer cell nuclei. The computer model (Monte Carlo, PENELOPE) consisted of twenty spheres representing cells with an inner sphere (cell nucleus) embedded in culture media. Radiation emissions of the radiopharmaceutical located in cell membranes and in culture media were considered for nuclei dose calculations. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that doses as low as 4.8Gy are enough to induce cell cycle arrest and activate late apoptotic pathways.

Preparation and preclinical evaluation of (66)Ga-DOTA-E(c(RGDfK))2 as a potential theranostic radiopharmaceutical.

INTRODUCTION: Integrin αvß3 plays an important role in angiogenesis and is over-expressed in tumoral endothelial cells and some other tumor cells. RGD (Arg-Gly-Asn) peptides labeled with (68)Ga (t1/2=68min) have showed good characteristics for imaging of αvß3 expression using positron emission tomography (PET). Gallium-66 has been proposed as a PET imaging alternative to (68)Ga and given the unique high energy of its emitted positrons (Emax 4.15MeV) it may also be useful for therapy. The aim of this research is to prepare [(66)Ga]DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 and evaluate in mice its potential as a new theranostic radiopharmaceutical. METHODS: High specific activity (66)Ga was produced via the (66)Zn(p,n) reaction, and the labelling method of DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 with (66)Ga was optimized. Radiochemical purity was determined by TLC, and in vitro stability and protein binding were determined. Serial microPET imaging and biodistribution studies were carried out in nude mice bearing C6 xenografts. Radiation absorbed dose estimates were based on the biodistribution studies, where tumor and organs of interest were collected at 0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 24h post-injection of [(66)Ga]DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2. RESULTS: Our results have shown that [(66)Ga]DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 can be prepared with high radiochemical purity (>97%), specific activity (36-67GBq/µmol), in vitro stability, and moderate protein binding. MicroPET imaging up to 24 post-injection showed contrasting tumors reflecting αvß3-targeted tracer accumulation. Biodistribution studies and dosimetry estimations showed a stable tumor uptake, rapid blood clearance, and favorable tumor-to-tissue ratios. CONCLUSIONS: The peptide conjugated DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 labeled with (66)Ga may be attractive as a theranostic agent for tumors over-expressing αvß3 integrins.

Tumoral fibrosis effect on the radiation absorbed dose of (177)Lu-Tyr(3)-octreotate and (177)Lu-Tyr(3)-octreotate conjugated to gold nanoparticles.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the tumoral fibrosis effect on the radiation absorbed dose of the radiopharmaceuticals (177)Lu-Tyr(3)-octreotate (monomeric) and (177)Lu-Tyr(3)-octreotate-gold nanoparticles (multimeric) using an experimental HeLa cells tumoral model and the Monte Carlo PENELOPE code. Experimental and computer micro-environment models with or without fibrosis were constructed. Results showed that fibrosis increases up to 33% the tumor radiation absorbed dose, although the major effect on the dose was produced by the type of radiopharmaceutical (112Gy-multimeric vs. 43Gy-monomeric).

Multifunctional radiolabeled nanoparticles for targeted therapy.

Nanoparticles can be near infrared (NIR)-fluorescent (e.g., gold nanoparticles, quantum dots or carbon nanotubes) or can have magnetic properties (e.g., iron oxide nanoparticles). These optical or magnetic properties can be exploited for use in thermal therapy and molecular imaging. Radiolabeled nanoparticles have proven to be promising tools in the diagnosis and therapy of malignant processes due to their multivalency and as multi-modal imaging agents. Furthermore, these radiopharmaceuticals may function simultaneously as both radiotherapy systems and thermal-ablation systems. This review examines the application of radiolabeled nanoparticles in the development of multifunctional nanosystems for targeted therapy.

Click chemistry for [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)] labeling of Lys(3)-bombesin.

(99m)Tc-HYNIC labeled Lys(3)-bombesin has shown specific binding to gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRP-r) over-expressed in cancer cells. Click chemistry offers an innovative functionalization strategy for biomolecules such as bombesin. The aim of this research was to apply a click chemistry approach for [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)] labeling of Lys(3)-bombesin and to compare the in vitro MCF7 breast cancer cell uptake and biodistribution profile in mice with that of (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-Lys(3)-bombesin. The results suggest a higher lipophilicity for (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-triazole-Lys(3)-bombesin which explains its higher in vivo hepatobiliary elimination. Pancreas-to-blood ratio for (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-triazole-Lys(3)-bombesin was 4.46 at 3 h and both bombesin radiopharmaceuticals showed specific recognition for GRP receptors in MCF7 cancer cells. Click chemistry is a reliable approach for [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)] labeling of Lys(3)-bombesin.

Peptides for in vivo target-specific cancer imaging.

Molecular imaging comprises non-invasive monitoring of functional and spatiotemporal processes at molecular and cellular levels in living systems. Advanced imaging techniques can monitor such processes. Peptide receptors over-expressed in tumours can be targeted by peptides conjugated to radionuclides, near-infrared fluorochromes, metallic nanoparticles or quantum dots for target-specific cancer imaging.

Radiosensitization of murine normoblasts in vivo by bromodeoxyuridine to the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical 153Sm-EDTMP.

Abstract To establish a basis for a possible strategy for bone marrow ablation or therapy, we examined the effect of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into DNA on the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of samarium-153 ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonate ((153)Sm-EDTMP) in normoblasts in vivo. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were established by time-response curves of polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (MN-PCE) frequencies, respectively, in mouse peripheral blood samples. The group treated with (153)Sm-EDTMP showed a clear induction of MN-PCEs; however, the group treated with BrdU plus (153)Sm-EDTMP paradoxically showed only a slight increase with respect to untreated controls. Treatment with (53)Sm-EDTMP caused a small reduction in PCE frequency, but exposure to BrdU or to BrdU plus (53)Sm-EDTMP reduced the PCE frequency significantly from 32 h to the end of the experiment. The PCE frequencies in the BrdU plus (53)Sm-EDTMP group were significantly lower than in the BrdU control group at the final time and were much lower than the group treated with only (53)Sm-EDTMP, which returned to basal values. The results suggest the radioinduction of a lethal lesion in BrdU-substituted DNA that cannot be repaired easily and does not permit cell division and micronucleus formation.

Gold nanoparticles conjugated to [Tyr3]octreotide peptide.

A multifunctional system of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) capped by the [Tyr(3)]Octreotide (TOC) peptide was prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Vis, infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy. AuNP and AuNP-TOC fluorescence emission spectra were obtained both in solution and in murine AR42J-tumor tissues. Results suggest that AuNP were functionalized with TOC through interactions with the N-terminal amine of the phenylalanine, the amide groups and possibly with the indole group of the tryptophan residue. The fluorescence analyses in tissue revealed a recognition of the AuNP-TOC conjugate for the neuroendocrine tumor because of the lower energy position of the fluorescence resonance (692 nm) with respect to that of the AuNP in the same tumoral tissue (684 nm). The emission band observed in the near-infrared region (692 nm) opens the possibility for AuNP-TOC use in bioimaging.

Monte Carlo microdosimetry of 188Re- and 131I-labelled anti-CD20.

The radiolabelled monoclonal antibody anti-CD20 has the property of binding to the CD20 antigen expressed on the cell surface of B-lymphocytes, thus making it a useful tool in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this work, the event-by-event Monte Carlo code NOREC is used to calculate the single-event distribution function f(1)(z) in the cell nucleus using the beta spectra of the (188)Re and (131)I radionuclides. The simulated geometry consists of two concentric spheres representing the nucleus and the cell surface embedded in a semi-infinite water medium. An isotropic point source was placed on the cell surface to simulate the binding of the anti-CD20 labelled with either (188)Re or (131)I. The simulations were carried out for two combinations of cell surface and nucleus radii. A method was devised that allows one to calculate the contribution of betas of energy greater than 1 MeV, which cannot be simulated by the NOREC code, to the single-event distribution function. It is shown that disregarding this contribution leads to an overestimation of the frequency-mean specific energy of the order of 9-12%. In general, the antibody radiolabelled with (131)I produces single-event distribution functions that yield higher frequency-mean specific energies.

[166Dy]Dy/166Ho hydroxide macroaggregates: an in vivo generator system for radiation synovectomy.

Radiation synovectomy is an effective treatment in patients suffering from inflammatory-rheumatoid and degenerative joint diseases. The aim of this work was to examine the feasibility of preparing dysprosium-166 (166Dy)/holmium-166(166Ho) hydroxide macroaggregates ([166Dy]Dy/166Ho-HM) as an in vivo generator for radiation synovectomy evaluating whether the stability of 166Dy-HM and 166Ho-HM complexes is maintained when the daughter 166Ho is formed. The Monte Carlo (MCNP4B) theoretical depth dose profile for the in vivo [166Dy]Dy/166Ho generator system in a joint model was calculated and compared with that produced by 90Y, 153Sm and 166Ho. 166Dy was obtained by neutron irradiation of enriched 164Dy2O3 in a Triga Mark III reactor. Macroaggregates were prepared by reaction of [166Dy]DyCl3 with 0.5 M NaOH in an ultrasonic bath. [166Dy]Dy/166Ho-HM was obtained with radiochemical purity >99.5% and with the majority of particles in the 2-5 microm range. In vitro studies demonstrated that the radio-macroaggregates are stable in saline solution and human serum without a significant change in the particle size over 14 d, suggesting that no translocation of the daughter nucleus occurs subsequent to beta- decay of 166Dy. Biological studies in normal rats demonstrated high retention in the knee joint even 7 d after [166Dy]Dy/166Ho-HM administration. The Monte Carlo (MCNP4B) theoretical depth dose profiles in a joint model, showed that the in vivo [166Dy]Dy/166Ho generator system would produce 25% and 50% less radiation dose to the articular cartilage and bone surface, respectively, than that produced by 90Y or pure 166Ho in a treatment with the same therapeutic dose to the synovium surface. Despite that 153Sm showed the best depth dose profile sparing doses to healthy tissues, the use of 166Dy could provide the advantage of being applied in patients that cannot be reached within a few hours from a nuclear reactor and to produce less radiation exposure to the medical personnel during the radiopharmaceutical administration.

Labeling of biotin with [166Dy]Dy/166Ho as a stable in vivo generator system.

The aim of this work was to synthesize [166Dy]Dy/166Ho-DTPA-Biotin to evaluate its potential as a new radiopharmaceutical for targeted radiotherapy. Dysprosium-166 (166Dy) was obtained by neutron irradiation of enriched 164Dy(2)O(3) in a Triga Mark III reactor. The labeling was carried out in aqueous media at pH 8.0 by addition of [166Dy]DyCl(3) to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic-alpha,omega-bis(biocytinamide) (DTPA-Biotin). Radiochemical purity was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and TLC. The biological integrity of labeled biotin was studied evaluating its avidity for avidin in an agarose column and by size-exclusion HPLC analysis of the radiolabeled DTPA-Biotin with and without the addition of avidin. Stability studies against dilution were carried out by diluting the radiocomplex solution with saline solution and with human serum at 37 degrees C for 24 h. The [166Dy]Dy/166Ho-labeled biotin was obtained with a 99.1+/-0.6% radiochemical purity. In vitro studies demonstrated that [166Dy]Dy/166Ho-DTPA-Biotin is stable after dilution in saline and in human serum and no translocation of the daughter nucleus occurs subsequent to beta(-) decay of 166Dy that could produce release of 166Ho(3+). Avidity of labeled biotin for avidin was not affected by the labeling procedure. Biodistribution studies in normal mice showed that the [166Dy]Dy/166Ho-DTPA-Biotin has a high renal clearance. In conclusion, the radiolabeled biotin prepared in this investigation has adequate properties to work as a stable in vivo generator system for targeted radiotherapy.

Experimental validation of Monte Carlo depth-dose calculations using radiochromic dye film dosimetry for a beta-gamma 153Sm radionuclide applied to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

In this work we compare the Monte Carlo (MCNP4B) calculated beta-gamma depth-dose profile for a liquid 153Sm beta-gamma source used in radiation synovectomy with the experimental depth-dose distribution obtained using radiochromic dye film dosimetry. The calculated and experimental depth-dose distribution shows a very good agreement (within 5%) in the region where the dose deposition is dominated by the beta particle component (first 800 microm depth on tissue-equivalent material). The agreement worsens, reaching a maximum deviation of 15%, at depths close to the maximum range of the beta particles. Finally the agreement improves for the region where the gamma component accounts for one-third of the total absorbed dose (depths >1 mm). The possible contributions to these differences are discussed, as well as their relevance for the application of 153Sm in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

99mTc-glucarate for detection of isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Infarct-avid radiopharmaceuticals are necessary for rapid and timely diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The animal model used to produce infarction implies artery ligation but chemical induction can be easily obtained with isoproterenol. A new infarct-avid radiopharmaceutical based on glucaric acid was prepared in the hospital radiopharmacy of the INCMNSZ. 99mTc-glucarate was easy to prepare, stable for 96 h and was used to study its biodistribution in rats with isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction. Histological studies demonstrated that the rats developed an infarct 18 h after isoproterenol administration. The rat biodistribution studies showed a rapid blood clearance via the kidneys. Thirty minutes after 99mTc-glucarate administration the standardised heart uptake value S(h)UV was 4.7 in infarcted rat heart which is six times more than in normal rats. ROIs drawn over the gamma camera images showed a ratio of 4.4. The high image quality suggests that high contrast images can be obtained in humans and the 96 h stability makes it an ideal agent to detect, in patients, early cardiac infarction.

[Radiopharmacokinetic and gammagraphic studies for calculating personalized dosimetry]. / Estudios radiofarmacocinéticos y gammagráficos para cálculos de dosimetría personalizada.

In nuclear medicine radiation absorbed doses are important in the patient's risk/benefit evaluation and are estimated by means of biological and complex mathematical models. The biological model includes radiopharmacokinetic data obtained through blood and urine samples taken at given intervals. A useful mathematical model is the MIRD model and with the value for the time of residence tau the MIRDOSE3 computer program uses several anatomic models and calculates radiation absorbed dose for 25 organs. At the Radiopharmacy Unit of the Nuclear Medicine Department at INCMNSZ two new bone seeking radiopharmaceuticals, 99mTc-ABP and 188Re-ABP, have been designed, characterized and animal-tested. Radiopharmaceutical parameters and sequential scanning were obtained for diagnostic 99mTc-ABP in 10 normal subjects and the aim was to use % 24 hour urine elimination and % bone uptake to calculate radiation absorbed dose and extrapolate the values to 188Re-ABP as the basis for a therapeutic treatment. 99mTc-ABP was eliminated in women's urine 63.2 +/- 7.3%/activity and 70 +/- 11%/activity in men. In women 36.8 +/- 7.3% of the radiopharmaceutical remains on the bone surface and in men 30 +/- 11%. ROIs were drawn on the images and the time-integrated renal cpm/pixel/ROI gave a residence time tau = 0.52 h. Cumulative bone activity A calculated with A = 1.443 (T1/2) A0 was 2358 +/- 469 MBq h for women and 1923 +/- 707 MBq h for men. Residence time tau was 3.19 +/- 0.63 h in women and 2.6 +/- 0.95 h in men. Radiation absorbed dose for the whole body was 0.0020 +/- 0.0004 mGy/MBq for women and 0.0013 +/- 0.0005 mGy/MBq for men. For women's bone marrow it was 0.0063 +/- 0.0013 mGy/MBq and for men 0.0041 +/- 0.0015 mGy/MBq. 188Re-ABP behaves as 99mTc-ABP therefore, the effective dose given by 188Re, a beta emitter, would be for women 0.0936 mSv/MBq and for men 0.0608 mSv/MBq. These characteristics and the radionuclidic characteristics of 188Re indicate that 188Re-ABP might be a good bone metastases pain palliation radiopharmaceutical.

Uptake of (188)Re-beta-naphthyl-peptide in cervical carcinoma tumours in athymic mice.

Radiolabelled somatostatin analogues have been used in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine to treat cancerous tumours. Lanreotide, a cyclic octapeptide, beta-naphthyl-peptide, with antiproliferative action on human small cell lung carcinoma was (188)Re labelled and characterised, and its biodistribution was studied in mice. Molecular modelling indicates that the lipophilic radiopharmaceutical might be an oxo-rhenium (V) penta-coordinated complex. The implanted human cervical tumour of epidermoid origin was positive for cytokeratins and Vimentin. Uptake of (188)Re-labelled peptide in the implanted tumour in athymic mice was 6.2+/-2.9% and was rapidly cleared via the hepatobiliary system. (188)Re-beta-naphthyl-peptide might be a potential therapeutic agent.

Uptake of the 188Re(V)-DMSA complex by cervical carcinoma cells in nude mice: pharmacokinetics and dosimetry.

The uptake of the rhenium-188 (188Re(V)-DMSA) complex of dimercaptosuccinic acid by cervical carcinoma cells in nude mice was evaluated. The pharmacokinetics and dosimetry calculations in normal rats were also evaluated. The images obtained in mice did not show significant accumulation in metabolic organs and the biodistribution studies showed that 3.52 +/- 0.76% of the injected activity per gram (n = 4) was taken up by the tumor. This percentage produces a cumulated activity of 35.63 +/- 8.40 MBq h and an equivalent dose per injected activity of 260 +/- 8.91 mSv/MBq. Pharmacokinetics and dosimetry of the 1887e(V)-DMSA complex indicate that this radiopharmaceutical could be evaluated in patients with soft tissue tumors, since the risk of radiation damage to the kidney or red bone marrow could not be an obstacle for its application in therapeutic nuclear medicine.

Labelling of Re-ABP with 188Re for bone pain palliation.

Etidronate and medronate have been labelled with technetium-99m (99mTc-HEDP, 99mTc-MDP) for bone scanning and, with rhenium-188 (188Re-HEDP) to palliate the pain resulting from bone metastases. The objective of this study was to label alendronate, ABP, a new bisphosphonate, with SnF2-reduced-188Re. The reagents for the 5 mg ABP kit were SnF2, KReO4 and gentisic acid at acid pH. The chemical, spectroscopic and microscopic characteristics, quality control, rat bone uptake of [188Re]Re-ABP and similarities with 99mTc-ABP are presented. We conclude that this is a promising new radiopharmaceutical for bone metastases pain palliation.