Planar and single-photon emission computed tomography imaging in dogs with thyroid tumors: 68 cases

Effect of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone on radioactive iodine uptake by thyroid carcinoma in dogs

BACKGROUND

The high doses of radioiodine-131 (131I) and, subsequently, the high radioactive burden for dog and environment warrants optimization of 131I therapy in dogs with thyroid carcinoma (TC).

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a revised protocol with recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) on tumor radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) in dogs with TC.

ANIMALS

Nine client-owned dogs diagnosed with TC.

METHODS

A prospective cross-over study in which tumor RAIU was calculated and compared at 8 hours (8h-RAIU) and 24 hours (24h-RAIU) after injection of radioactive iodine-123 (123I), once with and once without rhTSH (ie, 250 μg, IM, 24 and 12 hours before 123I) in each dog. Simultaneously, serum total thyroxine (TT4) and TSH were measured at baseline (T0), and 6 (T6), 12 (T12), 24 (T24), and 48 hours (T48) after the first rhTSH administration.

RESULTS

Tumor RAIU was significantly higher at 24 hours with rhTSH compared to no rhTSH (mean difference = 8.85%, 95% CI of [1.56; 16.14]; P = .03), while this was non-significant at 8 hours (mean difference = 4.54%, 95% CI of [0.35; 8.73]; P = .05). A significant change of serum TT4 (median difference T24 - T0 = 35.86 nmol/L, interquartile range [IQR] = 15.74 nmol/L) and TSH (median difference T24 - T0 = 1.20 ng/mL, IQR = 1.55 ng/mL) concentrations occurred after administration of rhTSH (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Recombinant human TSH could optimize 131I treatment in dogs with TC by increasing tumor RAIU and thus 131I treatment efficacy.

Canine follicular cell and medullary thyroid carcinomas: Immunohistochemical characterization

Research on modulation of iodine uptake by thyroid cells could help improve radioiodine treatment of dogs with thyroid tumors. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunohistochemical expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), thyroglobulin, thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), sodium iodide symporter (NIS), pendrin, thyroid peroxidase (TPO), vimentin, and Ki-67 in follicular cell thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs), and to compare protein expression between FTC causing hyperthyroidism and FTC of euthyroid dogs. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 25 FTCs (9 follicular, 8 follicular-compact, and 8 compact) and 8 MTCs. FTCs and MTCs were positive for TTF-1, and expression was higher in FTCs of euthyroid dogs compared with FTCs of hyperthyroid dogs (P= .041). Immunolabeling for thyroglobulin was higher in follicular and follicular-compact FTCs compared with compact FTCs (P = .001), while vimentin expression was higher in follicular-compact FTCs compared with follicular FTCs (P = .011). The expression of TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO was not significantly different among the different subtypes of FTCs or between FTCs causing hyperthyroidism and FTCs in euthyroid dogs. TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO were also expressed in MTCs. Ki-67 labeling index was comparable between FTCs and MTCs, and between FTCs causing hyperthyroidism and FTCs in euthyroid dogs. Proteins of iodine transport were also expressed in canine MTCs, which could have implications for diagnosis and treatment. The different expression of thyroglobulin and vimentin between FTC histological subtypes could reflect variations in tumor differentiation.

The role of companion animal models in radiopharmaceutical development and translation

Advancements in molecular imaging and drug targeting have created a renaissance in the development of radiopharmaceuticals for therapy and theranostics. While some radiopharmaceuticals, such as Na[131I]I, have been used clinically for decades, new agents are being approved using small-molecules, peptides, and antibodies for targeting. As these agents are being developed, the need to understand dosimetry and biologic effects of the systemically delivered radiotherapy becomes more important, particularly as highly potent radiopharmaceuticals using targeted alpha therapy become clinically utilized. As the processes being targeted become more complex, and the radiobiology of different particulate radiation becomes more diverse, models that better recapitulate human cancer and geometry are necessary. Companion animals develop many of the same types of cancer, carrying many of the same genetic drivers as those seen in people, and the scale and geometry of tumours in dogs more closely mimics those in humans than murine tumour models. Key translational challenges in oncology, such as alterations in tumour microenvironment, hypoxia, heterogeneity, and geometry are addressed by companion animal models. This review paper will provide background on radiopharmaceutical targeting techniques, review the use of radiopharmaceuticals in companion animal oncology, and explore the translational value of treating these patients in terms of dosimetry, treatment outcomes, and normal tissue complication rates.

Imaging techniques in veterinary medicine. Part II: Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine

Radiography and ultrasonography are the most used techniques in veterinary clinical practice, due to organizational, managerial and, mostly, economic reasons. However, in the last decades, Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and, to a lesser extent, Nuclear Medicine (MN) are increasingly used. As we said in the previous article, all the Diagnostic Imaging techniques are actually "indispensable" in Veterinary Medicine, where many patients do not show any symptoms.This second part describes Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and Nuclear Medicine techniques in Veterinary Medicine are described.

99m-Technetium-Pertechnetat- und 99m-Technetium-Sestamibi-Szintigrafie zur Darstellung von hypofunktionellem Schilddrüsengewebe und Staging bei einem Hund mit Schilddrüsenkarzinom

Eine 10-jährige Mischlingshündin wurde aufgrund einer zervikalen Umfangsvermehrung zur Schilddrüsen-Szintigrafie vorgestellt.

Aufgrund einer zusätzlichen Hypothyreose, die einen „kalten“ Knoten vermuten ließ, und zur Metastasensuche, erfolgte neben der 99m-Technetium-Pertechnetat (Tc-Pertechnetat)-Szintigrafie eine zweite Szintigrafie mit 99m-Technetium-Sestamibi (Tc-MIBI).

Zwanzig Minuten nach intravenöser Gabe von 38 MBq Tc-Pertechnetat waren ein „heißer“ zervikaler und ein intrathorakaler Knoten mit einem „Uptake“ von 8,40 und 0,25 % sichtbar. In der zweiten Szintigrafie 20 Minuten nach intravenöser Gabe von 364 MBq Tc-MIBI und 70 Minuten nach der ersten Szintigrafie zeigten die Knoten nach Abzug der Pertechnetat-Aktivität und Zerfallskorrektur einen „Uptake“ von 0,99 und 0,03 %. Zudem stellten sich in der Schilddrüsenloge beide Schilddrüsenlappen mit einer geringen Tc-MIBI-Aufnahme dar. Das Verhältnis Tc-„Uptake“/Tc-MIBI-„Uptake“ betrug für beide Läsionen 8,48 bzw. 8,33.

Nach Exstirpation des zervikalen Tumors ergab die histopathologische Untersuchung atrophisches Schilddrüsengewebe, das von einem expansiv wachsenden gut differenzierten follikulären Schilddrüsenkarzinom fast vollständig verdrängt wurde.

Dieser Fallbericht beschreibt Durchführung, Nutzen und rechnerische Korrektur einer aufeinanderfolgenden Pertechnetat- und MIBI-Szintigrafie, die eine Darstellung von hypofunktionellem Schilddrüsengewebe ermöglichte. Die beiden heißen Knoten waren daher und aufgrund ihrer gleichen MIBI-Stoffwechselaktivität als dystopes Gewebe/Metastasen zu werten, wodurch die Hündin in das prognostisch ungünstigere WHO-Stadium IV klassifiziert werden musste. Anders als beim Menschen sollten beim Hund zur Vermeidung einer erneuten Narkose beide Szintigrafien kurz hintereinander durchgeführt werden. Eine qualitative/visuelle Beurteilung des MIBI-Szintigramms ist daher nicht sicher möglich, sodass eine quantitative Beurteilung über den „Uptake“ nach rechnerischer Korrektur der Pertechnetat-Aktivität erfolgen muss.

Application of Advanced Imaging Modalities in Veterinary Medicine: A Review

Veterinary anatomy has traditionally relied on detailed dissections to produce anatomical illustrations, but modern imaging modalities, now represent an enormous resource that allows for fast non-invasive visualizations in living animals for clinical and research purposes. In this review, advanced anatomical imaging modalities and their applications, safety issues, challenges, and future prospects of the techniques commonly employed for animal imaging would be highlighted. The quality of diagnostic imaging equipment in veterinary practice has greatly improved. Recent advances made in veterinary advanced imaging specifically about cross-sectional modalities (CT and MRI), nuclear medicine (PET, SPECT), and dual imaging modalities (PET/CT, PET/MR, and SPECT/CT) have become widely available, leading to greater demands and expectations from veterinary clients. These modalities allow for the creation of three-dimensional representations that can be of considerable value in the dissemination of clinical diagnosis and anatomical studies. Despite, the modern imaging modalities well established in developed countries across the globe, it is yet to remain in its infancy stage in veterinary practice in developing countries due to heavy initial investment and maintenance costs, lack of expert interpretation, a requirement of specialized technical staff and need of adjustable machines to accommodate the different range of animal sizes. Therefore, veterinarians should take advantage of these imaging techniques in designing future experiments by considering the availability of these varied imaging modalities and the creation of three-dimensional graphical representations of internal structures.

Biodistribution and image characteristics of 124 I-positron emission tomography in dogs with neuroendocrine neoplasia

Radioactive iodine is frequently used for staging of human thyroid carcinomas. Iodine-124 scans performed using position emission tomography (PET) allow for more precise dosimetry of therapeutic radioiodine. The distribution of I-124 has not previously been described in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this prospective, exporatory, descriptive study is to evaluate the whole-body distribution of I-124 in dogs with suspected thyroid carcinoma. Ten dogs with either a cytologic diagnosis of a neuroendocrine neoplasm or biochemical hyperthyroidism were enrolled in a prospective clinical study. Whole-body I-124 PET/CT scans were performed and were evaluated for physiologic and pathologic uptake of I-124. The maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmean) were recorded for several normal and abnormal tissues. Varying degrees of uptake were found in thyroid tumors (SUVmean = 66.37), ectopic thyroid masses (21.44), presumed metastatic lesions in lymph nodes (32.14), and the pulmonary parenchyma (4.50). In most dogs, physiologic uptake above background, measured in maximum SUV, was identified in parotid and mandibular salivary glands (14.00 and 1.57) the urinary tract (1.83), the gastrointestinal tract (19.90 stomach, 6.15 colon), the liver (1.41), and the heart (1.88). Occasionally, uptake was identified in the nasolacrimal duct (3.42), salivary duct (2.73), gallbladder (2.68), and anal gland (2.22). Physiologic uptake was also identified in normal thyroid glands and ectopic thyroid tissue. This study provides a baseline of pathologic and physiologic uptake of I-124 in dogs with thyroid carcinoma, to guide interpretation of future studies.

In Vivo Imaging of Thyroid Cancer with 99mTc-TR1401 and 99mTc-TR1402: A Comparison Study in Dogs

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cells may lose NIS expression and iodine uptake, but usually express TSH receptors (TSHR). Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare two radiolabeled superagonist TSH analogues for DTC imaging. These analogues (namely TR1401 and TR1402) have a higher TSHR binding affinity than recombinant human TSH (Thyrogen^®). Radiolabeling was performed with technetium-99m using an indirect method via HYNIC conjugation and was followed by in vitro quality controls and binding assay on TSHR-positive cell lines (ML-1). An in vitro binding assay was also performed and compared with radiolabeled human recombinant TSH. In vivo imaging was performed in four dogs with spontaneous follicular thyroid carcinoma with solid poorly differentiated areas with ^99mTc-TR1401 SPECT/CT, ^99mTc-TR1402 SPECT/CT, and [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT on different days within 2 weeks. TR1401 and TR1402 were labeled with high specific activity (8.3 ± 1.2 MBq/µg) and retention of their biological activity and structural integrity. Both agonists were able to efficiently bind TSHR receptors expressed by cell lines with dissociation constants (Kd) of 2.7 nM for ^99mTc-TR1401 and 0.5 nM for ^99mTc-TR1402 compared with ^99mTc-Thyrogen (Kd = 8.4 nM). In tumor-targeting experiments, a focal uptake was observed in dogs with spontaneous intraglandular thyroid carcinoma, in which TSHR expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. ^99mTc-TR1402 provided higher T/B than ^99mTc-TR1401 and [¹⁸F]FDG (12.9 ± 1.3, 10.2 ± 0.7, and 3.8 ± 0.6, respectively; all p < 0.001). Given these results, ^99mTc-TR1402 appears to be a useful tool for in vivo imaging of thyroid cancer.

Planar and single-photon emission computed tomography imaging in dogs with thyroid tumors: 68 cases

Background

Information on scintigraphy findings in dogs with thyroid neoplasia is scarce. The use of single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) could improve detection of metastatic disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe planar and SPECT imaging findings in dogs with thyroid tumors, and to compare SPECT and thoracic radiography for metastasis detection.

Animals

Sixty‐eight dogs with thyroid neoplasia.

Methods

Retrospective study, search of medical records for dogs with thyroid neoplasia (2008‐2018).

Results

Thyroid scintigraphy was available from 68 dogs, of which 6 presented after surgical resection. Radionuclide uptake was increased in 56% of dogs, decreased in 24%, and comparable to that of the salivary glands in 13%. The remainder had multiple masses with variable uptake. A homogeneous uptake pattern was present in 16% and a heterogeneous uptake pattern in 73%. In 11% (all dogs with multiple masses), various uptake patterns were present. Thyroid tumors were well delineated in 55%. There was a significant association between hormone status and uptake pattern (P = .009), with a heterogeneous uptake pattern in the majority of euthyroid dogs, and hormone status and tumor circumscription (P = .003), with well‐circumscribed margins in the majority of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid dogs. Thoracic SPECT imaging was available in 39 dogs and identified metastatic lesions in 15 dogs. Thoracic radiographs were performed in 14 of these dogs, and detected metastases in 3 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

SPECT imaging is a viable imaging technique to screen for thoracic metastasis and wider use of SPECT imaging is recommended in dogs with thyroid neoplasia.