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Da-Ano R, Andrade-Miranda G, Tankyevych O, Visvikis D, Conze PH, Rest CCL. Automated PD-L1 status prediction in lung cancer with multi-modal PET/CT fusion. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16720. [PMID: 39030240 PMCID: PMC11271510 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66487-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expressions play a crucial role in guiding therapeutic interventions such as the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in lung cancer. Conventional determination of PD-L1 status includes careful surgical or biopsied tumor specimens. These specimens are gathered through invasive procedures, representing a risk of difficulties and potential challenges in getting reliable and representative tissue samples. Using a single center cohort of 189 patients, our objective was to evaluate various fusion methods that used non-invasive computed tomography (CT) and18 F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) images as inputs to various deep learning models to automatically predict PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We compared three different architectures (ResNet, DenseNet, and EfficientNet) and considered different input data (CT only, PET only, PET/CT early fusion, PET/CT late fusion without as well as with partially and fully shared weights to determine the best model performance. Models were assessed utilizing areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) considering their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The fusion of PET and CT images as input yielded better performance for PD-L1 classification. The different data fusion schemes systematically outperformed their individual counterparts when used as input of the various deep models. Furthermore, early fusion consistently outperformed late fusion, probably as a result of its capacity to capture more complicated patterns by merging PET and CT derived content at a lower level. When we looked more closely at the effects of weight sharing in late fusion architectures, we discovered that while it might boost model stability, it did not always result in better results. This suggests that although weight sharing could be beneficial when modality parameters are similar, the anatomical and metabolic information provided by CT and PET scans are too dissimilar to consistently lead to improved PD-L1 status predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronrick Da-Ano
- LaTIM, UMR 1101, Inserm, University of Brest, Brest, France
| | | | - Olena Tankyevych
- LaTIM, UMR 1101, Inserm, University of Brest, Brest, France
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Pierre-Henri Conze
- LaTIM, UMR 1101, Inserm, University of Brest, Brest, France
- IMT Atlantique, Brest, France
| | - Catherine Cheze Le Rest
- LaTIM, UMR 1101, Inserm, University of Brest, Brest, France
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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2
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Hou X, Liu S, Zeng Z, Wang Z, Ding J, Chen Y, Gao X, Wang J, Xiao G, Li B, Zhu H, Yang Z. Preclinical imaging evaluation of a bispecific antibody targeting hPD1/CTLA4 using humanized mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116669. [PMID: 38677243 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of an efficient way to screen patients who are responsive to immunotherapy challenges PD1/CTLA4-targeting cancer treatment. Immunotherapeutic efficacy cannot be clearly determined by peripheral blood analyses, tissue gene markers or CT/MR value. Here, we used a radionuclide and imaging techniques to investigate the novel dual targeted antibody cadonilimab (AK104) in PD1/CTLA4-positive cells in vivo. METHODS First, humanized PD1/CTLA4 mice were purchased from Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. to express hPD1/CTLA4 in T-cells. Then, mouse colon cancer MC38-hPD-L1 cell xenografts were established in humanized mice. A bispecific antibody targeting PD1/CTLA4 (AK104) was labeled with radio-nuclide iodine isotopes. Immuno-PET/CT imaging was performed using a bispecific monoclonal antibody (mAb) probe 124I-AK104, developed in-house, to locate PD1+/CTLA4+ tumor-infiltrating T cells and monitor their distribution in mice to evaluate the therapeutic effect. RESULTS The 124I-AK104 dual-antibody was successfully constructed with ideal radiochemical characteristics, in vitro stability and specificity. The results of immuno-PET showed that 124I-AK104 revealed strong hPD1/CTLA4-positive responses with high specificity in humanized mice. High uptake of 124I-AK104 was observed not only at the tumor site but also in the spleen. Compared with PD1- or CTLA4-targeting mAb imaging, 124I-AK104 imaging had excellent standard uptake values at the tumor site and higher tumor to nontumor (T/NT) ratios. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated the potential of translating 124I-AK104 into a method for screening patients who benefit from immunotherapy and the efficacy, as well as the feasibility, of this method was verified by immuno-PET imaging of humanized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingguo Hou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Song Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Ziqing Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zilei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Guizhou University School of Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xiangyu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jianghua Wang
- Research and Development Department, Akeso Biopharma Inc., Zhongshan, Guangdong 528437, China
| | - Guanxi Xiao
- Research and Development Department, Akeso Biopharma Inc., Zhongshan, Guangdong 528437, China
| | - Baiyong Li
- Research and Development Department, Akeso Biopharma Inc., Zhongshan, Guangdong 528437, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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Li LJ, Xuan JZ, Zheng HN. Correlation of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters with the expression of immune biomarkers in the tumour microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Radiol 2023:S0009-9260(23)00075-2. [PMID: 36934052 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the association between metabolic parameters evaluated by integrated 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and the expression of immune biomarkers in the tumour microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 134 patients. Metabolic parameters were obtained by PET/CT. Immunohistochemistry analysis was used for FOXP3-TILs (transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes), CD8-TILs, CD4-TILs, CD68-TAMs (tumour-associated macrophages) and galectin-1 (Gal-1) tumour expression. RESULTS There were significant positive associations between FDG PET metabolic parameters and the median percentage of immune reactive areas (IRA%) covered by FOXP3-TILs and CD68-TAMs. Negative associations with the median IRA% covered by CD4-TILs and CD8-TILs were observed: maximal standardised uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and IRA% for FOXP3-TILs (rho = 0.437, 0.400, 0.414; p<0.0001 for all parameters); SUVmax, MTV, TLG, and IRA% for CD68-TAMs (rho = 0.356, 0.355, 0.354; p<0.0001 for all parameters); SUVmax, MTV, TLG, and IRA% for CD4-TILs (rho = -0.164, -0.190, -0.191; p=0.059, 0.028, 0.027, respectively); SUVmax, MTV, TLG, and IRA% for CD8-TILs (rho = -0.305, -0.316, -0.322; p<0.0001 for all parameters). There were significant positive associations between tumour Gal-1 expression and the median IRA% covered by FOXP3-TILs and CD68-TAMs (rho = 0.379; p<0.0001; rho = 0.370; p<0.0001, respectively), and a significant negative association with the median IRA% covered by CD8-TILs (rho = -0.347; p<0.0001) was observed. Tumour stage (p=0.008), Gal-1 expression (p=0.008), and median IRA% covered by CD8-TILs (p=0.054) were independent risk factors for overall survival. CONCLUSION FDG PET may facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of the tumour microenvironment and predict response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-J Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - J-Z Xuan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - H-N Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, People's Republic of China.
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Metabolic activity via 18F-FDG PET/CT is predictive of microsatellite instability status in colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:808. [PMID: 35869469 PMCID: PMC9306059 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Identification of microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) is crucial for screening patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. We aim to investigate whether the metabolic characteristics is related to MSI status and can be used to predict the MSI-H CRC. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 420 CRC patients who were identified via [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography(CT) prior to therapy. Maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumor were calculated and compared between MSI-H and microsatellite stability (MSS). Predictive factors of MSI status were selected from metabolic parameters and clinicopathological profiles via a multivariate analysis. Results Of 420 colorectal cancers, 44 exhibited a high incidence of MSI. Both MTV and TLG were significantly higher in MSI-H group compared with the MSS group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.010, respectively). Logistic regression analysis indicated that CRC with MSI-H were related to younger age (P = 0.013), primary lesion located at right hemi-colon (P < 0.001) and larger MTV on PET/CT imaging (P = 0.019). MTV more than 32.19 of colorectal cancer was linked to the presence of MSI (P = 0.019). Conclusion Tumor metabolic burden were higher in MSI-H CRC which may be useful for predicting the MSI status of CRC patient and thus aid in determination of immunotherapy for patients with CRC.
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Giuffrida P, Celsa C, Antonucci M, Peri M, Grassini MV, Rancatore G, Giacchetto CM, Cannella R, Incorvaia L, Corsini LR, Morana P, La Mantia C, Badalamenti G, Brancatelli G, Cammà C, Cabibbo G. The Evolving Scenario in the Assessment of Radiological Response for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Immunotherapy: Strengths and Weaknesses of Surrogate Endpoints. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2827. [PMID: 36359347 PMCID: PMC9687474 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging malignancy characterised by clinical and biological heterogeneity, independent of the stage. Despite the application of surveillance programs, a substantial proportion of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages when curative treatments are no longer available. The landscape of systemic therapies has been rapidly growing over the last decade, and the advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the paradigm of systemic treatments. The coexistence of the tumour with underlying cirrhosis exposes patients with HCC to competing events related to tumour progression and/or hepatic decompensation. Therefore, it is relevant to adopt proper clinical endpoints to assess the extent of treatment benefit. While overall survival (OS) is the most accepted endpoint for phase III randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and drug approval, it is affected by many limitations. To overcome these limits, several clinical and radiological outcomes have been used. For instance, progression-free survival (PFS) is a useful endpoint to evaluate the benefit of sequential treatments, since it is not influenced by post-progression treatments, unlike OS. Moreover, radiological endpoints such as time to progression (TTP) and objective response rate (ORR) are frequently adopted. Nevertheless, the surrogacy between these endpoints and OS in the setting of unresectable HCC (uHCC) remains uncertain. Since most of the surrogate endpoints are radiology-based (e.g., PFS, TTP, ORR), the use of standardised tools is crucial for the evaluation of radiological response. The optimal way to assess the radiological response has been widely debated, and many criteria have been proposed over the years. Furthermore, none of the criteria have been validated for immunotherapy in advanced HCC. The coexistence of the underlying chronic liver disease and the access to several lines of treatments highlight the urgent need to capture early clinical benefit and the need for standardised radiological criteria to assess cancer response when using ICIs in mono- or combination therapies. Here, we review the most commonly used clinical and radiological endpoints for trial design, as well as their surrogacy with OS. We also review the criteria for radiological response to treatments for HCC, analysing the major issues and the potential future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Giuffrida
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Michela Antonucci
- Section of Radiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Peri
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Grassini
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriele Rancatore
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelo Marco Giacchetto
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Section of Radiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorena Incorvaia
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lidia Rita Corsini
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Piera Morana
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia La Mantia
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Badalamenti
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Brancatelli
- Section of Radiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Cammà
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Positron Emission Tomography Probes for Imaging Cytotoxic Immune Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102040. [PMID: 36297474 PMCID: PMC9610635 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of immune cells is a powerful approach for monitoring the dynamics of immune cells in response to immunotherapy. Despite the clinical success of many immunotherapeutic agents, their clinical efficacy is limited to a subgroup of patients. Conventional imaging, as well as analysis of tissue biopsies and blood samples do not reflect the complex interaction between tumour and immune cells. Consequently, PET probes are being developed to capture the dynamics of such interactions, which may improve patient stratification and treatment evaluation. The clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy relies on both the infiltration and function of cytotoxic immune cells at the tumour site. Thus, various immune biomarkers have been investigated as potential targets for PET imaging of immune response. Herein, we provide an overview of the most recent developments in PET imaging of immune response, including the radiosynthesis approaches employed in their development.
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Lopci E, Hicks RJ, Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss A, Dercle L, Iravani A, Seban RD, Sachpekidis C, Humbert O, Gheysens O, Glaudemans AWJM, Weber W, Wahl RL, Scott AM, Pandit-Taskar N, Aide N. Joint EANM/SNMMI/ANZSNM practice guidelines/procedure standards on recommended use of [ 18F]FDG PET/CT imaging during immunomodulatory treatments in patients with solid tumors version 1.0. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2323-2341. [PMID: 35376991 PMCID: PMC9165250 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this guideline/procedure standard is to assist nuclear medicine physicians, other nuclear medicine professionals, oncologists or other medical specialists for recommended use of [18F]FDG PET/CT in oncological patients undergoing immunotherapy, with special focus on response assessment in solid tumors. METHODS In a cooperative effort between the EANM, the SNMMI and the ANZSNM, clinical indications, recommended imaging procedures and reporting standards have been agreed upon and summarized in this joint guideline/procedure standard. CONCLUSIONS The field of immuno-oncology is rapidly evolving, and this guideline/procedure standard should not be seen as definitive, but rather as a guidance document standardizing the use and interpretation of [18F]FDG PET/CT during immunotherapy. Local variations to this guideline should be taken into consideration. PREAMBLE The European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) is a professional non-profit medical association founded in 1985 to facilitate worldwide communication among individuals pursuing clinical and academic excellence in nuclear medicine. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and professional organization founded in 1954 to promote science, technology and practical application of nuclear medicine. The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM), founded in 1969, represents the major professional society fostering the technical and professional development of nuclear medicine practice across Australia and New Zealand. It promotes excellence in the nuclear medicine profession through education, research and a commitment to the highest professional standards. EANM, SNMMI and ANZSNM members are physicians, technologists, physicists and scientists specialized in the research and clinical practice of nuclear medicine. All three societies will periodically put forth new standards/guidelines for nuclear medicine practice to help advance the science of nuclear medicine and improve service to patients. Existing standards/guidelines will be reviewed for revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner, if indicated. Each standard/guideline, representing a policy statement by the EANM/SNMMI/ANZSNM, has undergone a thorough consensus process, entailing extensive review. These societies recognize that the safe and effective use of diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging requires particular training and skills, as described in each document. These standards/guidelines are educational tools designed to assist practitioners in providing appropriate and effective nuclear medicine care for patients. These guidelines are consensus documents based on current knowledge. They are not intended to be inflexible rules or requirements of practice, nor should they be used to establish a legal standard of care. For these reasons and those set forth below, the EANM, SNMMI and ANZSNM caution against the use of these standards/guidelines in litigation in which the clinical decisions of a practitioner are called into question. The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure or course of action must be made by medical professionals considering the unique circumstances of each case. Thus, there is no implication that an action differing from what is laid out in the guidelines/procedure standards, standing alone, is below standard of care. To the contrary, a conscientious practitioner may responsibly adopt a course of action different from that set forth in the standards/guidelines when, in the reasonable judgment of the practitioner, such course of action is indicated by the condition of the patient, limitations of available resources or advances in knowledge or technology subsequent to publication of the guidelines/procedure standards. The practice of medicine involves not only the science, but also the art of dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, alleviation and treatment of disease. The variety and complexity of human conditions make it impossible for general guidelines to consistently allow for an accurate diagnosis to be reached or a particular treatment response to be predicted. Therefore, it should be recognized that adherence to these standards/ guidelines will not ensure a successful outcome. All that should be expected is that practitioners follow a reasonable course of action, based on their level of training, current knowledge, clinical practice guidelines, available resources and the needs/context of the patient being treated. The sole purpose of these guidelines is to assist practitioners in achieving this objective. The present guideline/procedure standard was developed collaboratively by the EANM, the SNMMI and the ANZSNM, with the support of international experts in the field. They summarize also the views of the Oncology and Theranostics and the Inflammation and Infection Committees of the EANM, as well as the procedure standards committee of the SNMMI, and reflect recommendations for which the EANM and SNMMI cannot be held responsible. The recommendations should be taken into the context of good practice of nuclear medicine and do not substitute for national and international legal or regulatory provisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lopci
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS - Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milano, Italy.
| | - R J Hicks
- The Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Medical School, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69210, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L Dercle
- Department of Radiology, New York Presbyterian, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Iravani
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - R D Seban
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Institut Curie, 92210, Saint-Cloud, France
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Translationnelle en Oncologie, Inserm, Institut Curie, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - C Sachpekidis
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69210, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - O Humbert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
- TIRO-UMR E 4320, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - O Gheysens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - A W J M Glaudemans
- Nuclear Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - W Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - R L Wahl
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - A M Scott
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Pandit-Taskar
- Nuclear Medicine Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - N Aide
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital, Caen, France
- INSERM ANTICIPE, Normandie University, Caen, France
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Lopci E. Meditating on Cancer Management at the Time of Immunotherapy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113025. [PMID: 35683412 PMCID: PMC9181255 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Egesta Lopci
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS-Humanitas Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
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Translating Molecules into Imaging—The Development of New PET Tracers for Patients with Melanoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051116. [PMID: 35626272 PMCID: PMC9139963 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a deadly disease that often exhibits relentless progression and can have both early and late metastases. Recent advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have dramatically increased patient survival for patients with melanoma. Similar advances in molecular targeted PET imaging can identify molecular pathways that promote disease progression and therefore offer physiological information. Thus, they can be used to assess prognosis, tumor heterogeneity, and identify instances of treatment failure. Numerous agents tested preclinically and clinically demonstrate promising results with high tumor-to-background ratios in both primary and metastatic melanoma tumors. Here, we detail the development and testing of multiple molecular targeted PET-imaging agents, including agents for general oncological imaging and those specifically for PET imaging of melanoma. Of the numerous radiopharmaceuticals evaluated for this purpose, several have made it to clinical trials and showed promising results. Ultimately, these agents may become the standard of care for melanoma imaging if they are able to demonstrate micrometastatic disease and thus provide more accurate information for staging. Furthermore, these agents provide a more accurate way to monitor response to therapy. Patients will be able to receive treatment based on tumor uptake characteristics and may be able to be treated earlier for lesions that with traditional imaging would be subclinical, overall leading to improved outcomes for patients.
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Almansour H, Afat S, Serna-Higuita LM, Amaral T, Schraag A, Peisen F, Brendlin A, Seith F, Klumpp B, Eigentler TK, Othman AE. Early Tumor Size Reduction of at least 10% at the First Follow-Up Computed Tomography Can Predict Survival in the Setting of Advanced Melanoma and Immunotherapy. Acad Radiol 2022; 29:514-522. [PMID: 34130924 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Early tumor size reduction (TSR) has been explored as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with advanced melanoma in clinical trials. The purpose of this analysis is to validate, in a routine clinical milieu, the predictive capacity of TSR by 10% for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and to compare its predictive performance with the RECIST 1.1 criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the local ethics committee. A total of 152 patients with both CT before immunotherapy initiation and at first response evaluation after immunotherapy initiation were included. Prior to statistical analysis, treatment response was trichotomized as follows: Complete response and/or partial response, stable disease and progressive disease. Furthermore, response was dichotomized regarding TSR (TSR ≥ 10% and TSR < 10%). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, Cox regression and Harrel's concordance index (C-index) were computed for prediction of overall survival and progression-free survival. RESULTS Tumor size reduction by at least 10% significantly differentiated between patients with increased survival from the ones with decreased survival (median OS: TSR ≥ 10%: 2137 days vs. TSR < 10%: 263 days) (p < 0.001) (median PFS: TSR ≥ 10%: 590 days vs. TSR < 10%: 11 days) (p < 0.001). RECIST 1.1. criteria had a slightly higher C-index for overall survival reflecting a slight superior predictive capacity (RECIST: 0.69 vs TSR: 0.64) but a similar predictive capacity regarding progression-free survival (both: 0. 63). CONCLUSION Early tumor size reduction serves as a simple-to-use metric which can be implemented on the first follow-up CT. Tumor size reduction by at least 10% can be considered an additional biomarker predictive of overall survival and progression-free survival in routine clinical care and not only in the context of clinical trials in patients with advanced melanoma undergoing immunotherapy. Nevertheless, RECIST-based criteria should remain the main tool of treatment response assessment until results of prospective studies validating the TSR method are available.
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Zhou M, Zhang C, Nie J, Sun Y, Xu Y, Wu F, Huang Y, Li S, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Zheng T. Response Evaluation and Survival Prediction Following PD-1 Inhibitor in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison of the RECIST 1.1, iRECIST, and mRECIST Criteria. Front Oncol 2021; 11:764189. [PMID: 34956885 PMCID: PMC8697350 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.764189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Precise evaluation of the efficacy of immunotherapy is critical in the effective management and treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the response assessments achieved by different criteria and to evaluate the correlation between survival outcome and response assessment in HCC treated with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor. Methods Fifty patients with advanced HCC treated with first-line PD-1 inhibitor with baseline and follow‐up CT images were analyzed. The patients were categorized into responders and nonresponders according to the criteria. Results When the response assessments between RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST were compared, no statistically significant differences were observed. Overall response rate was 16% by RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST and was 24% by mRECIST. According to RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were not statistically different between the complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) groups and the stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) groups. The OS and PFS were significantly different between responders and nonresponders according to mRECIST. The Cohen’s Kappa for RECIST 1.1, iRECIST, and mRECIST was 0.534, 0.438, and 0.363, respectively. Conclusion The mRECIST criteria have a powerful ability to discriminate between responders and nonresponders and demonstrated significantly longer OS and PFS in responders than in nonresponders. However, mRECIST needs to be further improved in order for it to be widely used in the clinical evaluation of immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Chunhui Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jianhua Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yajuan Sun
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Fangfang Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.,Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Heilongjiang Cancer Institute, Harbin, China
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Eze C, Schmidt-Hegemann NS, Sawicki LM, Kirchner J, Roengvoraphoj O, Käsmann L, Mittlmeier LM, Kunz WG, Tufman A, Dinkel J, Ricke J, Belka C, Manapov F, Unterrainer M. PET/CT imaging for evaluation of multimodal treatment efficacy and toxicity in advanced NSCLC-current state and future directions. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 48:3975-3989. [PMID: 33760957 PMCID: PMC8484219 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of advanced NSCLC, leading to a string of approvals in recent years. Herein, a narrative review on the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in the ever-evolving treatment landscape of advanced NSCLC is presented. METHODS This comprehensive review will begin with an introduction into current treatment paradigms incorporating ICIs; the evolution of CT-based criteria; moving onto novel phenomena observed with ICIs and the current state of hybrid imaging for diagnosis, treatment planning, evaluation of treatment efficacy and toxicity in advanced NSCLC, also taking into consideration its limitations and future directions. CONCLUSIONS The advent of ICIs marks the dawn of a new era bringing forth new challenges particularly vis-à-vis treatment response assessment and observation of novel phenomena accompanied by novel systemic side effects. While FDG PET/CT is widely adopted for tumor volume delineation in locally advanced disease, response assessment to immunotherapy based on current criteria is of high clinical value but has its inherent limitations. In recent years, modifications of established (PET)/CT criteria have been proposed to provide more refined approaches towards response evaluation. Not only a comprehensive inclusion of PET-based response criteria in prospective randomized controlled trials, but also a general harmonization within the variety of PET-based response criteria is pertinent to strengthen clinical implementation and widespread use of hybrid imaging for response assessment in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuka Eze
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | | | - Lino Morris Sawicki
- Medical Faculty, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Dusseldorf, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Julian Kirchner
- Medical Faculty, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Dusseldorf, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Olarn Roengvoraphoj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich; and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Lena M Mittlmeier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang G Kunz
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Amanda Tufman
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Thoracic Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine V, Thoracic Oncology Center Munich, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Julien Dinkel
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Asklepios Lung Center Munich-Gauting, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich; and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Farkhad Manapov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Unterrainer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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An YS, Kim SH, Roh TH, Park SH, Kim TG, Kim JH. Correlation Between 18F-FDG Uptake and Immune Cell Infiltration in Metastatic Brain Lesions. Front Oncol 2021; 11:618705. [PMID: 34249674 PMCID: PMC8266210 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.618705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and infiltrating immune cells in metastatic brain lesions. Methods This retrospective study included 34 patients with metastatic brain lesions who underwent brain 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) followed by surgery. 18F-FDG uptake ratio was calculated by dividing the standardized uptake value (SUV) of the metastatic brain lesion by the contralateral normal white matter uptake value. We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and analyzed the correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and infiltration of various immune cells. In addition, we evaluated immune-expression levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and Ki-67 in metastatic brain lesions. Results The degree of 18F-FDG uptake of metastatic brain lesions was not significantly correlated with clinical parameters. There was no significant relationship between the 18F-FDG uptake and degree of immune cell infiltration in brain metastasis. Furthermore, other markers, such as GLUT1, HK2, and Ki-67, were not correlated with degree of 18F-FDG uptake. In metastatic brain lesions that originated from breast cancer, a higher degree of 18F-FDG uptake was observed in those with high expression of CD68. Conclusions In metastatic brain lesions, the degree of 18F-FDG uptake was not significantly associated with infiltration of immune cells. The 18F-FDG uptake of metastatic brain lesions from breast cancer, however, might be associated with macrophage activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sil An
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Se-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Roh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - So Hyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Tae-Gyu Kim
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jang-Hee Kim
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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Kikano EG, Avril S, Marshall H, Jones RS, Montero AJ, Avril N. PET/CT Variants and Pitfalls in Breast Cancers. Semin Nucl Med 2021; 51:474-484. [PMID: 34088473 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There are a number of normal variants and pitfalls which are important to consider when evaluating F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in breast cancer patients. Although FDG-PET is not indicated for the initial diagnosis of breast cancer, focally increased glucose metabolism within breast tissue represents a high likelihood for a neoplastic process and requires further evaluation. Focally increased glucose metabolism is not unique to breast cancer. Other malignancies such as lymphoma, metastases from solid tumors as well as inflammatory changes also may demonstrate increased glucose metabolism either within the breast or at other sites throughout the body. Importantly, benign breast disease may also exhibit increased glucose metabolism, limiting the specificity of FDG-PET. Breast cancer has a wide range of metabolic activity attributed to tumor heterogeneity and breast cancer subtype. Intracellular signaling pathways regulating tumor glucose utilization contribute to these pitfalls of PET/CT in breast cancer. The evaluation of axillary lymph nodes by FDG-PET is less accurate than sentinel lymph node procedure, however is very accurate in identifying level II and III axillary lymph node metastases or retropectoral metastases. It is important to note that non-malignant inflammation in lymph nodes are often detected by modern PET/CT technology. Therefore, particular consideration should be given to recent vaccinations, particularly to COVID-19, which can commonly result in increased metabolic activity of axillary nodes. Whole body FDG-PET for staging of breast cancer requires specific attention to physiologic variants of FDG distribution and a careful comparison with co-registered anatomical imaging. The most important pitfalls are related to inflammatory changes including sarcoidosis, sarcoid like reactions, and other granulomatous diseases as well as secondary neoplastic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias George Kikano
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland, Ohio; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Holly Marshall
- Department of Radiology, Division of Breast Imaging, Cleveland, Ohio; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Robert Stanley Jones
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alberto J Montero
- Department of Medicine, Solid Tumor Oncology, Cleveland, Ohio; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Norbert Avril
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mu W, Jiang L, Shi Y, Tunali I, Gray JE, Katsoulakis E, Tian J, Gillies RJ, Schabath MB. Non-invasive measurement of PD-L1 status and prediction of immunotherapy response using deep learning of PET/CT images. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002118. [PMID: 34135101 PMCID: PMC8211060 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, only a fraction of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) experience a durable clinical benefit (DCB). According to NCCN guidelines, Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression status determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of biopsies is the only clinically approved companion biomarker to trigger the use of ICI therapy. Based on prior work showing a relationship between quantitative imaging and gene expression, we hypothesize that quantitative imaging (radiomics) can provide an alternative surrogate for PD-L1 expression status in clinical decision support. METHODS 18F-FDG-PET/CT images and clinical data were curated from 697 patients with NSCLC from three institutions and these were analyzed using a small-residual-convolutional-network (SResCNN) to develop a deeply learned score (DLS) to predict the PD-L1 expression status. This developed model was further used to predict DCB, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in two retrospective and one prospective test cohorts of ICI-treated patients with advanced stage NSCLC. RESULTS The PD-L1 DLS significantly discriminated between PD-L1 positive and negative patients (area under receiver operating characteristics curve ≥0.82 in the training, validation, and two external test cohorts). Importantly, the DLS was indistinguishable from IHC-derived PD-L1 status in predicting PFS and OS, suggesting the utility of DLS as a surrogate for IHC. A score generated by combining the DLS with clinical characteristics was able to accurately (C-indexes of 0.70-0.87) predict DCB, PFS, and OS in retrospective training, prospective testing and external validation cohorts. CONCLUSION Hence, we propose DLS as a surrogate or substitute for IHC-determined PD-L1 measurement to guide individual pretherapy decisions pending in larger prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mu
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ilke Tunali
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jhanelle E Gray
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Evangelia Katsoulakis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jie Tian
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Robert J Gillies
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew B Schabath
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Guo H, Li W, Qian L, Cui J. Clinical challenges in neoadjuvant immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Chin J Cancer Res 2021; 33:203-215. [PMID: 34158740 PMCID: PMC8181868 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2021.02.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a type of immunotherapy, have become one of the most important therapeutic options for first- and second-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent clinical studies have shown that immunotherapy can offer substantial survival benefits to patients with early-stage or resectable advanced NSCLC. However, considering the importance of timing when using ICIs and their associated adverse events (AEs), the advantages and disadvantages of using these agents need to be weighed carefully when deciding the use of a combined treatment. In addition, the inconsistency between imaging assessment and pathological results poses further challenges to the evaluation of efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy. It is also important to develop new methodologies and discover suitable biomarkers that can be used to evaluate survival outcomes of immunotherapy and identify patients who would benefit the most from this treatment. In this review, we aimed to summarize previous results of ongoing clinical trials on neoadjuvant immunotherapy for lung cancer and discuss the challenges and future perspectives of this therapeutic approach in the treatment of resectable NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanfei Guo
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenqian Li
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lei Qian
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Unterrainer M, Ruzicka M, Fabritius MP, Mittlmeier LM, Winkelmann M, Rübenthaler J, Brendel M, Subklewe M, von Bergwelt-Baildon M, Ricke J, Kunz WG, Cyran CC. PET/CT imaging for tumour response assessment to immunotherapy: current status and future directions. Eur Radiol Exp 2020; 4:63. [PMID: 33200246 PMCID: PMC7669926 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-020-00190-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent immunotherapeutic approaches have evolved as powerful treatment options with high anti-tumour responses involving the patient's own immune system. Passive immunotherapy applies agents that enhance existing anti-tumour responses, such as antibodies against immune checkpoints. Active immunotherapy uses agents that direct the immune system to attack tumour cells by targeting tumour antigens. Active cellular-based therapies are on the rise, most notably chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, which redirects patient-derived T cells against tumour antigens. Approved treatments are available for a variety of solid malignancies including melanoma, lung cancer and haematologic diseases. These novel immune-related therapeutic approaches can be accompanied by new patterns of response and progression and immune-related side-effects that challenge established imaging-based response assessment criteria, such as Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid tumours (RECIST) 1.1. Hence, new criteria have been developed. Beyond morphological information of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) emerges as a comprehensive imaging modality by assessing (patho-)physiological processes such as glucose metabolism, which enables more comprehensive response assessment in oncological patients. We review the current concepts of response assessment to immunotherapy with particular emphasis on hybrid imaging with 18F-FDG-PET/CT and aims at describing future trends of immunotherapy and additional aspects of molecular imaging within the field of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Unterrainer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Michael Ruzicka
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias P Fabritius
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena M Mittlmeier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Winkelmann
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Rübenthaler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang G Kunz
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens C Cyran
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- DIE RADIOLOGIE, Munich, Germany
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Castello A, Lopci E. The Role of PET/CT in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: State of Art. Curr Radiopharm 2020; 13:24-31. [PMID: 31749440 DOI: 10.2174/1874471012666191015100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved astonishing results and improved overall survival (OS) in several types of malignancies, including advanced melanoma. However, due to a peculiar type of anti-cancer activity provided by these drugs, the response patterns during ICI treatment are completely different from that with "old" chemotherapeutic agents. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the available literature and potentials of 18F-FDG PET/CT in advanced melanoma during the course of therapy with ICI in the context of treatment response evaluation. METHOD Morphologic criteria, expressed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), immune-related response criteria (irRC), irRECIST, and, more recently, immune-RECIST (iRECIST), along with response criteria based on the metabolic parameters with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18FFDG), have been explored. RESULTS To overcome the limits of traditional response criteria, new metabolic response criteria have been introduced on time and are being continuously updated, such as the PET/CT Criteria for the early prediction of Response to Immune checkpoint inhibitor Therapy (PECRIT), the PET Response Evaluation Criteria for Immunotherapy (PERCIMT), and "immunotherapy-modified" PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (imPERCIST). The introduction of new PET radiotracers, based on monoclonal antibodies combined with radioactive elements ("immune-PET"), are of great interest. CONCLUSION Although the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in malignant melanoma has been widely validated for detecting distant metastases and recurrences, evidences in course of ICI are still scarce and larger multicenter clinical trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Castello
- Nuclear Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- Nuclear Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
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Abstract
The major applications for molecular imaging with PET in clinical practice concern cancer imaging. Undoubtedly, 18F-FDG represents the backbone of nuclear oncology as it remains so far the most widely employed positron emitter compound. The acquired knowledge on cancer features, however, allowed the recognition in the last decades of multiple metabolic or pathogenic pathways within the cancer cells, which stimulated the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals. An endless list of PET tracers, substantially covering all hallmarks of cancer, has entered clinical routine or is being investigated in diagnostic trials. Some of them guard significant clinical applications, whereas others mostly bear a huge potential. This chapter summarizes a selected list of non-FDG PET tracers, described based on their introduction into and impact on clinical practice.
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The value of 18F-FDG PET/CT for predicting or monitoring immunotherapy response in patients with metastatic melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; 48:428-448. [PMID: 32728798 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-020-04967-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the ability of 18F-FDG PET/CT to assess the response of patients with metastatic melanoma to immunotherapy. METHODS A comprehensive search of the literature for studies examining the prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in monitoring the response of patients with metastatic melanoma to immunotherapy was performed. We also screened the references of the selected articles to identify any other relevant studies. Detailed data were extracted and categorized. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used for analysis. RESULTS Twenty four eligible articles were included in the systematic review. Based on the baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, the pooled hazard ratios of MTV, SLR, SUV/SULmax, SUV/SULpeak, and TLG for overall survival (OS) were 1.777 (95%CI: 1.389-2.275, p < 0.001), 3.425 (95%CI: 1.707-6.869, p = 0.001), 0.941 (95%CI: 0.599-1.477, p = 0.791), 1.704 (95%CI: 1.253-2.316, p = 0.016), and 1.755 (95%CI: 1.315-2.342, p < 0.001), respectively. The conventional and modified response assessment criteria exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 64% (95%CI: 46-79%) and 94% (95%CI: 81-99%) and a pooled specificity of 80% (95%CI: 59-93%) and 84% (95%CI: 64-95%), respectively, for the early 18F-FDG PET/CT scan. On the other hand, based on the late 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, the pooled sensitivity of 67% (95%CI: 35-90%) and 92% (95%CI: 73-99%) and pooled specificity of 77% (95%CI: 56-91%) and 76% (95%CI: 50-93%) were observed for the conventional and modified criteria, respectively. PET-detectable immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were associated with the response to therapy. CONCLUSIONS The baseline SUVpeak, MTV, and TLG parameters represent promising predictors of the final response of metastatic melanoma patients to immunotherapy. Modified response assessment criteria are potentially an appropriate method for monitoring immunotherapy. irAEs are also valuable for predicting eventual clinical benefit of treatment.
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Abstract
Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) is a paradigm-shifting molecular imaging modality combining the superior targeting specificity of monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the inherent sensitivity of PET technique. A variety of radionuclides and mAbs have been exploited to develop immunoPET probes, which has been driven by the development and optimization of radiochemistry and conjugation strategies. In addition, tumor-targeting vectors with a short circulation time (e.g., Nanobody) or with an enhanced binding affinity (e.g., bispecific antibody) are being used to design novel immunoPET probes. Accordingly, several immunoPET probes, such as 89Zr-Df-pertuzumab and 89Zr-atezolizumab, have been successfully translated for clinical use. By noninvasively and dynamically revealing the expression of heterogeneous tumor antigens, immunoPET imaging is gradually changing the theranostic landscape of several types of malignancies. ImmunoPET is the method of choice for imaging specific tumor markers, immune cells, immune checkpoints, and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the integration of immunoPET imaging in antibody drug development is of substantial significance because it provides pivotal information regarding antibody targeting abilities and distribution profiles. Herein, we present the latest immunoPET imaging strategies and their preclinical and clinical applications. We also emphasize current conjugation strategies that can be leveraged to develop next-generation immunoPET probes. Lastly, we discuss practical considerations to tune the development and translation of immunoPET imaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7137, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Zachary T Rosenkrans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Quan-Yong Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7137, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Castello A, Toschi L, Rossi S, Mazziotti E, Lopci E. The immune-metabolic-prognostic index and clinical outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma under checkpoint inhibitors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1235-1243. [PMID: 32048008 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This prospective study evaluated whether peripheral blood biomarkers and metabolic parameters on F-18 fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) could be associated with clinical outcome in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). METHODS Data from 33 patients with NSCLC and treated with ICI were collected. Complete blood cell counts before and at the first restaging were measured. All patients underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT at baseline, while 25 patients at the first restaging. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined and compared using the Kaplan-Meier and the log-rank test. The median follow-up was 11.3 months (range 1-17 months). RESULTS Multivariate analyses demonstrated that low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR < 4.9) and low total lesion glycolysis (TLG < 541.5 ml) at the first restaging were significantly associated with PFS (both p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.048, respectively). An immune-metabolic-prognostic index (IMPI), based on post-NLR and post-TLG was developed, categorizing 3 groups: high risk, 2 factors; intermediate risk, 1 factor; low risk, 0 factors. Median PFS for low, intermediate and high risk was 7.8 months (95% CI 4.6-11.0), 5.6 months (95% CI 3.8-7.4), and 1.8 months (95% CI 1.6-2.0) (p < 0.001) respectively. Likewise, median OS was 15.2 months (95% CI 10.9-19.6), 13.2 months (95% CI 5.9-20.3), and 2.8 months (95% CI 1.4-4.2) (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION IMPI at the first restaging, combining both inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, was correlated with PFS and OS. IMPI can be a potentially valuable tool for identifying NSCLC patients who are likely to benefit from ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Castello
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, CAP, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Luca Toschi
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossi
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazziotti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, CAP, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, CAP, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, MI, Italy.
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Tao X, Li N, Wu N, He J, Ying J, Gao S, Wang S, Wang J, Wang Z, Ling Y, Tang W, Zhang Z. The efficiency of 18F-FDG PET-CT for predicting the major pathologic response to the neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; 47:1209-1219. [PMID: 32043180 PMCID: PMC7101299 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-020-04711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate whether 18F-FDG PET-CT has the potential to predict the major pathologic response (MPR) to neoadjuvant sintilimab in resectable NSCLC patients, and the potential of sifting patients who probably benefit from immunotherapy. METHODS Treatment-naive patients with resectable NSCLC (stage IA-IIIB) received two cycles of sintilimab (200 mg, intravenously, day 1 and 22). Surgery was performed between day 29 and 43. PET-CT was obtained at baseline and prior to surgery. The following lean body mass-corrected metabolic parameters were calculated by PET VCAR: SULmax, SULpeak, MTV, TLG, ΔSULmax%, ΔSULpeak%, ΔMTV%, ΔTLG%. PET responses were classified using PERCIST. The above metabolic information on FDG-PET was correlated with the surgical pathology. (Registration Number: ChiCTR-OIC-17013726). RESULTS Thirty-six patients received 2 doses of sintilimab, all of whom underwent PET-CT twice and had radical resection (35) or biopsy (1). MPR occurred in 13 of 36 resected tumors (36.1%, 13/36). The degree of pathological regression was positively correlated with SULmax (p = 0.036) of scan-1, and was negatively correlated with all metabolic parameters of scan-2, and the percentage changes of the metabolic parameters after neoadjuvant therapy (p < 0.05). According to PERCIST, 13 patients (36.1%, 13/36) showed partial metabolic response (PMR), 21 (58.3%, 21/36) had stable metabolic disease, and 2 (5.6%, 2/36) had progressive metabolic disease (PMD). There was a significant correlation between the pathological response and the PET responses which were classified using PERCIST. All (100.0%) the PMR (ΔSULpeak% < - 30.0%) tumors showed MPR. CONCLUSIONS 18F-FDG PET-CT can predict MPR to neoadjuvant sintilimab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Tao
- Department of PET-CT Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Department of PET-CT Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. .,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shugeng Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhang Wang
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Ling
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zewei Zhang
- Department of PET-CT Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Decazes P, Bohn P. Immunotherapy by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Nuclear Medicine Imaging: Current and Future Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E371. [PMID: 32041105 PMCID: PMC7072145 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy by using immune checkpoint inhibitors is a revolutionary development in oncology. Medical imaging is also impacted by this new therapy, particularly nuclear medicine imaging (also called radionuclide imaging), which uses radioactive tracers to visualize metabolic functions. Our aim was to review the current applications of nuclear medicine imaging in immunotherapy, along with their limitations, and the perspectives offered by this imaging modality. Method: Articles describing the use of radionuclide imaging in immunotherapy were researched using PubMed by April 2019 and analyzed. Results: More than 5000 articles were analyzed, and nearly 100 of them were retained. Radionuclide imaging, notably 18F-FDG PET/CT, already has a major role in many cancers for pre-therapeutic and therapeutic evaluation, diagnoses of adverse effects, called immune-related adverse events (IrAE), and end-of-treatment evaluations. However, these current applications can be hindered by immunotherapy, notably due to atypical response patterns such as pseudoprogression, which is defined as an increase in the size of lesions, or the visualization of new lesions, followed by a response, and hyperprogression, which is an accelerated tumor growth rate after starting treatment. To overcome these difficulties, new opportunities are offered, particularly therapeutic evaluation criteria adapted to immunotherapy and immuno-PET allowing us to predict responses to immunotherapy. Moreover, some new technological solutions are also promising, such as radiomic analyses and body composition on associated anatomical images. However, more research has to be done, notably for the diagnosis of hyperprogression and pseudoprogression. Conclusion: Immunotherapy, by its major impact on cancer and by the new patterns generated on images, is revolutionary in the field of medical images. Nuclear medicine imaging is already established and will be able to help meet new challenges through its plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Decazes
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Henri Becquerel Cancer Center, 76000 Rouen, France;
- LITIS-QuantIF-EA (Equipe d’Accueil) 4108, IRIB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rouen, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Pierre Bohn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Henri Becquerel Cancer Center, 76000 Rouen, France;
- LITIS-QuantIF-EA (Equipe d’Accueil) 4108, IRIB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rouen, 76000 Rouen, France
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25
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Lopci E, Meignan M. Current Evidence on PET Response Assessment to Immunotherapy in Lymphomas. PET Clin 2020; 15:23-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Cheze Le Rest C, Hustinx R. Are radiomics ready for clinical prime-time in PET/CT imaging? THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE (AIMN) [AND] THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RADIOPHARMACOLOGY (IAR), [AND] SECTION OF THE SOCIETY OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY 2019; 63:347-354. [DOI: 10.23736/s1824-4785.19.03210-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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27
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Castello A, Lopci E. Response assessment of bone metastatic disease: seeing the forest for the trees RECIST, PERCIST, iRECIST, and PCWG-2. THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE (AIMN) [AND] THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RADIOPHARMACOLOGY (IAR), [AND] SECTION OF THE SOCIETY OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY 2019; 63:150-158. [PMID: 31286751 DOI: 10.23736/s1824-4785.19.03193-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tumor response is often used as a surrogate marker for survival practically in all clinical trials. Therefore, robust and valid response criteria during the course of trials are fundamental for the assessment of response to therapy. This aspect, however, becomes particularly challenging when it comes to bone metastases. In the era of targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), response assessment by morphologic-based criteria cannot detect the real tumor response and, consequently, fail to demonstrate the actual clinical benefit. This review will focus on some of the most common morphologic and metabolic response criteria and their application for bone lesions, highlighting relative strengths and weaknesses as well as potential future methods in the era of target therapies and immunotherapy with ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Castello
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy -
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28
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The beginning of the end for conventional RECIST - novel therapies require novel imaging approaches. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 16:442-458. [PMID: 30718844 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Owing to improvements in our understanding of the biological principles of tumour initiation and progression, a wide variety of novel targeted therapies have been developed. Developments in biomedical imaging, however, have not kept pace with these improvements and are still mainly designed to determine lesion size alone, which is reflected in the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Imaging approaches currently used for the evaluation of treatment responses in patients with solid tumours, therefore, often fail to detect successful responses to novel targeted agents and might even falsely suggest disease progression, a scenario known as pseudoprogression. The ability to differentiate between responders and nonresponders early in the course of treatment is essential to allowing the early adjustment of treatment regimens. Various imaging approaches targeting a single dedicated tumour feature, as described in the hallmarks of cancer, have been successful in preclinical investigations, and some have been evaluated in pilot clinical trials. However, these approaches have largely not been implemented in clinical practice. In this Review, we describe current biomedical imaging approaches used to monitor responses to treatment in patients receiving novel targeted therapies, including a summary of the most promising future approaches and how these might improve clinical practice.
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29
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Goldfarb L, Duchemann B, Chouahnia K, Zelek L, Soussan M. Monitoring anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer with FDG PET: introduction of iPERCIST. EJNMMI Res 2019; 9:8. [PMID: 30694399 PMCID: PMC6890907 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-019-0473-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy represents a new therapeutic approach in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with the potential for prolonged benefits. Because of the systemic nature and heterogeneity of tumoral diseases, as well as the immune restoration process induced by immunotherapy, the assessment of therapeutic efficacy is challenging, and the role of FDG PET is not well established. We evaluated the potential of FDG PET to monitor NSCLC patients treated with a checkpoint inhibitor. Results This was a retrospective analysis of 28 NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab, a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blocker. All patients underwent a PET scan before treatment (SCAN-1) and another scan 2 months later (SCAN-2). Disease progression was assessed by immune PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (iPERCIST), which was adapted from PERCIST; and the immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST). iPERCIST is a dual-time-point evaluation of “unconfirmed progressive metabolic disease” (UPMD) status at SCAN-2. UPMD at SCAN-2 was re-evaluated after 4 weeks with SCAN-3 to confirm PMD. Patients with complete/partial metabolic response (CMR or PMR) or stable metabolic disease (SMD) at SCAN-2 or -3 were considered responders. Patients with UPMD confirmed at SCAN-3 were considered non-responders. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. At SCAN-2, we found 9/28 cases of PMR, 4/28 cases of SMD, 2/28 cases of CMR, and 13/28 cases of UPMD. Four of the 13 UPMD patients were classified as responders at SCAN-3 (PMR n = 1, SMD n = 3). The remaining nine UPMD patients were classified as non-responders due to clinical degradation, and treatment was stopped. The median follow-up was 16.7 months [3.6–32.2]. Responders continued treatment for a mean of 10.7 months [3.8–26.3]. Overall survival was longer for responders than that for non-responders (19.9 vs. 3.6 months, log rank p = 0.0003). The 1-year survival rates were 94% for responders and 11% for non-responders. A comparison with iRECIST showed reclassification in 39% (11/28) of patients with relevant additional prognostic information. Conclusions iPERCIST dual-time-point evaluation might be a powerful tool for evaluating anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy, with the ability to identify patients who can benefit most from treatment. The prognostic value of iPERCIST criteria should be confirmed in large prospective multicentric studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13550-019-0473-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Goldfarb
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Paris 13 University, APHP, Hôpital Avicenne, 125 rue de Stalingrad, 93000, Bobigny, France
| | - Boris Duchemann
- Department of Oncology, Paris 13 University, APHP, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Kader Chouahnia
- Department of Oncology, Paris 13 University, APHP, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Laurent Zelek
- Department of Oncology, Paris 13 University, APHP, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Michael Soussan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Paris 13 University, APHP, Hôpital Avicenne, 125 rue de Stalingrad, 93000, Bobigny, France. .,IMIV, CEA, Inserm, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.
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30
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Nuclear medicine and immunotherapy: many questions but not many answers yet. Clin Transl Imaging 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-018-00312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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31
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Aide N, Hicks RJ, Le Tourneau C, Lheureux S, Fanti S, Lopci E. FDG PET/CT for assessing tumour response to immunotherapy : Report on the EANM symposium on immune modulation and recent review of the literature. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2018; 46:238-250. [PMID: 30291373 PMCID: PMC6267687 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-018-4171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper follows the immunotherapy symposium held during the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) 2017 Annual Congress. The biological basis of the immune checkpoint inhibitors and the drugs most frequently used for the treatment of solid tumours are reviewed. The issues of pseudoprogression (frequency, timeline), hyperprogression and immune-related side effects are discussed, as well as their implications for patient management. A review of the recent literature on the use of FDG PET for assessment of immunotherapy is presented, and recommendations are provided for assessing tumour response and reporting immune-related side effects with FDG PET based on published data and experts' experience. Representative clinical cases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Aide
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France. .,Normandie University, Caen, France. .,INSERM 1086 ANTICIPE, Normandie University, Caen, France. .,EANM Oncology Committee, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rodney J Hicks
- Centre for Molecular Imaging, Department of Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France.,INSERM U900 Research Unit, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Stéphanie Lheureux
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stefano Fanti
- EANM Oncology Committee, Vienna, Austria.,Nuclear Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- EANM Oncology Committee, Vienna, Austria.,Nuclear Medicine Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Castello A, Grizzi F, Qehajaj D, Rahal D, Lutman F, Lopci E. 18F-FDG PET/CT for response assessment in Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 60:367-375. [PMID: 30032683 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1488254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) response to checkpoint inhibitors with 18F-FDG PET/CT. Forty three refractory or relapsed HL patients were investigated before immunotherapy, 8 weeks and 17 weeks after administration of either nivolumab or pembrolizumab. The median follow-up was 19 months. Best clinical response was complete response (CR) in 26 patients, partial response (PR) in 5 patients, stable disease (SD) in 8 patients, and progression disease (PD) in 4 patients. At the early assessment, Deauville Score (DS) resulted significantly different in responder group compared to nonresponders. SUVmax was significantly lower in responders, while there was no relevant modification in the tumor burden. At interim evaluation, DS well differentiated responder group. A significant decrease in glucose metabolism and tumor burden parameters was observed in responder patients, who presented with a longer progression-free survival then nonresponders. 18F-FDG PET/CT provides a reliable indication of treatment response under checkpoints inhibitors, even at an early assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Castello
- a Nuclear Medicine Department , Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital , Rozzano , MI , Italy
| | - Fabio Grizzi
- b Immunology and Inflammation , Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital , Rozzano , MI , Italy
| | - Dorina Qehajaj
- b Immunology and Inflammation , Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital , Rozzano , MI , Italy
| | - Daoud Rahal
- c Pathology Department , Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital , Rozzano , MI , Italy
| | - Fabio Lutman
- d Radiology Department , Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital , Rozzano , MI , Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- a Nuclear Medicine Department , Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital , Rozzano , MI , Italy
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33
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Rossi S, Castello A, Toschi L, Lopci E. Immunotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer: potential predictors of response and new strategies to assess activity. Immunotherapy 2018; 10:797-805. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment algorithm of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer is rapidly evolving. This result is mostly related to the availability in clinical practice of checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-Ls) immunosuppressive pathway. Although patient's selection in the first-line setting relies essentially on high levels of PD-L1 tumor expression, treatment choice in pretreated patients is more challenging and, although clinical and biological characteristics might be of help, there is an urgent need for novel tools to better identify sensitive and resistant patients. In this context, the integration of molecular markers and immune-PET imaging might represent a potentially effective strategy to refine patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Rossi
- Medical Oncology, Humanitas Clinical & Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Angelo Castello
- Nuclear Medicine – Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical & Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 – Rozzano, Italy
| | - Luca Toschi
- Medical Oncology, Humanitas Clinical & Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- Nuclear Medicine – Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical & Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 – Rozzano, Italy
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34
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Wei W, Jiang D, Ehlerding EB, Luo Q, Cai W. Noninvasive PET Imaging of T cells. Trends Cancer 2018; 4:359-373. [PMID: 29709260 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving field of cancer immunotherapy recently saw the approval of several new therapeutic antibodies. Several cell therapies, for example, chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells (CAR-T), are currently in clinical trials for a variety of cancers and other diseases. However, approaches to monitor changes in the immune status of tumors or to predict therapeutic responses are limited. Monitoring lymphocytes from whole blood or biopsies does not provide dynamic and spatial information about T cells in heterogeneous tumors. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using probes specific for T cells can noninvasively monitor systemic and intratumoral immune alterations during experimental therapies and may have an important and expanding value in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China; Department of Radiology, Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Dawei Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Emily B Ehlerding
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Quanyong Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Weibo Cai
- Department of Radiology, Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
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Pucar D, Boustani AM, Bronen RA, Saperstein L. Superior Pituitary Border Analysis in Immunotherapy-Induced Hypophysitis. Clin Nucl Med 2018; 43:284-286. [PMID: 29401149 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000001981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy-induced hypophysitis presents with headache, fatigue, and visual disturbances. The diagnosis is supported by imaging findings of pituitary swelling, enhancement, and hypermetabolism and established by low levels of pituitary hormones. A 64-year-old man with metastatic melanoma on nivolumab presented with a severe headache, initially attributed to sinus disease. Contrast CT was interpreted as minor sinus disease and no pituitary abnormality. Hypophysitis was eventually diagnosed and successfully treated based on PET and laboratory findings. Our retrospective analysis demonstrated abnormal convex superior pituitary border visible on contrast and noncontrast CT and PET. This feature may aid diagnosis in the challenging cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Pucar
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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