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[18F]FDG and [18F]FLT PET-CT and MR imaging of human neuroblastomas in a SCID mouse xenograft model
Ursula Valentiner1, Christina Haane, Kersten Peldschus
1Department of Anatomy II: Experimental Morphology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. valentin@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Background:
Finding new therapeutic agents is of great clinical interest in neuroblastoma research because prognosis of children with disseminated stages of disease is still poor. As xenograft mouse models are frequently used for studying anticancer drugs in vivo, small animal imaging is an important method of monitoring in anticancer research.
Materials And Methods:
SCID mice inoculated with human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells were examined with positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) or [18F]fluoro-L-thymidine (FLT) and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Results:
All neuroblastomas were detected by MRI. In PET-CT imaging, no tumour was visualized with [18F]FDG, but 13 out of 14 (93%) were found with [18F]FLT. Uptake of [18F]FLT was significantly associated with tumour weight. Necrotic areas could not be identified either by MR imaging or on PET-CT scans.
Conclusion:
Both MR and PET-CT imaging with [18F]FLT are highly qualified for the detection of neuroblastomas grown in SCID mice. However, [18F]FDG, which is the standard tracer in clinical PET-CT imaging, is not suited for PET-CT imaging in the neuroblastoma model.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and [18F]fluoro-L-thymidine (FLT) positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) effectively detect neuroblastoma in mice. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET-CT is not suitable for this preclinical neuroblastoma model.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Neuroblastoma prognosis remains poor for disseminated disease, necessitating new therapeutic agents.
- Xenograft mouse models are crucial for evaluating anticancer drugs in vivo.
- Small animal imaging is vital for monitoring therapeutic efficacy in preclinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) using specific tracers for detecting neuroblastoma xenografts in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.
Main Methods:
- SCID mice bearing human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH xenografts were imaged using MRI.
- PET-CT imaging was performed using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and [18F]fluoro-L-thymidine (FLT).
Main Results:
- MRI successfully detected all neuroblastomas.
- [18F]FLT PET-CT identified 93% (13/14) of neuroblastomas, with uptake correlating to tumor weight.
- [18F]FDG PET-CT failed to visualize any tumors; neither imaging modality identified necrotic areas.
Conclusions:
- Both MRI and [18F]FLT PET-CT are highly effective for detecting neuroblastomas in SCID mouse models.
- Standard clinical [18F]FDG PET-CT is unsuitable for preclinical neuroblastoma imaging in this model.
