TY - JOUR A1 - Kosmala, Aleksander A1 - Serfling, Sebastian E. A1 - Dreher, Niklas A1 - Lindner, Thomas A1 - Schirbel, Andreas A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. T1 - Associations between normal organs and tumor burden in patients imaged with fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-directed positron emission tomography JF - Cancers N2 - (1) Background: We aimed to quantitatively investigate [\(^{68}\)Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 uptake in normal organs and to assess a relationship with the extent of FAPI-avid tumor burden. (2) Methods: In this single-center retrospective analysis, thirty-four patients with solid cancers underwent a total of 40 [\(^{68}\)Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT scans. Mean standardized uptake values (SUV\(_{mean}\)) for normal organs were established by placing volumes of interest (VOIs) in the heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bone marrow. Total tumor burden was determined by manual segmentation of tumor lesions with increased uptake. For tumor burden, quantitative assessment included maximum SUV (SUV\(_{max}\)), tumor volume (TV), and fractional tumor activity (FTA = TV × SUV\(_{mean}\)). Associations between uptake in normal organs and tumor burden were investigated by applying Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. (3) Results: Median SUV\(_{mean}\) values were 2.15 in the pancreas (range, 1.05–9.91), 1.42 in the right (range, 0.57–3.06) and 1.41 in the left kidney (range, 0.73–2.97), 1.2 in the heart (range, 0.46–2.59), 0.86 in the spleen (range, 0.55–1.58), 0.65 in the liver (range, 0.31–2.11), and 0.57 in the bone marrow (range, 0.26–0.94). We observed a trend towards significance for uptake in the myocardium and tumor-derived SUV\(_{max}\) (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.07) and TV (ρ = −0.30, p = 0.06). No significant correlation was achieved for any of the other organs: SUV\(_{max}\) (ρ ≤ 0.1, p ≥ 0.42), TV (ρ ≤ 0.11, p ≥ 0.43), and FTA (ρ ≤ 0.14, p ≥ 0.38). In a sub-analysis exclusively investigating patients with high tumor burden, significant correlations of myocardial uptake with tumor SUV\(_{max}\) (ρ = 0.44; p = 0.03) and tumor-derived FTA with liver uptake (ρ = 0.47; p = 0.02) were recorded. (4) Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept study, quantification of [\(^{68}\)Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET showed no significant correlation between normal organs and tumor burden, except for a trend in the myocardium. Those preliminary findings may trigger future studies to determine possible implications for treatment with radioactive FAP-targeted drugs, as higher tumor load or uptake may not lead to decreased doses in the majority of normal organs. KW - PET KW - [\(^{68}\)Ga]Ga-FAPI KW - theranostics KW - radioligand therapy KW - fibroblast activation protein Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-275154 SN - 2072-6694 VL - 14 IS - 11 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hartrampf, Philipp E. A1 - Weinzierl, Franz-Xaver A1 - Seitz, Anna Katharina A1 - Kübler, Hubert A1 - Essler, Markus A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Bundschuh, Ralph A. T1 - Any decline in prostate-specific antigen levels identifies survivors scheduled for prostate-specific membrane antigen-directed radioligand therapy JF - The Prostate N2 - Background Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) is increasingly incorporated in the therapeutic algorithm of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We aimed to elucidate the predictive performance of early biochemical response for overall survival (OS). Materials and Methods In this bicentric analysis, we included 184 mCRPC patients treated with \(^{177}\)Lu-PSMA RLT. Response to treatment was defined as decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels 8 weeks after the first cycle of RLT (any decline or >50% according to Prostate Cancer Working Group 3). OS of responders and nonresponders was then compared using Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank comparison. Results A total of 114/184 patients (62.0%) showed any PSA decline (PSA response >50%, 55/184 [29.9%]). For individuals exhibiting a PSA decline >50%, OS of 19 months was significantly longer relative to nonresponders (13 months; hazard ratio of death [HR] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.44–0.93; p = 0.02). However, the difference was even more pronounced for any PSA decline, with an OS of 19 months in responders, but only 8 months in nonresponders (HR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.25–0.60; p < 0.001). Conclusions In mCRPC patients scheduled for RLT, early biochemical response was tightly linked to prolonged survival, irrespective of the magnitude of PSA decline. As such, even in patients with PSA decrease of less than 50%, RLT should be continued. KW - prostate cancer KW - theranostics KW - PSMA‐617 KW - PSA response KW - PSMA I&T Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-318766 VL - 82 IS - 14 SP - 1406 EP - 1412 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Serfling, Sebastian E. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Dreher, Niklas A1 - Hartrampf, Philipp E. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Schirbel, Andreas A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Hahner, Stefanie A1 - Fassnacht, Martin A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. T1 - Impact of tumor burden on normal organ distribution in patients imaged with CXCR4-targeted [\(^{68}\)Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT JF - Molecular Imaging and Biology N2 - Background CXCR4-directed positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been used as a diagnostic tool in patients with solid tumors. We aimed to determine a potential correlation between tumor burden and radiotracer accumulation in normal organs. Methods Ninety patients with histologically proven solid cancers underwent CXCR4-targeted [\(^{68}\)Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT. Volumes of interest (VOIs) were placed in normal organs (heart, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and kidneys) and tumor lesions. Mean standardized uptake values (SUV\(_{mean}\)) for normal organs were determined. For CXCR4-positive tumor burden, maximum SUV (SUV\(_{max}\)), tumor volume (TV), and fractional tumor activity (FTA, defined as SUV\(_{mean}\) x TV), were calculated. We used a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ) to derive correlative indices between normal organ uptake and tumor burden. Results Median SUV\(_{mean}\) in unaffected organs was 5.2 for the spleen (range, 2.44 – 10.55), 3.27 for the kidneys (range, 1.52 – 17.4), followed by bone marrow (1.76, range, 0.84 – 3.98), heart (1.66, range, 0.88 – 2.89), and liver (1.28, range, 0.73 – 2.45). No significant correlation between SUV\(_{max}\) in tumor lesions (ρ ≤ 0.189, P ≥ 0.07), TV (ρ ≥ -0.204, P ≥ 0.06) or FTA (ρ ≥ -0.142, P ≥ 0.18) with the investigated organs was found. Conclusions In patients with solid tumors imaged with [\(^{68}\)Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT, no relevant tumor sink effect was noted. This observation may be of relevance for therapies with radioactive and non-radioactive CXCR4-directed drugs, as with increasing tumor burden, the dose to normal organs may remain unchanged. KW - CXCR4 KW - C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 KW - PET KW - [68Ga]PentixaFor KW - [177Lu]/[90Y]PentixaTher KW - theranostics KW - endoradiotherapy Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324622 VL - 24 IS - 4 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Serfling, Sebastian E. A1 - Lindner, Thomas A1 - Hänscheid, Heribert A1 - Schirbel, Andreas A1 - Hahner, Stefanie A1 - Fassnacht, Martin A1 - Einsele, Hermann A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. T1 - CXCR4-targeted theranostics in oncology JF - European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging N2 - A growing body of literature reports on the upregulation of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in a variety of cancer entities, rendering this receptor as suitable target for molecular imaging and endoradiotherapy in a theranostic setting. For instance, the CXCR4-targeting positron emission tomography (PET) agent [\(^{68}\)Ga]PentixaFor has been proven useful for a comprehensive assessment of the current status quo of solid tumors, including adrenocortical carcinoma or small-cell lung cancer. In addition, [\(^{68}\)Ga]PentixaFor has also provided an excellent readout for hematological malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, marginal zone lymphoma, or mantle cell lymphoma. PET-based quantification of the CXCR4 capacities in vivo allows for selecting candidates that would be suitable for treatment using the theranostic equivalent [\(^{177}\)Lu]/[\(^{90}\)Y]PentixaTher. This CXCR4-directed theranostic concept has been used as a conditioning regimen prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to achieve sufficient anti-lymphoma/-tumor activity in particular for malignant tissues that are highly sensitive to radiation, such as the hematological system. Increasing the safety margin, pretherapeutic dosimetry is routinely performed to determine the optimal activity to enhance therapeutic efficacy and to reduce off-target adverse events. The present review will provide an overview of current applications for CXCR4-directed molecular imaging and will introduce the CXCR4-targeted theranostic concept for advanced hematological malignancies. KW - CXCR4 KW - theranostics KW - C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 KW - [68Ga]PentixaFor KW - [177Lu]PentixaTher KW - [90Y]PentixaTher KW - endoradiotherapy KW - adrenocortical carcinoma KW - multiple myeloma Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324545 VL - 49 IS - 12 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Derlin, Thorsten A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Sheikbahaei, Sara A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Giesel, Frederik L. A1 - Behr, Spencer A1 - Drzezga, Alexander A1 - Kimura, Hiroyuki A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Bengel, Frank M. A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Gorin, Michael A. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. T1 - \(^{18}\)F-labeled, PSMA-targeted radiotracers: leveraging the advantages of radiofluorination for prostate cancer molecular imaging JF - Theranostics N2 - Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET imaging for prostate cancer with \(^{68}\)Ga-labeled compounds has rapidly become adopted as part of routine clinical care in many parts of the world. However, recent years have witnessed the start of a shift from \(^{68}\)Ga- to \(^{18}\)F-labeled PSMA-targeted compounds. The latter imaging agents have several key advantages, which may lay the groundwork for an even more widespread adoption into the clinic. First, facilitated delivery from distant suppliers expands the availability of PET radiopharmaceuticals in smaller hospitals operating a PET center but lacking the patient volume to justify an onsite \(^{68}\)Ge/\(^{68}\)Ga generator. Thus, such an approach meets the increasing demand for PSMA-targeted PET imaging in areas with lower population density and may even lead to cost-savings compared to in-house production. Moreover, \(^{18}\)F-labeled radiotracers have a higher positron yield and lower positron energy, which in turn decreases image noise, improves contrast resolution, and maximizes the likelihood of detecting subtle lesions. In addition, the longer half-life of 110 min allows for improved delayed imaging protocols and flexibility in study design, which may further increase diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, such compounds can be distributed to sites which are not allowed to produce radiotracers on-site due to regulatory issues or to centers without access to a cyclotron. In light of these advantageous characteristics, \(^{18}\)F-labeled PSMA-targeted PET radiotracers may play an important role in both optimizing this transformative imaging modality and making it widely available. We have aimed to provide a concise overview of emerging \(^{18}\)F-labeled PSMA-targeted radiotracers undergoing active clinical development. Given the wide array of available radiotracers, comparative studies are needed to firmly establish the role of the available \(^{18}\)F-labeled compounds in the field of molecular PCa imaging, preferably in different clinical scenarios. KW - Radiofluorine KW - prostate-specific membrane antigen KW - prostate cancer KW - \(^{18}\)F KW - PSMA KW - \(^{68}\)Ga KW - theranostics KW - radioligand therapy Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202559 SN - 1838-7640 VL - 10 IS - 1 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Kircher, Stefan A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Kircher, Malte A1 - Schirbel, Andreas A1 - Wester, Hans-Jürgen A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Lapa, Constantin T1 - CXCR4-directed imaging in solid tumors JF - Frontiers in Oncology N2 - Despite histological evidence in various solid tumor entities, available experience with CXCR4-directed diagnostics and endoradiotherapy mainly focuses on hematologic diseases. With the goal of expanding the application of CXCR4 theranostics to solid tumors, we aimed to elucidate the feasibility of CXCR4-targeted imaging in a variety of such neoplasms. Methods: Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve solid tumors including pancreatic adenocarcinoma or neuroendocrine tumor, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer underwent [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT. CXCR4-mediated uptake was assessed both visually and semi-quantitatively by evaluation of maximum standardized uptake values (SUV\(_{max}\)) of both primary tumors and metastases. With physiologic liver uptake as reference, tumor-to-background ratios (TBR) were calculated. [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor findings were further compared to immunohistochemistry and [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT. Results: On [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT, 10/19 (52.6%) primary tumors were visually detectable with a median SUVmax of 5.4 (range, 1.7–16.0) and a median TBR of 2.6 (range, 0.8–7.4), respectively. The highest level of radiotracer uptake was identified in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma (SUVmax, 16.0; TBR, 7.4). The relatively low uptake on [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor was also noted in metastases, exhibiting a median SUVmax of 4.5 (range, 2.3–8.8; TBR, 1.7; range, 1.0–4.1). A good correlation between uptake on [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor and histological derived CXCR4 expression was noted (R = 0.62, P < 0.05). In the 3 patients in whom [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT was available, [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor exhibited lower uptake in all lesions. Conclusions: In this cohort of newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve patients with solid malignancies, CXCR4 expression as detected by [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET/CT and immunohistochemistry was rather moderate. Thus, CXCR4-directed imaging may not play a major role in the management of solid tumors in the majority of patients. KW - CXCR4 KW - [68Ga]Pentixafor KW - theranostics KW - solid tumors KW - chemokine receptor Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-195678 SN - 2234-943X VL - 9 IS - 770 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Bundschuh, Ralph A. A1 - Bundschuh, Lena A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Sheikhbahaei, Sara A1 - Pienta, Kenneth J. A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Gorin, Michael A. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Rowe, Steven P. T1 - MI-RADS: Molecular Imaging Reporting and Data Systems – A Generalizable Framework for Targeted Radiotracers with Theranostic Implications JF - Annals of Nuclear Medicine N2 - Both prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)- and somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents for staging and restaging of prostate carcinoma or neuroendocrine tumors, respectively, are seeing rapidly expanding use. In addition to diagnostic applications, both classes of radiotracers can be used to triage patients for theranostic endoradiotherapy. While interpreting PSMA- or SSTR-targeted PET/computed tomography (CT) scans, the reader has to be aware of certain pitfalls. Adding to the complexity of the interpretation of those imaging agents, both normal biodistribution, and also false-positive and -negative findings differ between PSMA- and SSTR-targeted PET radiotracers. Herein summarized under the umbrella term molecular imaging reporting and data systems (MI-RADS), two novel RADS classifications for PSMA- and SSTR-targeted PET imaging are described (PSMA- and SSTR-RADS). Both framework systems may contribute to increase the level of a reader’s confidence and to navigate the imaging interpreter through indeterminate lesions, so that appropriate workup for equivocal findings can be pursued. Notably, PSMA- and SSTR-RADS are structured in a reciprocal fashion, i.e. if the reader is familiar with one system, the other system can readily be applied as well. In the present review we will discuss the most common pitfalls on PSMA- and SSTR-targeted PET/CT, briefly introduce PSMA- and SSTR-RADS, and define a future role of the umbrella framework MI-RADS compared to other harmonization systems. KW - PET KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - prostate cancer KW - neuroendocrine tumor KW - prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) KW - somatostatin receptor (SSTR) KW - positron emission tomography KW - theranostics KW - standardization KW - RADS KW - reporting and data systems KW - personalized medicine Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-166995 SN - 0914-7187 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Kircher, Malte A1 - Solnes, Lilja B. A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Rowe, Steven A1 - Lapa, Constantin T1 - The theranostic promise for neuroendocrine tumors in the late 2010s – Where do we stand, where do we go? JF - Theranostics N2 - More than 25 years after the first peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), the concept of somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-directed imaging and therapy for neuroendocrine tumors (NET) is seeing rapidly increasing use. To maximize the full potential of its theranostic promise, efforts in recent years have expanded recommendations in current guidelines and included the evaluation of novel theranostic radiotracers for imaging and treatment of NET. Moreover, the introduction of standardized reporting framework systems may harmonize PET reading, address pitfalls in interpreting SSTR-PET/CT scans and guide the treating physician in selecting PRRT candidates. Notably, the concept of PRRT has also been applied beyond oncology, e.g. for treatment of inflammatory conditions like sarcoidosis. Future perspectives may include the efficacy evaluation of PRRT compared to other common treatment options for NET, novel strategies for closer monitoring of potential side effects, the introduction of novel radiotracers with beneficial pharmacodynamic and kinetic properties or the use of supervised machine learning approaches for outcome prediction. This article reviews how the SSTR-directed theranostic concept is currently applied and also reflects on recent developments that hold promise for the future of theranostics in this context. KW - theranostics KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - PRRT KW - somatostatin receptor KW - peptide receptor radionuclide therapy KW - neuroendocrine tumor Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170264 VL - 8 IS - 22 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A1 - Hänscheid, Heribert A1 - Leal, Jeffrey P. A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Lodge, Martin A. A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Rowe, Steven P. T1 - Impact of Tumor Burden on Quantitative [\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATOC Biodistribution JF - Molecular Imaging and Biology N2 - Purpose: As has been previously reported, the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) imaging agent [\(^{68}\)Ga]-labeled 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid-d-Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-octreotate ([\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATATE) demonstrates lower uptake in normal organs in patients with a high neuroendocrine tumor (NET) burden. Given the higher SSTR affinity of [\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATATE, we aimed to quantitatively investigate the biodistribution of [\(^{68}\)Ga]-labeled 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid-d-Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-octreotide ([68Ga]DOTATOC) to determine a potential correlation between uptake in normal organs and NET burden. Procedures: Of the 44 included patients, 36/44 (82%) patients demonstrated suspicious radiotracer uptake on [\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATOC positron emission tomography (PET)/x-ray computed tomography (CT). Volumes of Interest (VOIs) were defined for tumor lesions and normal organs (spleen, liver, kidneys, adrenals). Mean body weight corrected standardized uptake value (SUV\(_{mean}\)) for normal organs was assessed and was used to calculate the corresponding mean specific activity uptake (Upt: fraction of injected activity per kg of tissue). For the entire tumor burden, SUV\(_{mean}\), maximum standardized uptake value (SUV\(_{max}\)), and the total mass (TBM) was calculated and the decay corrected tumor fractional uptake (TBU) was assessed. A Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlations between normal organ uptake and tumor burden. Results: The median SUV\(_{mean}\) was 18.7 for the spleen (kidneys, 9.2; adrenals, 6.8; liver, 5.6). For tumor burden, the median values were SUV\(_{mean}\) 6.9, SUV\(_{max}\) 35.5, TBM 42.6g, and TBU 1.2%. With increasing volume of distribution, represented by lean body mass and body surface area (BSA), Upt decreased in kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands and SUV\(_{mean}\) increased in the spleen. Correlation improved only for both kidneys and adrenals when the influence of the tumor uptake on the activity available for organ uptake was taken into account by the factor 1/(1-TBU). TBU was neither predictive for SUV\(_{mean}\) nor for Upt in any of the organs. The distribution of organ Upt vs. BSA/(1-TBU) were not different for patients with minor TBU (<3%) vs. higher TBU (>7%), indicating that the correlations observed in the present study are explainable by the body size effect. High tumor mass and uptake mitigated against G1 NET. Conclusions: There is no significant impact on normal organ biodistribution with increasing tumor burden on [\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATOC PET/CT. Potential implications include increased normal organ dose with [\(^{177}\)Lu-DOTA]\(^0\)-D-Phe\(^1\)-Tyr\(^3\)-Octreotide and decreased absolute lesion detection with [\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATOC in high NET burden. KW - somatostatin receptor KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - quantification KW - [68Ga]DOTATOC KW - neuroendocrine tumor KW - SSTR-PET KW - theranostics Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170280 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Kircher, Stefan A1 - Schirbel, Andreas A1 - Rosenwald, Andreas A1 - Kropf, Saskia A1 - Pelzer, Theo A1 - Walles, Thorsten A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Weber, Wolfgang A. A1 - Wester, Hans-Juergen A1 - Herrmann, Ken A1 - Lückerath, Katharina T1 - Targeting CXCR4 with [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor: a suitable theranostic approach in pleural mesothelioma? JF - Oncotarget N2 - C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a key factor for tumor growth and metastasis in several types of human cancer. This study investigated the feasibility of CXCR4-directed imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Six patients with pleural mesothelioma underwent [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET/CT. 2′-[\(^{18}\)F]fluoro-2′-deoxy-D-glucose ([\(^{18}\)F]FDG)-PET/CT (4/6 patients) and immunohistochemistry obtained from biopsy or surgery (all) served as standards of reference. Additionally, 9 surgical mesothelioma samples were available for histological work-up. Whereas [\(^{18}\)F]FDG-PET depicted active lesions in all patients, [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET/CT recorded physiologic tracer distribution and none of the 6 patients presented [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-positive lesions. This finding paralleled results of immunohistochemistry which also could not identify relevant CXCR4 surface expression in the samples analyzed. In contrast to past reports, our data suggest widely absence of CXCR4 expression in pleural mesothelioma. Hence, robust cell surface expression should be confirmed prior to targeting this chemokine receptor for diagnosis and/or therapy. KW - PET KW - CXCR4 KW - [\(^{68}\)Ga] pentixafor KW - pleural mesothelioma KW - theranostics Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-169989 VL - 8 IS - 57 ER -