@article{WeichHiguchiBundschuhetal.2022, author = {Weich, Alexander and Higuchi, Takahiro and Bundschuh, Ralph A. and Lapa, Constantin and Serfling, Sebastian E. and Rowe, Steven P. and Pomper, Martin G. and Herrmann, Ken and Buck, Andreas K. and Derlin, Thorsten and Werner, Rudolf A.}, title = {Training on reporting and data system (RADS) for somatostatin-receptor targeted molecular imaging can reduce the test anxiety of inexperienced readers}, series = {Molecular Imaging and Biology}, volume = {24}, journal = {Molecular Imaging and Biology}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1007/s11307-022-01712-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324645}, pages = {631-640}, year = {2022}, abstract = {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.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinzeSchirbelNannenetal.2021, author = {Heinze, Britta and Schirbel, Andreas and Nannen, Lukas and Michelmann, David and Hartrampf, Philipp E. and Bluemel, Christina and Schneider, Magdalena and Herrmann, Ken and Haenscheid, Heribert and Fassnacht, Martin and Buck, Andreas K. and Hahner, Stefanie}, title = {Novel CYP11B-ligand [\(^{123/131}\)I]IMAZA as promising theranostic tool for adrenocortical tumors: comprehensive preclinical characterization and first clinical experience}, series = {European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging}, volume = {49}, journal = {European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging}, number = {1}, issn = {1619-7089}, doi = {10.1007/s00259-021-05477-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265606}, pages = {301-310}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose Adrenal tumors represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Promising results have been obtained through targeting the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 for molecular imaging, and [\(^{123/131}\)I]iodometomidate ([\(^{123/131}\)I]IMTO) has even been successfully introduced as a theranostic agent. As this radiopharmaceutical shows rapid metabolic inactivation, we aimed at developing new improved tracers. Methods Several IMTO derivatives were newly designed by replacing the unstable methyl ester by different carboxylic esters or amides. The inhibition of aldosterone and cortisol synthesis was tested in different adrenocortical cell lines. The corresponding radiolabeled compounds were assessed regarding their stability, in vitro cell uptake, in vivo biodistribution in mice, and their binding specificity to cryosections of human adrenocortical and non-adrenocortical tissue. Furthermore, a first investigation was performed in patients with known metastatic adrenal cancer using both [\(^{123}\)I]IMTO and the most promising compound (R)-1-[1-(4-[\(^{123/}\)I]iodophenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid azetidinylamide ([\(^{123}\)I]IMAZA) for scintigraphy. Subsequently, a first endoradiotherapy with [\(^{131}\)I]IMAZA in one of these patients was performed. Results We identified three analogues to IMTO with high-affinity binding to the target enzymes and comparable or higher metabolic stability and very high and specific accumulation in adrenocortical cells in vitro and in vivo. Labeled IMAZA exhibited superior pharmacokinetic and imaging properties compared to IMTO in mice and 3 patients, too. An endoradiotherapy with [\(^{131}\)I]IMAZA induced a 21-month progression-free interval in a patient with rapidly progressing ACC prior this therapy. Conclusion We developed the new radiopharmaceutical [\(^{123/131}\)I]IMAZA with superior properties compared to the reference compound IMTO and promising first experiences in humans.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{WernerBundschuhBundschuhetal.2019, author = {Werner, Rudolf A. and Bundschuh, Ralph A. and Bundschuh, Lena and Fanti, Stefano and Javadi, Mehrbod S. and Higuchi, Takahiro and Weich, A. and Pienta, Kenneth J. and Buck, Andreas K. and Pomper, Martin G. and Gorin, Michael A. and Herrmann, Ken and Lapa, Constantin and Rowe, Steven P.}, title = {Novel Structured Reporting Systems for Theranostic Radiotracers}, series = {Journal of Nuclear Medicine}, journal = {Journal of Nuclear Medicine}, issn = {0161-5505}, doi = {10.2967/jnumed.118.223537}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-174629}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Standardized reporting is more and more routinely implemented in clinical practice and such structured reports have a major impact on a large variety of medical fields, e.g. laboratory medicine, pathology, and, recently, radiology. Notably, the field of nuclear medicine is constantly evolving, as novel radiotracers for numerous clinical applications are developed. Thus, framework systems for standardized reporting in this field may a) increase clinical acceptance of new radiotracers, b) allow for inter- and intra-center comparisons for quality assurance, and c) may be used in (global) multi-center studies to ensure comparable results and enable efficient data abstraction. In the last two years, several standardized framework systems for positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers with potential theranostic applications have been proposed. These include systems for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET agents for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) and somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-targeted PET agents for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasias. In the present review, those standardized framework systems for PSMA- and SSTR-targeted PET will be briefly introduced followed by an overview of their advantages and limitations. In addition, potential applications will be defined, approaches to validate such concepts will be proposed, and future perspectives will be discussed.}, subject = {Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie}, language = {en} } @article{BrumbergKuestersAlMomanietal.2017, author = {Brumberg, Joachim and K{\"u}sters, Sebastian and Al-Momani, Ehab and Marotta, Giorgio and Cosgrove, Kelly P. and van Dyck, Christopher H. and Herrmann, Ken and Homola, Gy{\"o}rgy A. and Pezzoli, Gianni and Buck, Andreas K. and Volkmann, Jens and Samnick, Samuel and Isaias, Ioannis U.}, title = {Cholinergic activity and levodopa-induced dyskinesia: a multitracer molecular imaging study}, series = {Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology}, volume = {4}, journal = {Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1002/acn3.438}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170406}, pages = {632-639}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Objective: To investigate the association between levodopa-induced dyskinesias and striatal cholinergic activity in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study included 13 Parkinson's disease patients with peak-of-dose levodopa-induced dyskinesias, 12 nondyskinetic patients, and 12 healthy controls. Participants underwent 5-[\(^{123}\)I]iodo-3-[2(S)-2-azetidinylmethoxy]pyridine single-photon emission computed tomography, a marker of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, [\(^{123}\)I]N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane single-photon emission computed tomography, to measure dopamine reuptake transporter density and 2-[\(^{18}\)F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography to assess regional cerebral metabolic activity. Striatal binding potentials, uptake values at basal ganglia structures, and correlations with clinical variables were analyzed. Results: Density of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the caudate nucleus of dyskinetic subjects was similar to that of healthy controls and significantly higher to that of nondyskinetic patients, in particular, contralaterally to the clinically most affected side. Interpretation: Our findings support the hypothesis that the expression of dyskinesia may be related to cholinergic neuronal excitability in a dopaminergic-depleted striatum. Cholinergic signaling would play a role in maintaining striatal dopaminergic responsiveness, possibly defining disease phenotype and progression.}, language = {en} } @article{LapaKircherSchirbeletal.2017, author = {Lapa, Constantin and Kircher, Stefan and Schirbel, Andreas and Rosenwald, Andreas and Kropf, Saskia and Pelzer, Theo and Walles, Thorsten and Buck, Andreas K. and Weber, Wolfgang A. and Wester, Hans-Juergen and Herrmann, Ken and L{\"u}ckerath, Katharina}, title = {Targeting CXCR4 with [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor: a suitable theranostic approach in pleural mesothelioma?}, series = {Oncotarget}, volume = {8}, journal = {Oncotarget}, number = {57}, doi = {10.18632/oncotarget.18235}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-169989}, pages = {96732-96737}, year = {2017}, abstract = {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.}, language = {en} } @article{WernerWeichHiguchietal.2017, author = {Werner, Rudolf A. and Weich, Alexander and Higuchi, Takahiro and Schmid, Jan S. and Schirbel, Andreas and Lassmann, Michael and Wild, Vanessa and Rudelius, Martina and Kudlich, Theodor and Herrmann, Ken and Scheurlen, Michael and Buck, Andreas K. and Kropf, Saskia and Wester, Hans-J{\"u}rgen and Lapa, Constantin}, title = {Imaging of Chemokine Receptor 4 Expression in Neuroendocrine Tumors - a Triple Tracer Comparative Approach}, series = {Theranostics}, volume = {7}, journal = {Theranostics}, number = {6}, doi = {10.7150/thno.18754}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158008}, pages = {1489-1498}, year = {2017}, abstract = {C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and somatostatin receptors (SSTR) are overexpressed in gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET). In this study, we aimed to elucidate the feasibility of non-invasive CXCR4 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in GEP-NET patients using [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor in comparison to \(^{68}\)Ga-DOTA-D-Phe-Tyr3-octreotide ([\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATOC) and \(^{18}\)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([\(^{18}\)F]FDG). Twelve patients with histologically proven GEP-NET (3xG1, 4xG2, 5xG3) underwent [\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATOC, [\(^{18}\)F]FDG, and [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT for staging and planning of the therapeutic management. Scans were analyzed on a patient as well as on a lesion basis and compared to immunohistochemical staining patterns of CXCR4 and somatostatin receptors SSTR2a and SSTR5. [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor visualized tumor lesions in 6/12 subjects, whereas [\(^{18}\)F]FDG revealed sites of disease in 10/12 and [\(^{68}\)Ga]DOTATOC in 11/12 patients, respectively. Regarding sensitivity, SSTR-directed PET was the superior imaging modality in all G1 and G2 NET. CXCR4-directed PET was negative in all G1 NET. In contrast, 50\% of G2 and 80\% of G3 patients exhibited [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-positive tumor lesions. Whereas CXCR4 seems to play only a limited role in detecting well-differentiated NET, increasing receptor expression could be non-invasively observed with increasing tumor grade. Thus, [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT might serve as non-invasive read-out for evaluating the possibility of CXCR4-directed endoradiotherapy in advanced dedifferentiated SSTR-negative tumors.}, subject = {Positronen-Emissions-Tomografie}, language = {en} } @article{LapaHerrmannSchirbeletal.2017, author = {Lapa, Constantin and Herrmann, Ken and Schirbel, Andreas and H{\"a}nscheid, Heribert and L{\"u}ckerath, Katharina and Schottelius, Margret and Kircher, Malte and Werner, Rudolf A. and Schreder, Martin and Samnick, Samuel and Kropf, Saskia and Knop, Stefan and Buck, Andreas K. and Einsele, Hermann and Wester, Hans-Juergen and Kort{\"u}m, K. Martin}, title = {CXCR4-directed endoradiotherapy induces high response rates in extramedullary relapsed multiple myeloma}, series = {Theranostics}, volume = {7}, journal = {Theranostics}, number = {6}, doi = {10.7150/thno.19050}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172095}, pages = {1589-1597}, year = {2017}, abstract = {C-X-C-motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a key factor for tumor growth and metastasis in several types of human cancer. We have recently reported promising first-in-man experience with CXCR4-directed endoradiotherapy (ERT) in multiple myeloma (MM). Eight heavily pretreated MM patients underwent a total of 10 ERT cycles (7 patients with 1 cycle and a single patient with 3 cycles). ERT was administered in combination with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell support. End points were occurrence and timing of adverse events, progression-free and overall survival. ERT was overall well tolerated without any unexpected acute adverse events or changes in vital signs. With absorbed tumor doses >30-70 Gy in intra- or extramedullary lesions, significant anti-myeloma activity was observed with 1 patient achieving complete remission and 5/8 partial remission. Directly after ERT major infectious complications were seen in one patient who died from sepsis 22 days after ERT, another patient with high tumor burden experienced lethal tumor lysis syndrome. Median progression-free survival was 54 days (range, 13-175), median overall survival was 223 days (range, 13-313). During follow-up (6 patients available), one patient died from infectious complications, 2/8 from disease progression, the remaining 3/8 patients are still alive. CXCR4-directed ERT was well-tolerated and exerted anti-myeloma activity even at very advanced stage MM with presence of extramedullary disease. Further assessment of this novel treatment option is highly warranted.}, language = {en} } @article{LapaSchrederSchirbeletal.2017, author = {Lapa, Constantin and Schreder, Martin and Schirbel, Andreas and Samnick, Samuel and Kort{\"u}m, Klaus Martin and Herrmann, Ken and Kropf, Saskia and Einsele, Herrmann and Buck, Andreas K. and Wester, Hans-J{\"u}rgen and Knop, Stefan and L{\"u}ckerath, Katharina}, title = {[\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET/CT for imaging of chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression in multiple myeloma - comparison to [\(^{18}\)F]FDG and laboratory values}, series = {Theranostics}, volume = {7}, journal = {Theranostics}, number = {1}, doi = {10.7150/thno.16576}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172106}, pages = {205-212}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a key factor for tumor growth and metastasis in several types of human cancer including multiple myeloma (MM). Proof-of-concept of CXCR4-directed radionuclide therapy in MM has recently been reported. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of the CXCR4-directed radiotracer [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor in MM and a potential role for stratifying patients to CXCR4-directed therapies. Thirty-five patients with MM underwent [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET/CT for evaluation of eligibility for endoradiotherapy. In 19/35 cases, [\(^{18}\)F]FDG-PET/CT for correlation was available. Scans were compared on a patient and on a lesion basis. Tracer uptake was correlated with standard clinical parameters of disease activity. [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET detected CXCR4-positive disease in 23/35 subjects (66\%). CXCR4-positivity at PET was independent from myeloma subtypes, cytogenetics or any serological parameters and turned out as a negative prognostic factor. In the 19 patients in whom a comparison to [\(^{18}\)F]FDG was available, [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET detected more lesions in 4/19 (21\%) subjects, [\(^{18}\)F]FDG proved superior in 7/19 (37\%). In the remaining 8/19 (42\%) patients, both tracers detected an equal number of lesions. [\(^{18}\)F]FDG-PET positivity correlated with [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET positivity (p=0.018). [\(^{68}\)Ga]Pentixafor-PET provides further evidence that CXCR4 expression frequently occurs in advanced multiple myeloma, representing a negative prognostic factor and a potential target for myeloma specific treatment. However, selecting patients for CXCR4 directed therapies and prognostic stratification seem to be more relevant clinical applications for this novel imaging modality, rather than diagnostic imaging of myeloma.}, language = {en} } @article{LapaGarciaVellosoLueckerathetal.2017, author = {Lapa, Constantin and Garcia-Velloso, Maria J. and L{\"u}ckerath, Katharina and Samnick, Samuel and Schreder, Martin and Otero, Paula Rodriguez and Schmid, Jan-Stefan and Herrmann, Ken and Knop, Stefan and Buck, Andreas K. and Einsele, Hermann and San-Miguel, Jesus and Kort{\"u}m, Klaus Martin}, title = {\(^{11}\)C-methionine-PET in multiple myeloma: a combined study from two different institutions}, series = {Theranostics}, volume = {7}, journal = {Theranostics}, number = {11}, doi = {10.7150/thno.20491}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172038}, pages = {2956-2964}, year = {2017}, abstract = {\(^{11}\)C-methionine (MET) has recently emerged as an accurate marker of tumor burden and disease activity in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). This dual-center study aimed at further corroboration of the superiority of MET as positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for staging and re-staging MM, as compared to \(^{18}\)F-2`-deoxy-2`-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG). 78 patients with a history of solitary plasmacytoma (n=4), smoldering MM (SMM, n=5), and symptomatic MM (n=69) underwent both MET- and FDG-PET/computed tomography (CT) at the University Centers of W{\"u}rzburg, Germany and Navarra, Spain. Scans were compared on a patient and on a lesion basis. Inter-reader agreement was also evaluated. In 2 patients, tumor biopsies for verification of discordant imaging results were available. MET-PET detected focal lesions (FL) in 59/78 subjects (75.6\%), whereas FDG-PET/CT showed lesions in only 47 patients (60.3\%; p<0.01), accordingly disease activity would have been missed in 12 patients. Directed biopsies of discordant results confirmed MET-PET/CT results in both cases. MET depicted more FL in 44 patients (56.4\%; p<0.01), whereas in two patients (2/78), FDG proved superior. In the remainder (41.0\%, 32/78), both tracers yielded comparable results. Inter-reader agreement for MET was higher than for FDG (κ = 0.82 vs κ = 0.72). This study demonstrates higher sensitivity of MET in comparison to standard FDG to detect intra- and extramedullary MM including histologic evidence of FDG-negative, viable disease exclusively detectable by MET-PET/CT. MET holds the potential to replace FDG as functional imaging standard for staging and re-staging of MM.}, language = {en} } @article{BluemelLinkeHerrmannetal.2016, author = {Bluemel, Christina and Linke, Fraenze and Herrmann, Ken and Simunovic, Iva and Eiber, Matthias and Kestler, Christian and Buck, Andreas K. and Schirbel, Andreas and Bley, Thorsten A. and Wester, Hans-Juergen and Vergho, Daniel and Becker, Axel}, title = {Impact of \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT on salvage radiotherapy planning in patients with prostate cancer and persisting PSA values or biochemical relapse after prostatectomy}, series = {EJNMMI Research}, volume = {6}, journal = {EJNMMI Research}, number = {78}, doi = {10.1186/s13550-016-0233-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147798}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) is clinically established in prostate cancer (PC) patients with PSA persistence or biochemical relapse (BCR) after prior radical surgery. PET/CT imaging prior to SRT may be performed to localize disease recurrence. The recently introduced \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA outperforms other PET tracers for detection of recurrence and is therefore expected also to impact radiation planning. Forty-five patients with PSA persistence (16 pts) or BCR (29 pts) after prior prostatectomy, scheduled to undergo SRT of the prostate bed, underwent \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT. The median PSA level was 0.67 ng/ml. The impact of \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT on the treatment decision was assessed. Patients with oligometastatic (≤5 lesions) PC underwent radiotherapy (RT), with the extent of the RT area and dose escalation being based on PET positivity. Results Suspicious lesions were detected in 24/45 (53.3 \%) patients. In 62.5 \% of patients, lesions were only detected by 68Ga-PSMA PET. Treatment was changed in 19/45 (42.2 \%) patients, e.g., extending SRT to metastases (9/19), administering dose escalation in patients with morphological local recurrence (6/19), or replacing SRT by systemic therapy (2/19). 38/45 (84.4 \%) followed the treatment recommendation, with data on clinical follow-up being available in 21 patients treated with SRT. All but one showed biochemical response (mean PSA decline 78 ± 19 \%) within a mean follow-up of 8.12 ± 5.23 months. Conclusions \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT impacts treatment planning in more than 40 \% of patients scheduled to undergo SRT. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm this significant therapeutic impact on patients prior to SRT.}, language = {en} }