TY - JOUR A1 - Fröhlich, Matthias A1 - Serfling, Sebastian A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Schmalzing, Marc A1 - Tony, Hans-Peter A1 - Gernert, Michael A1 - Strunz, Patrick-Pascal A1 - Portegys, Jan A1 - Schwaneck, Eva-Christina A1 - Gadeholt, Ottar A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Bley, Thorsten A. A1 - Guggenberger, Konstanze V. A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. T1 - Whole-Body [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT Can Alter Diagnosis in Patients with Suspected Rheumatic Disease JF - Diagnostics N2 - The 2-deoxy-d-[\(^{18}\)F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is widely utilized to assess the vascular and articular inflammatory burden of patients with a suspected diagnosis of rheumatic disease. We aimed to elucidate the impact of [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT on change in initially suspected diagnosis in patients at the time of the scan. Thirty-four patients, who had undergone [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT, were enrolled and the initially suspected diagnosis prior to [18F]FDG PET/CT was compared to the final diagnosis. In addition, a semi-quantitative analysis including vessel wall-to-liver (VLR) and joint-to-liver (JLR) ratios was also conducted. Prior to [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT, 22/34 (64.7%) of patients did not have an established diagnosis, whereas in 7/34 (20.6%), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was suspected, and in 5/34 (14.7%), giant cell arteritis (GCA) was suspected by the referring rheumatologists. After [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT, the diagnosis was GCA in 19/34 (55.9%), combined GCA and PMR (GCA + PMR) in 9/34 (26.5%) and PMR in the remaining 6/34 (17.6%). As such, [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT altered suspected diagnosis in 28/34 (82.4%), including in all unclear cases. VLR of patients whose final diagnosis was GCA tended to be significantly higher when compared to VLR in PMR (GCA, 1.01 ± 0.08 (95%CI, 0.95–1.1) vs. PMR, 0.92 ± 0.1 (95%CI, 0.85–0.99), p = 0.07), but not when compared to PMR + GCA (1.04 ± 0.14 (95%CI, 0.95–1.13), p = 1). JLR of individuals finally diagnosed with PMR (0.94 ± 0.16, (95%CI, 0.83–1.06)), however, was significantly increased relative to JLR in GCA (0.58 ± 0.04 (95%CI, 0.55–0.61)) and GCA + PMR (0.64 ± 0.09 (95%CI, 0.57–0.71); p < 0.0001, respectively). In individuals with a suspected diagnosis of rheumatic disease, an inflammatory-directed [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT can alter diagnosis in the majority of the cases, particularly in subjects who were referred because of diagnostic uncertainty. Semi-quantitative assessment may be helpful in establishing a final diagnosis of PMR, supporting the notion that a quantitative whole-body read-out may be useful in unclear cases. KW - giant cell arteritis KW - GCA KW - [18F]FDG PET/CT KW - vasculature KW - inflammation KW - polymyalgia rheumatica KW - PMR KW - vasculitis Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-250227 SN - 2075-4418 VL - 11 IS - 11 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Arias-Loza, Paula A1 - Hayakawa, Nobuyuki A1 - Wakabayashi, Hiroshi A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Shinaji, Tetsuya A1 - Herrmann, Ken A1 - Pelzer, Theo A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - Whitening and impaired glucose utilization of brown adipose tissue in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus JF - Scientific Reports N2 - Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive therapeutic target to combat diabetes and obesity due to its ability to increase glucose expenditure. In a genetic rat model (ZDF fa/fa) of type-2 diabetes and obesity, we aimed to investigate glucose utilization of BAT by \(^{18}\)F-FDG PET imaging. Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Male Zucker lean (ZL) control rats were studied at 13 weeks. Three weeks prior to imaging, ZDF rats were randomized into a no-restriction (ZDF-ND) and a mild calorie restriction (ZDF-CR) group. Dynamic \(^{18}\)F-FDG PET using a dedicated small animal PET system was performed under hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. \(^{18}\)F-FDG PET identified intense inter-scapular BAT glucose uptake in all ZL control rats, while no focally increased \(^{18}\)F-FDG uptake was detected in all ZDF-ND rats. Mild but significant improved BAT tracer uptake was identified after calorie restriction in diabetic rats (ZDF-CR). The weight of BAT tissue and fat deposits were significantly increased in ZDF-CR and ZDF-ND rats as compared to ZL controls, while UCP-1 and mitochondrial concentrations were significantly decreased. Whitening and severely impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in BAT was confirmed in a rat model of type-2 diabetes. Additionally, calorie restriction partially restored the impaired BAT glucose uptake. KW - molecular medicine KW - endocrinology Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159066 VL - 7 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Bundschuh, Ralph A. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Zsótér, Norbert A1 - Kroiss, Matthias A1 - Fassnacht, Martin A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Kreissl, Michael C. A1 - Lapa, Constantin T1 - Volumetric and Texture Analysis of Pretherapeutic \(^{18}\)F-FDG PET can Predict Overall Survival in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Patients Treated with Vandetanib JF - Endocrine N2 - Purpose: The metabolically most active lesion in 2-deoxy-2-(\(^{18}\)F)fluoro-D-glucose (\(^{18}\)F-FDG) PET/CT can predict progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) starting treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) vandetanib. However, this metric failed in overall survival (OS) prediction. In the present proof of concept study, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of intratumoral textural features (TF) as well as volumetric parameters (total lesion glycolysis, TLG) derived by pre-therapeutic \(^{18}\)F-FDG PET. Methods: Eighteen patients with progressive MTC underwent baseline \(^{18}\)F-FDG PET/CT prior to and 3 months after vandetanib initiation. By manual segmentation of the tumor burden at baseline and follow-up PET, intratumoral TF and TLG were computed. The ability of TLG, imaging-based TF, and clinical parameters (including age, tumor marker doubling times, prior therapies and RET (rearranged during transfection) mutational status) for prediction of both PFS and OS were evaluated. Results: The TF Complexity and the volumetric parameter TLG obtained at baseline prior to TKI initiation successfully differentiated between low- and high-risk patients. Complexity allocated 10/18 patients to the high-risk group with an OS of 3.3y (vs. low-risk group, OS=5.3y, 8/18, AUC=0.78, P=0.03). Baseline TLG designated 11/18 patients to the high-risk group (OS=3.5y vs. low-risk group, OS=5y, 7/18, AUC=0.83, P=0.005). The Hazard Ratio for cancer-related death was 6.1 for Complexity (TLG, 9.5). Among investigated clinical parameters, the age at initiation of TKI treatment reached significance for PFS prediction (P=0.02, OS, n.s.). Conclusions: The TF Complexity and the volumetric parameter TLG are both independent parameters for OS prediction. KW - personalized medicine KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - medullary thyroid carcinoma KW - tyrosine kinase inhibitor KW - TKI KW - vandetanib KW - 18F-FDG KW - positron emission tomography KW - 2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose KW - PET Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-167910 SN - 1355-008X ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Marcus, Charles A1 - Sheikhbahaei, Sara A1 - Solnes, Lilja B. A1 - Leal, Jeffrey P. A1 - Du, Yong A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. T1 - Visual and Semiquantitative Accuracy in Clinical Baseline 123I-Ioflupane SPECT/CT Imaging JF - Clinical Nuclear Medicine N2 - PURPOSE: We aimed to (a) elucidate the concordance of visual assessment of an initial I-ioflupane scan by a human interpreter with comparison to results using a fully automatic semiquantitative method and (b) to assess the accuracy compared to follow-up (f/u) diagnosis established by movement disorder specialists. METHODS: An initial I-ioflupane scan was performed in 382 patients with clinically uncertain Parkinsonian syndrome. An experienced reader performed a visual evaluation of all scans independently. The findings of the visual read were compared with semiquantitative evaluation. In addition, available f/u clinical diagnosis (serving as a reference standard) was compared with results of the human read and the software. RESULTS: When comparing the semiquantitative method with the visual assessment, discordance could be found in 25 (6.5%) of 382 of the cases for the experienced reader (ĸ = 0.868). The human observer indicated region of interest misalignment as the main reason for discordance. With neurology f/u serving as reference, the results of the reader revealed a slightly higher accuracy rate (87.7%, ĸ = 0.75) compared to semiquantification (86.2%, ĸ = 0.719, P < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in the diagnostic performance of the visual read versus software-based assessment was found. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with a fully automatic semiquantitative method in I-ioflupane interpretation, human assessment obtained an almost perfect agreement rate. However, compared to clinical established diagnosis serving as a reference, visual read seemed to be slightly more accurate as a solely software-based quantitative assessment. KW - Single-Photon-Emissions-Computertomographie KW - SPECT KW - Parkinson’s disease KW - Parkinsonism KW - DaTscan KW - 123I-Ioflupane KW - SPECT KW - SPECT/CT Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-168181 SN - 1536-0229 VL - 44 IS - 1 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Wakabayashi, Hiroshi A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Hayakawa, Nobuyuki A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Robinson, Simon A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - Ventricular distribution pattern of the novel sympathetic nerve PET radiotracer \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 in Rabbit Hearts JF - Scientific Reports N2 - We aimed to determine a detailed regional ventricular distribution pattern of the novel cardiac nerve PET radiotracer \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 in healthy rabbits. Ex-vivo high resolution autoradiographic imaging was conducted to identify accurate ventricular distribution of \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195. In healthy rabbits, \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 was administered followed by the reference perfusion marker \(^{201}\)Tl for a dual-radiotracer analysis. After 20 min of \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 distribution time, the rabbits were euthanized, the hearts were extracted, frozen, and cut into 20-μm short axis slices. Subsequently, the short axis sections were exposed to a phosphor imaging plate to determine \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 distribution (exposure for 3 h). After complete \(^{18}\)F decay, sections were re-exposed to determine 201Tl distribution (exposure for 7 days). For quantitative analysis, segmental regions of Interest (ROIs) were divided into four left ventricular (LV) and a right ventricular (RV) segment on mid-ventricular short axis sections. Subendocardial, mid-portion, and subepicardial ROIs were placed on the LV lateral wall. \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 distribution was almost homogeneous throughout the LV wall without any significant differences in all four LV ROIs (anterior, posterior, septal and lateral wall, 99 ± 2, 94 ± 5, 94 ± 4 and 97 ± 3%LV, respectively, n.s.). Subepicardial \(^{201}\)Tl uptake was significantly lower compared to the subendocardial portion (subendocardial, mid-portion, and subepicardial activity: 90 ± 3, 96 ± 2 and *80 ± 5%LV, respectively, *p < 0.01 vs. mid-portion). This was in contradistinction to the transmural wall profile of \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 (90 ± 4, 96 ± 5 and 84 ± 4%LV, n.s.). A slight but significant discrepant transmural radiotracer distribution pattern of \(^{201}\)Tl in comparison to \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 may be a reflection of physiological sympathetic innervation and perfusion in rabbit hearts. KW - Cardiovascular diseases KW - Heart failure Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202707 VL - 9 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. T1 - Unfolding the cardioprotective potential of sigma-1 receptor-directed molecular imaging JF - Journal of Nuclear Cardiology N2 - No abstract available. KW - Journal of Nuclear Cardiology KW - editorial KW - sigma-1 receptor-directed molecular imaging KW - cardioprotective potential Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324600 VL - 30 IS - 2 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Bundschuh, Ralph A. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Serfling, Sebastian E. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Herrmann, Ken A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Derlin, Thorsten A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. T1 - Training on reporting and data system (RADS) for somatostatin-receptor targeted molecular imaging can reduce the test anxiety of inexperienced readers JF - Molecular Imaging and Biology N2 - Purpose For somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), a standardized framework termed SSTR-reporting and data system (RADS) has been proposed. We aimed to elucidate the impact of a RADS-focused training on reader’s anxiety to report on SSTR-PET/CT, the motivational beliefs in learning such a system, whether it increases reader’s confidence, and its implementation in clinical routine. Procedures A 3-day training course focusing on SSTR-RADS was conducted. Self-report questionnaires were handed out prior to the course (Pre) and thereafter (Post). The impact of the training on the following categories was evaluated: (1) test anxiety to report on SSTR-PET/CT, (2) motivational beliefs, (3) increase in reader’s confidence, and (4) clinical implementation. To assess the effect size of the course, Cohen’s d was calculated (small, d = 0.20; large effect, d = 0.80). Results Of 22 participants, Pre and Post were returned by 21/22 (95.5%). In total, 14/21 (66.7%) were considered inexperienced (IR, < 1 year experience in reading SSTR-PET/CTs) and 7/21 (33.3%) as experienced readers (ER, > 1 year). Applying SSTR-RADS, a large decrease in anxiety to report on SSTR-PET/CT was noted for IR (d =  − 0.74, P = 0.02), but not for ER (d = 0.11, P = 0.78). For the other three categories motivational beliefs, reader’s confidence, and clinical implementation, agreement rates were already high prior to the training and persisted throughout the course (P ≥ 0.21). Conclusions A framework-focused reader training can reduce anxiety to report on SSTR-PET/CTs, in particular for inexperienced readers. This may allow for a more widespread adoption of this system, e.g., in multicenter trials for better intra- and interindividual comparison of scan results. KW - PET/CT KW - neuroendocrine tumor KW - PRRT KW - peptide receptor radionuclide therapy KW - reporting and data system KW - SSTR-RADS KW - RADS Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324645 VL - 24 IS - 4 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Serfling, Sebastian E. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. T1 - Therapeutic effects of lipid lowering medications on myocardial blood flow, inflammation, and sympathetic nerve activity using nuclear techniques JF - Current Cardiology Reports N2 - Purpose of Review Statins are routinely applied in patients with coronary artery disease, as they allow significantly to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Although those drugs are endorsed by current guidelines and prescribed routinely, a substantial portion of patients are still statin-intolerant and image-piloted strategies may then be helpful to identify patients that need further intensified treatment, e.g., to initiate treatment with proprotein convertase subtilisin / kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i). In addition, it has also been advocated that statins exhibit nonlipid, cardio-protective effects including improved cardiac nerve integrity, blood flow, and anti-inflammatory effects in congestive heart failure (HF) patients. Recent Findings In subjects after myocardial infarction treated with statins, \(^{123}\)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy has already revealed enhanced cardiac nerve function relative to patients without statins. In addition, all of those aforementioned statin-targeted pathways in HF can be visualized and monitored using dedicated cardiac radiotracers, e.g., \(^{123}\)I-MIBG or \(^{18}\)F-AF78 (for cardiac nerve function), \(^{18}\)F-flurpiridaz (to determine coronary flow) or \(^{68}\)Ga-PentixaFor (to detect inflammation). Summary Statins exhibit various cardio-beneficial effects, including improvement of cardiac nerve function, blood flow, and reduction of inflammation, which can all be imaged using dedicated nuclear cardiac radiotracers. This may allow for in vivo monitoring of statin-induced cardioprotection beyond lipid profiling in HF patients. KW - sympathetic nervous system KW - cardiac nerve KW - MIBG KW - inflammation KW - blood flow KW - statin Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324599 VL - 24 IS - 12 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. T1 - Theranostics in oncology — thriving, now more than ever JF - Diagnostics N2 - Tracing its roots back to the 1940s, theranostics in nuclear oncology has proved successful mainly due to the beneficial effects of image-guided therapeutic concepts for patients afflicted with a variety of different cancers. The majority of these treatments are not only characterized by substantial prolongation of progression-free and overall survival, but are also generally safe, rendering theranostic agents as an attractive treatment option in various clinical scenarios in oncology. In this Special Issue Novel Theranostic Agents, nine original articles from around the globe provide further evidence on the use of the theranostic concept for neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN), prostate cancer (PC), meningioma, and neuroblastoma. The investigated diagnostic and therapeutic radiotracers target not only established structures, such as somatostatin receptor, prostate-specific membrane antigen or norepinephrine transporter, but also recently emerging targets such as the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4. Moreover, the presented original articles also combine the concept of theranostics with in-depth read-out techniques such as radiomics or novel reconstruction algorithms on pretherapeutic scans, e.g., for outcome prediction. Even 80 years after its initial clinical introduction, theranostics in oncology continues to thrive, now more than ever. KW - theranostics KW - somatostatin receptor (SSTR) KW - prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) KW - prostate cancer KW - neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) KW - neuroendocrine tumors (NET) KW - meningioma KW - norepinephrine transporter KW - neuroblastoma Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-236662 SN - 2075-4418 VL - 11 IS - 5 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 - Eissler, Cristoph A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Arias-Loza, Paula A1 - Nose, Naoko A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Pomper, Martin G. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - The number of frames on ECG-gated \(^{18}\)F-FDG small animal PET has a significant impact on LV systolic and diastolic functional parameters JF - Molecular Imaging N2 - Objectives. This study is aimed at investigating the impact of frame numbers in preclinical electrocardiogram- (ECG-) gated \(^{18}\)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (\(^{18}\)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) on systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) parameters in rats. Methods. \(^{18}\)F-FDG PET imaging using a dedicated small animal PET system with list mode data acquisition and continuous ECG recording was performed in diabetic and control rats. The list-mode data was sorted and reconstructed with different numbers of frames (4, 8, 12, and 16) per cardiac cycle into tomographic images. Using an automatic ventricular edge detection software, left ventricular (LV) functional parameters, including ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic (EDV), and end-systolic volume (ESV), were calculated. Diastolic variables (time to peak filling (TPF), first third mean filling rate (1/3 FR), and peak filling rate (PFR)) were also assessed. Results. Significant differences in multiple parameters were observed among the reconstructions with different frames per cardiac cycle. EDV significantly increased by numbers of frames (353.8 & PLUSMN; 57.7 mu l*, 380.8 & PLUSMN; 57.2 mu l*, 398.0 & PLUSMN; 63.1 mu l*, and 444.8 & PLUSMN; 75.3 mu l at 4, 8, 12, and 16 frames, respectively; *P < 0.0001 vs. 16 frames), while systolic (EF) and diastolic (TPF, 1/3 FR and PFR) parameters were not significantly different between 12 and 16 frames. In addition, significant differences between diabetic and control animals in 1/3 FR and PFR in 16 frames per cardiac cycle were observed (P < 0.005), but not for 4, 8, and 12 frames. Conclusions. Using ECG-gated PET in rats, measurements of cardiac function are significantly affected by the frames per cardiac cycle. Therefore, if you are going to compare those functional parameters, a consistent number of frames should be used. KW - Myocardial-perfusion SPECT KW - left-ventricular function KW - ejection fraction KW - MRI Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265778 VL - 2021 ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Marcus, Charles A1 - Sheikhbahaei, Sara A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Solnes, Lilja B. A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. T1 - The Impact of Ageing on Dopamine Transporter Imaging T2 - Journal of Nuclear Medicine N2 - No abstract available. KW - Parkinson-Krankheit KW - Parkinson KW - Parkinson Disease KW - DaTscan KW - Ioflupane KW - SPECT KW - molecular imaging KW - ageing Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-162213 UR - http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/59/supplement_1/1646.abstract SN - 0161-5505 N1 - This research was originally published in JNM. Rudolf A. Werner, Charles Marcus, Sara Sheikhbahaei, Takahiro Higuchi, Lilja B. Solnes, Steven P. Rowe, Andreas K. Buck, Constantin Lapa, Mehrbod S. Javadi. The Impact of Ageing on Dopamine Transporter Imaging. J Nucl Med. May 1, 2018; vol. 59 no. supplement 1:1646. © SNMMI. VL - 59 IS - Supplement No 1 SP - 1646 ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Hirano, Mitsuru A1 - Nose, Naoko A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - The Impact of Ageing on [\(^{11}\)C]meta-Hydroxyephedrine Uptake in the Rat Heart T2 - Journal of Nuclear Medicine N2 - No abstract available. KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - moycardial sympathetic innervation KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - positron emission tomography KW - PET KW - 11C-HED KW - hydroxyephedrine KW - ageing Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-162228 UR - http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/59/supplement_1/100.abstract SN - 0161-5505 VL - 59 IS - Supplement No 1 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Maya, Yoshifumi A1 - Eissler, Christoph A1 - Hirano, Mitsuru A1 - Nose, Naoko A1 - Wakabayashi, Hiroshi A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - The Impact of Ageing on 11C-Hydroxyephedrine Uptake in the Rat Heart JF - Scientific Reports N2 - We aimed to explore the impact of ageing on 11C-Hydroxyephedrine (11C-HED) uptake in the healthy rat heart in a longitudinal setting. To investigate a potential cold mass effect, the influence of specific activity on cardiac 11C-HED uptake was evaluated: 11C-HED was synthesized by N-methylation of (−)-metaraminol as the free base (radiochemical purity >95%) and a wide range of specific activities (0.2–141.9 GBq/μmol) were prepared. \(^{11}\)C-HED (48.7±9.7MBq, ranged 0.2–60.4μg/kg cold mass) was injected in healthy Wistar Rats. Dynamic 23-frame PET images were obtained over 30 min. Time activity curves were generated for the blood input function and myocardial tissue. Cardiac 11C-HED retention index (%/min) was calculated as myocardial tissue activity at 20-30 min divided by the integral of the blood activity curves. Additionally, the impact of ageing on myocardial 11CHED uptake was investigated longitudinally by PET studies at different ages of healthy Wistar Rats. A dose-dependent reduction of cardiac 11C-HED uptake was observed: The estimated retention index as a marker of norepinephrine function decreased at a lower specific activity (higher amount of cold mass). This observed high affinity of 11C-HED to the neural norepinephrine transporter triggered a subsequent study: In a longitudinal setting, the 11C-HED retention index decreased with increasing age. An age-related decline of cardiac sympathetic innervation could be demonstrated. The herein observed cold mass effect might increase in succeeding scans and therefore, 11C-HED microPET studies should be planned with extreme caution if one single radiosynthesis is scheduled for multiple animals. KW - ageing KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - 11C-HED KW - 11C-Hydroxyephedrine KW - cardiac sympathetic nervous system KW - myocardial sympathetic innervation imaging KW - PET Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164826 SN - 2281-5872 VL - 8 IS - 11120 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Beykan, Seval A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Lückerath, Katharina A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Scheurlen, Michael A1 - Bluemel, Christina A1 - Herrmann, Ken A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Lassmann, Michael A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Hänscheid, Heribert T1 - The impact of \(^{177}\)Lu-octreotide therapy on \(^{99m}\)Tc-MAG3 clearance is not predictive for late nephropathy JF - Oncotarget N2 - Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors may lead to kidney deterioration. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of \(^{99m}\)Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (\(^{99m}\)Tc-MAG3) clearance for the early detection of PRRT-induced changes on tubular extraction (TE). TE rate (TER) was measured prior to 128 PRRT cycles (7.6±0.4 GBq \(^{177}\)Lu-octreotate/octreotide each) in 32 patients. TER reduction during PRRT was corrected for age-related decrease and analyzed for the potential to predict loss of glomerular filtration (GF). The GF rate (GFR) as measure for renal function was derived from serum creatinine. The mean TER was 234 ± 53 ml/min/1.73 m² before PRRT (baseline) and 221 ± 45 ml/min/1.73 m² after a median follow-up of 370 days. The age-corrected decrease (mean: -3%, range: -27% to +19%) did not reach significance (p=0.09) but significantly correlated with the baseline TER (Spearman p=-0.62, p<0.001). Patients with low baseline TER showed an improved TER after PRRT, high decreases were only observed in individuals with high baseline TER. Pre-therapeutic TER data were inferior to plasma creatinine-derived GFR estimates in predicting late nephropathy. TER assessed by \(^{99m}\)Tc-MAG3­clearance prior to and during PRRT is not suitable as early predictor of renal injury and an increased risk for late nephropathy. KW - renal scintigraphy KW - neuroendocrine tumor KW - 177Lu KW - MAG3 KW - PRRT Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-177318 VL - 7 IS - 27 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Sayehli, Cyrus A1 - Hänscheid, Heribert A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Serfling, Sebastian E. A1 - Fassnacht, Martin A1 - Goebeler, Maria-Elisabeth A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Kroiss, Matthias T1 - Successful combination of selpercatinib and radioiodine after pretherapeutic dose estimation in RET-altered thyroid carcinoma JF - European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging N2 - No abstract available. KW - papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) KW - selpercatinib KW - radioiodine KW - combination KW - thyroid carcinoma (TC) Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324435 VL - 50 IS - 6 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Nose, Naoko A1 - Hirano, Mitsuru A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Robinson, Simon A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - Subcellular storage and release mode of the novel \(^{18}\)F-labeled sympathetic nerve PET tracer LMI1195 JF - EJNMMI Research N2 - Background: \(^{18}\)F-N-[3-bromo-4-(3-fluoro-propoxy)-benzyl]-guanidine (\(^{18}\)F-LMI1195) is a new class of PET tracer designed for sympathetic nervous imaging of the heart. The favorable image quality with high and specific neural uptake has been previously demonstrated in animals and humans, but intracellular behavior is not yet fully understood. The aim of the present study is to verify whether it is taken up in storage vesicles and released in company with vesicle turnover. Results: Both vesicle-rich (PC12) and vesicle-poor (SK-N-SH) norepinephrine-expressing cell lines were used for in vitro tracer uptake studies. After 2 h of \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 preloading into both cell lines, effects of stimulants for storage vesicle turnover (high concentration KCl (100 mM) or reserpine treatment) were measured at 10, 20, and 30 min. \(^{131}\)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (\(^{131}\)I-MIBG) served as a reference. Both high concentration KCl and reserpine enhanced \(^{18}\)F-LMI1195 washout from PC12 cells, while tracer retention remained stable in the SK-N-SH cells. After 30 min of treatment, 18F-LMI1195 releasing index (percentage of tracer released from cells) from vesicle-rich PC12 cells achieved significant differences compared to cells without treatment condition. In contrast, such effect could not be observed using vesicle-poor SK-N-SH cell lines. Similar tracer kinetics after KCl or reserpine treatment were also observed using 131I-MIBG. In case of KCl exposure, Ca\(^{2+}\)-free buffer with the calcium chelator, ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA), could suppress the tracer washout from PC12 cells. This finding is consistent with the tracer release being mediated by Ca\(^{2+}\) influx resulting from membrane depolarization. Conclusions: Analogous to \(^{131}\)I-MIBG, the current in vitro tracer uptake study confirmed that \(^{131}\)F-LMI1195 is also stored in vesicles in PC12 cells and released along with vesicle turnover. Understanding the basic kinetics of \(^{18}\)FLMI1195 at a subcellular level is important for the design of clinical imaging protocols and imaging interpretation. KW - phaeochromocytoma KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - heart failure KW - sympathetic nervous system KW - storage vesicle turnover KW - positron emission tomography KW - 18F-LMI1195 Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-167081 SN - 2191-219X VL - 8 IS - 12 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A1 - Solnes, Lilja A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod A1 - Weich, Alexander A1 - Gorin, Michael A1 - Pienta, Kenneth A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro A1 - Buck, Andreas A1 - Pomper, Martin A1 - Rowe, Steven A1 - Lapa, Constantin T1 - SSTR-RADS Version 1.0 as a Reporting System for SSTR-PET Imaging and Selection of Potential PRRT Candidates: A Proposed Standardization Framework JF - Journal of Nuclear Medicine N2 - Reliable standards and criteria for somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positron emission tomography (PET) are still lacking. We herein propose a structured reporting system on a 5-point scale for SSTR-PET imaging, titled SSTR-RADS version 1.0, which might serve as a standardized assessment for both diagnosis and treatment planning in neuroendocrine tumors (NET). SSTR-RADS could guide the imaging specialist in interpreting SSTR-PET scans, facilitate communication with the referring clinician so that appropriate work-up for equivocal findings is pursued, and serve as a reliable tool for patient selection for planned Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy. KW - Radionuclide Therapy KW - Standardisierung KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - 68Ga-DOTATATE/-TOC KW - Gastrointestinal KW - Neuroendocrine KW - Neuroendocrine Tumor KW - Oncology KW - GI KW - PET KW - PET/CT KW - PRRT KW - RADS KW - SSTR Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-161298 SN - 0161-5505 N1 - This research was originally published in JNM. Rudolf A. Werner, Lilja B. Solnes, Mehrbod Som Javadi, Alexander Weich, Michael A. Gorin, Kenneth J. Pienta, Takahiro Higuchi, Andreas K. Buck, Martin G. Pomper, Steven P. Rowe, Constantin Lapa. SSTR-RADS Version 1.0 as a Reporting System for SSTR-PET Imaging and Selection of Potential PRRT Candidates: A Proposed Standardization Framework. J. Nucl. Med. July 1, 2018, vol. 59, no. 7, 1085-1091. © SNMMI ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Hirano, Mitsuru A1 - Rowe, Steven P. A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Javadi, Mehrbod S. A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - SPECT vs. PET in Cardiac Innervation Imaging: Clash of the Titans JF - Clinical and Translational Imaging N2 - Purpose: We aim to provide an overview of the conventional single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and emerging positron emission tomography (PET) catecholamine analogue tracers for assessing myocardial nerve integrity, in particular focusing on \(^{18}\)F-labeled tracers. Results: Increasingly, the cardiac sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is being studied by non-invasive molecular imaging approaches. Forming the backbone of myocardial SNS imaging, the norepinephrine (NE) transporter at the sympathetic nerve terminal plays a crucial role for visualizing denervated myocardium: in particular, the single-photon-emitting NE analogue \(^{123}\)I-meta-Iodobenzylguanidine (\(^{123}\)I-mIBG) has demonstrated favorable results in the identification of patients at a high risk for cardiac death. However, cardiac neuronal PET agents offer several advantages inlcuding improved spatio-temporal resolution and intrinsic quantifiability. Compared to their \(^{11}\)C-labeled counterparts with a short half-life (20.4 min), novel \(^{18}\)F-labeled PET imaging agents to assess myocardial nerve integrity have the potential to revolutionize the field of SNS molecular imaging: The longer half-life of \(^{18}\)F (109.8 min) allows for more flexibility in the study design and delivery from central cyclotron facilities to smaller hospitals may lead to further cost reduction. A great deal of progress has been made by the first in-human studies of such \(^{18}\)F-labeled SNS imaging agents. Moreover, dedicated animal platforms open avenues for further insights into the handling of radiolabeled catecholamine analogues at the sympathetic nerve terminal. Conclusions: \(^{18}\)F-labeled imaging agents demonstrate key properties for mapping cardiac sympathetic nerve integrity and might outperform current SPECT-based or \(^{11}\)C-labeled tracers in the long run. KW - single photon emission computed tomography: sympathetic nerve KW - Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie KW - 18F-LMI1195 KW - 11C-hydroxyephedrine KW - 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine KW - positron emission tomography Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-163628 SN - 2281-5872 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Tutov, Anna A1 - Chen, Xinyu A1 - Werner, Rudolf A. A1 - Mühlig, Saskia A1 - Zimmermann, Thomas A1 - Nose, Naoko A1 - Koshino, Kazuhiro A1 - Lapa, Constantin A1 - Decker, Michael A1 - Higuchi, Takahiro T1 - Rationalizing the binding modes of PET radiotracers targeting the norepinephrine transporter JF - Pharmaceutics N2 - Purpose: A new PET radiotracer \(^{18}\)F-AF78 showing great potential for clinical application has been reported recently. It belongs to a new generation of phenethylguanidine-based norepinephrine transporter (NET)-targeting radiotracers. Although many efforts have been made to develop NET inhibitors as antidepressants, systemic investigations of the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of NET-targeting radiotracers have rarely been performed. Methods: Without changing the phenethylguanidine pharmacophore and 3-fluoropropyl moiety that is crucial for easy labeling, six new analogs of \(^{18}\)F-AF78 with different meta-substituents on the benzene-ring were synthesized and evaluated in a competitive cellular uptake assay and in in vivo animal experiments in rats. Computational modeling of these tracers was established to quantitatively rationalize the interaction between the radiotracers and NET. Results: Using non-radiolabeled reference compounds, a competitive cellular uptake assay showed a decrease in NET-transporting affinity from meta-fluorine to iodine (0.42 and 6.51 µM, respectively), with meta-OH being the least active (22.67 µM). Furthermore, in vivo animal studies with radioisotopes showed that heart-to-blood ratios agreed with the cellular experiments, with AF78(F) exhibiting the highest cardiac uptake. This result correlates positively with the electronegativity rather than the atomic radius of the meta-substituent. Computational modeling studies revealed a crucial influence of halogen substituents on the radiotracer–NET interaction, whereby a T-shaped π–π stacking interaction between the benzene-ring of the tracer and the amino acid residues surrounding the NET binding site made major contributions to the different affinities, in accordance with the pharmacological data. Conclusion: The SARs were characterized by in vitro and in vivo evaluation, and computational modeling quantitatively rationalized the interaction between radiotracers and the NET binding site. These findings pave the way for further evaluation in different species and underline the potential of AF78(F) for clinical application, e.g., cardiac innervation imaging or molecular imaging of neuroendocrine tumors. KW - positron emission tomography KW - norepinephrine transporter KW - sympathetic nervous system KW - structure–activity relationships KW - T-shaped π–π stacking Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-303949 SN - 1999-4923 VL - 15 IS - 2 ER -