# Radioiodinated Indocyanine Green: A Novel Liver Cancer Therapeutic Modality

> **NIH NIH FI2** · NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE · 2022 · —

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This proposal focuses on the development of novel liver cancer-targeting small molecules for the
treatment of liver cancer. To accomplish this goal, we will create the first radioiodinated variants
of indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA-approved fluorescent molecule that found broad use as a
fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) agent. ICG has shown selective uptake in several types of liver
cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma (HB). Our prior studies
have defined the mechanism of ICG uptake to be dependent on the solute carrier transporter,
OATP13B, which is overexpressed on the membrane of hepatocytes and hepatocyte-derived
tumors. With these aspects in mind, this proposal aims to repurpose ICG as a therapeutic agent to
treat liver cancer. We will accomplish this goal by attaching ICG to the beta-emitting radioisotope
131I and deliver cytotoxic beta particles to the cancerous tissue. This project will uniquely combine
the fluorophore synthesis expertise of Dr. Schnermann’s group and the radiolabeling and liver
cancer expertise of Dr. Escorcia’s group to develop an innovative small molecule therapeutic
agent. The aims in this proposal are as follows: (1) develop novel iodine-bearing ICG conjugates
and test their in vitro uptake in liver cancer cell models, (2) radiolabel conjugates with 125I
(imaging isotope) for in vivo biodistribution studies in mice bearing liver tumors, and (3)
radiolabel conjugates with 131I (therapeutic isotope) and perform efficacy studies in mice bearing
liver tumors. We expect that this proposal will lead to a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment
of liver cancer, setting the stage for a new approach to address patients suffering from
hepatocellular and hepatoblastoma carcinomas.
 The goal of this fellowship is for the PI to develop a new skillset and knowledge in the
areas of organic chemistry, in vivo imaging, radiolabeling, and therapeutic drug design. These
research goals will be accomplished through the outlined proposal. Additionally, this fellowship
offers opportunities for mentoring, scientific collaborations and discussions, and networking.
Through the resources provide at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Chemical Biology
Laboratory (CBL), and the Molecular Imaging Branch (MIB), I will have the opportunity to
mentor post-baccalaureate students, participate in scientific discussions through the CBL’s annual
retreat and Molecular Discovery Seminar Series, and improve my soft laboratory management and
teaching skills through courses like the “Becoming a Resilient Scientist” and “Management Boot
Camp.” These aspects will help me achieve my overall career goal of becoming a professor and
running an independent research group.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10497368
- **Project number:** 1FI2GM146602-01
- **Recipient organization:** NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Sierra C Marker
- **Activity code:** FI2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10497368

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10497368, Radioiodinated Indocyanine Green: A Novel Liver Cancer Therapeutic Modality (1FI2GM146602-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10497368. Licensed CC0.

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