Fluorine atoms were introduced on Capmatinib to obtain a targeted ¹⁹F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, 9F-CAP, its imaging concentration limit was found to be 25 mM (FLASH sequence). Molecular docking simulation, SPR (KD=40.7 μM), half-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀, 168 nM), Annexin V, and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the 9F-CAP targeted cMET protein.

Abstract

Capmatinib is an FDA-approved drug to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with MET-exon 14 skipping. Herein, the perfluoro-tert-butyl group, which possesses nine chemically identical fluorine atoms, was introduced on Capmatinib to afford a targeted ¹⁹F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe, perfluoro-tert-butyl group-derived Capmatinib (9F-CAP). The ¹⁹F MRI concentration limit was found to be 25 mM in FLASH sequence. Molecular docking simulation, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) (with a K_d of 40.7 μM), half-inhibitory concentration (with a IC₅₀ of 168 nM), Annexin V, and cytotoxicity assays jointly demonstrated that the 9F-CAP targeted cMET protein specifically. Therefore, the targeted imaging capability of 9F-CAP is of great significance for the preoperative diagnosis of specific cancers.