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Kleynhans J, Ebenhan T, Sathekge MM. Expanding Role for Gallium-68 PET Imaging in Oncology. Semin Nucl Med 2024:S0001-2998(24)00054-0. [PMID: 38964934 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Gallium-68 has gained substantial momentum since 2003 as a versatile radiometal that is extremely useful for application in the development of novel oncology targeting diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. It is available through both generator produced radioactivity and via cyclotron production methods and can therefore be implemented in either small- or large-scale production facilities. It can also be implemented within different spectrum of infrastructure settings with relative ease. Whilst many of the radiopharmaceuticals are being development and investigated, which is summarized in this manuscript, [68Ga]Ga-SSTR2 and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA has prominence in current clinical guidelines. The novel tracer [68Ga]Ga-FAPi has also gained significant interest in the clinical context. A comparison of the labelling strategies followed to incorporate gallium-68 and fluorine-18 into the same molecular targeting constructs clearly demonstrate that gallium-68 complexation is the most convenient approach. Recently, cold kit based starting products are available to make the small-scale production of gallium-68 radiopharmaceuticals even more efficient when combined with generator produced gallium-68. The regulatory aspects is currently changing to support the implementation of gallium-68 and other diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, simplifying the translation towards clinical use. Overall, the development of gallium-68 based radiopharmaceuticals is not only rapidly changing the landscape of diagnosis in oncology, but this growth also promotes innovation and progress in new applications of therapeutic radiometals such as lutetium-177 and actinium-225.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janke Kleynhans
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Radiopharmaceutical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Ebenhan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Preclinical Imaging Facility, Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mike Machaba Sathekge
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
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Nogareda Seoane Z, Mallón Araújo MC, Calatayud Cubes A, Barberán Corral C, Domínguez Novoa Y, Cousillas Castiñeira A, Martínez Lago N, de Matías Leralta JM, Pubul Nuñez V. Functional imaging in neuroendocrine tumors: assessment of molecular heterogeneity using [ 68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [ 18F]FDG PET/CT. Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol 2024; 43:500011. [PMID: 38643835 DOI: 10.1016/j.remnie.2024.500011] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was evaluate the diagnostic performance of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18F]FDG PET/CT in patients with histologically proven neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), as well as the correlation of the visualized findings with the tumor grade. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 50 patients with NETs who underwent both [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18F]FDG PET/TC. The pooled sensitivity of both scans was compared, as well as [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18F]FDG for each tumor grade (grade 1/G1, grade 2/G2 and grade 3/G3). Also, the sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18F]FDG as a function of the continuous variable Ki-67 was investigated. Finally, the number of lesions detected by both PET radiopharmaceuticals for each tumor grade was compared. RESULTS The pooled sensitivity of both PET/CT (96%) was higher than [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC (84%) and [18F]FDG (44%) separately, with statistically significant differences. The sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC was higher than [18F]FDG in both G1 (p = 0.004) and G2 (p < 0.001). In G3 the performance of both scans detected disease in 100% of this subgroup. The sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18F]FDG PET/CT correlated significantly with the Ki-67 proliferative index. In G2 patients the number of lesions detected with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC was higher than [18F]FDG. CONCLUSIONS The performance of both PET/CT, particularly in G2 and G3, demonstrates the molecular heterogeneity of metastatic NETs and contributes to the selection of a more appropriate treatment, particularly in those high-grade patients who may benefit from radionuclide therapy (PRRT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Nogareda Seoane
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Clínico Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - M C Mallón Araújo
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Clínico Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Calatayud Cubes
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Clínico Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Barberán Corral
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Clínico Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Y Domínguez Novoa
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - N Martínez Lago
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol, Spain
| | - J M de Matías Leralta
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo, Spain
| | - V Pubul Nuñez
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Clínico Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Kumar V, Barwal A, Sharma N, Mir DS, Kumar P, Kumar V. Therapeutic proteins: developments, progress, challenges, and future perspectives. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:112. [PMID: 38510462 PMCID: PMC10948735 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03958-z] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins are considered magic molecules due to their enormous applications in the health sector. Over the past few decades, therapeutic proteins have emerged as a promising treatment option for various diseases, particularly cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and others. The formulation of protein-based therapies is a major area of research, however, a few factors still hinder the large-scale production of these therapeutic products, such as stability, heterogenicity, immunogenicity, high cost of production, etc. This review provides comprehensive information on various sources and production of therapeutic proteins. The review also summarizes the challenges currently faced by scientists while developing protein-based therapeutics, along with possible solutions. It can be concluded that these proteins can be used in combination with small molecular drugs to give synergistic benefits in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Kumar
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413 India
| | - Arti Barwal
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Nitin Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Mohali, Punjab 140307 India
| | - Danish Shafi Mir
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413 India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413 India
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Piscopo L, Zampella E, Pellegrino S, Volpe F, Nappi C, Gaudieri V, Fonti R, Vecchio SD, Cuocolo A, Klain M. Diagnosis, Management and Theragnostic Approach of Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3483. [PMID: 37444593 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) constitute an ideal target for radiolabeled somatostatin analogs. The theragnostic approach is able to combine diagnosis and therapy by the identification of a molecular target that can be diagnosed and treated with the same radiolabeled compound. During the last years, advances in functional imaging with the introduction of somatostatin analogs and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, have improved the diagnosis and treatment of GEP-NENs. Moreover, PET/CT imaging with 18F-FDG represents a complementary tool for prognostic evaluation of patients with GEP-NENs. In the field of personalized medicine, the theragnostic approach has emerged as a promising tool in diagnosis and management of patients with GEP-NENs. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on diagnosis and management of patients with GEP-NENs, focusing on the theragnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Piscopo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Zampella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Pellegrino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Volpe
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Nappi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Gaudieri
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Fonti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvana Del Vecchio
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Cuocolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Klain
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Haidar M, Al Mahmasani L, Chehade L, Elias C, El Jebai M, Temraz S, Charafeddine M, Al Darazi M, Shamseddine A. Well-differentiated gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with positive FDG-PET/CT: a retrospective chart review. Nucl Med Commun 2023; 44:471-479. [PMID: 36897058 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rarely, well-differentiated gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs) can have positive uptake on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/computerized tomography ( 18 F-FDG-PET/CT), with or without a positive 68 Ga-PET/CT. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic role of 18 F-FDG-PET/CT in patients with well-differentiated GEP NETs. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a chart of patients diagnosed with GEP NETs between 2014 and 2021, at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, who have low (G1; Ki-67 ≤2) or intermediate (G2; and Ki-67 >2-≤20) well-differentiated tumors with positive findings on FDG-PET/CT. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) compared to historical control, and the secondary outcome is to describe their clinical outcome. RESULTS In total 8 out of 36 patients with G1 or G2 GEP NET met the inclusion criteria for this study. The median age was 60 years (range 51-75 years) and 75% were male. One patient (12.5%) had a G1 tumor whereas 7 (87.5%) had G2, and seven patients were stage IV. The primary tumor was intestinal in 62.5% of the patients and pancreatic in 37.5%. Seven patients had both 18 F-FDG-PET/CT and 68 Ga-PET/CT positive and one patient had a positive 18 F-FDG-PET/CT and negative 68 Ga-PET/CT. Median and mean PFS in patients positive for both 68 Ga-PET/CT and 18 F-FDG-PET/CT were 49.71 months and 37.5 months (95% CI, 20.7-54.3), respectively. PFS in these patients is lower than that reported in the literature for G1/G2 NETs with positive 68 Ga-PET/CT and negative FDG-PET/CT (37.5 vs. 71 months; P = 0.0217). CONCLUSION A new prognostic score that includes 18 F-FDG-PET/CT in G1/G2 GEP NETs could identify more aggressive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Layal Al Mahmasani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Laudy Chehade
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Elias
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Sally Temraz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Charafeddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Monita Al Darazi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Diagnostic Management of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Technique Optimization and Tips and Tricks for Radiologists. Tomography 2023; 9:217-246. [PMID: 36828370 PMCID: PMC9958666 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, which derive from cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system that specializes in producing hormones and neuropeptides and arise in most cases sporadically and, to a lesser extent, in the context of complex genetic syndromes. Furthermore, they are primarily nonfunctioning, while, in the case of insulinomas, gastrinomas, glucagonomas, vipomas, and somatostatinomas, they produce hormones responsible for clinical syndromes. The GEP-NEN tumor grade and cell differentiation may result in different clinical behaviors and prognoses, with grade one (G1) and grade two (G2) neuroendocrine tumors showing a more favorable outcome than grade three (G3) NET and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Two critical issues should be considered in the NEN diagnostic workup: first, the need to identify the presence of the tumor, and, second, to define the primary site and evaluate regional and distant metastases. Indeed, the primary site, stage, grade, and function are prognostic factors that the radiologist should evaluate to guide prognosis and management. The correct diagnostic management of the patient includes a combination of morphological and functional evaluations. Concerning morphological evaluations, according to the consensus guidelines of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS), computed tomography (CT) with a contrast medium is recommended. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), is usually indicated for use to evaluate the liver, pancreas, brain, and bones. Ultrasonography (US) is often helpful in the initial diagnosis of liver metastases, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can solve problems in characterizing the liver, as this tool can guide the biopsy of liver lesions. In addition, intraoperative ultrasound is an effective tool during surgical procedures. Positron emission tomography (PET-CT) with FDG for nonfunctioning lesions and somatostatin analogs for functional lesions are very useful for identifying and evaluating metabolic receptors. The detection of heterogeneity in somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression is also crucial for treatment decision making. In this narrative review, we have described the role of morphological and functional imaging tools in the assessment of GEP-NENs according to current major guidelines.
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Castle JT, Levy BE, Chauhan A. Pediatric Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Rare Malignancies with Incredible Variability. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205049. [PMID: 36291833 PMCID: PMC9599522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) encompass a variety of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) which can arise anywhere in the body. While relatively rare in the pediatric population, the incidence of NENs has increased in the past few decades. These neoplasms can be devastating if not diagnosed and treated early, however, symptoms are variable and can be indolent for many years. There is a reported median of 10 years from the appearance of the first symptoms to time of diagnosis. Considering some of these neoplasms have a mortality rate as high as 90%, it is crucial healthcare providers are aware of NENs and remain vigilant. With better provider education and easily accessible resources for information about these neoplasms, awareness can be improved leading to earlier disease recognition and diagnosis. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of both the most common NENs as well as the rarer NENs with high lethality in the pediatric population. This review provides up to date evidence and recommendations, encompassing recent changes in classification and advances in treatment modalities, including recently completed and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer T. Castle
- Department of Surgery, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Brittany E. Levy
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Aman Chauhan
- Department of Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Correspondence: or
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Glucose Metabolism Modification Induced by Radioligand Therapy with [ 177Lu]Lu/[ 90Y]Y-DOTATOC in Advanced Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Prospective Pilot Study within FENET-2016 Trial. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102009. [PMID: 36297443 PMCID: PMC9612170 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
[18F]F-FDG (FDG) PET is emerging as a relevant diagnostic and prognostic tool in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), as a simultaneous decrease in [68Ga]Ga-DOTA peptides and increase in FDG uptake (the “flip-flop” phenomenon) occurs during the natural history of these tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations on FDG PET in NEN patients treated with two different schemes of radioligand therapy (RLT) and to correlate them with clinical−pathologic variables. A prospective evaluation of 108 lesions in 56 patients (33 males and 23 females; median age, 64.5 years) affected by NENs of various primary origins (28 pancreatic, 13 gastrointestinal, 9 bronchial, 6 unknown primary (CUP-NENs) and 1 pheochromocytoma) and grades (median Ki-67 = 9%) was performed. The patients were treated with RLT within the phase II clinical trial FENET-2016 (CTID: NCT04790708). RLT was offered for 32 patients with the MONO scheme (five cycles of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC) and for 24 with the DUO scheme (three cycles of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC alternated with two cycles of [90Y]Y-DOTATOC). Variations in terms of the ΔSUVmax of a maximum of three target lesions per patient (58 for MONO and 50 for DUO RLT) were assessed between baseline and 3 months post-RLT FDG PET. In patients with negative baseline FDG PET, the three most relevant lesions on [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-peptide PET were assessed and matched on post-RLT FDG PET, to check for any possible changes in FDG avidity. Thirty-five patients (62.5%) had at least one pathological FDG uptake at the baseline scans, but the number was reduced to 29 (52%) after RLT. In the patients treated with DUO-scheme RLT, 20 out of 50 lesions were FDG positive before therapy, whereas only 14 were confirmed after RLT (p = 0.03). Moreover, none of the 30 FDG-negative lesions showed an increased FDG uptake after RLT. The lesions of patients with pancreatic and CUP-NENs treated with the DUO scheme demonstrated a significant reduction in ΔSUVmax in comparison to those treated with MONO RLT (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, we found a mild positive correlation between the grading and ΔSUVmax in patients treated with the MONO scheme (r = 0.39, p < 0.02), while no evidence was detected for patients treated with the DUO scheme. Our results suggest that RLT, mostly with the DUO scheme, could be effective in changing NEN lesions’ glycometabolism, in particular, in patients affected by pancreatic and CUP-NENs, regardless of their Ki-67 index. Probably, associating [90Y]Y-labelled peptides, which have high energy emission and a crossfire effect, and [177Lu]Lu ones, characterized by a longer half-life and a safer profile for organs at risk, might represent a valid option in FDG-positive NENs addressed to RLT. Further studies are needed to validate our preliminary findings. In our opinion, FDG PET/CT should represent a potent tool for fully assessing a patient’s disease characteristics, both before and after RLT.
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