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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
Imaging in early phase childhood cancer trials
1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. adamsonp@upenn.edu
Abstract:
Advances made in the treatment of childhood malignancies during the last four decades have resulted in overall cure rates of approximately 80%, but progress has slowed significantly during the last 10 years, underscoring the need for more effective and less toxic agents. Current research is focused on development of molecularly targeted agents, an era ushered in with the discovery of imatinib mesylate for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Since imatinib's introduction into the clinic, an increasing number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed and entered into clinical trials and practice. Parallel to the initial advances made in molecularly targeted agents has been the development of a spectrum of novel imaging modalities. Future goals for imaging in childhood cancer research thus include (1) patient identification based on target identification or other biologic characteristics of the tumor, (2) assessing pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) effects, and (3) predictive value with an early indication of patient benefit. Development and application of novel imaging modalities for children with cancer can serve to streamline development of molecularly targeted agents.
Insights
Pediatric cancer treatment needs better drugs. Novel imaging techniques can help develop targeted therapies and predict patient response, improving outcomes for childhood malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Molecular Imaging
- Drug Development
Background:
- Childhood cancer cure rates have plateaued around 80% over the last decade.
- There is a critical need for more effective and less toxic treatments for pediatric malignancies.
- The advent of molecularly targeted agents, like imatinib, has revolutionized cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of novel imaging modalities in advancing childhood cancer research.
- To outline future goals for imaging in the development of targeted therapies.
- To emphasize the synergy between molecularly targeted agents and advanced imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of advances in molecularly targeted agents for childhood cancers.
- Exploration of emerging novel imaging modalities.
- Discussion of the integration of imaging into drug development pipelines.
Main Results:
- Molecularly targeted agents, particularly tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are increasingly important.
- Novel imaging modalities offer potential for patient stratification and treatment assessment.
- Imaging can identify patients based on tumor biology and assess drug effects.
Conclusions:
- Integrating advanced imaging into childhood cancer research can accelerate the development of targeted therapies.
- Future imaging applications include patient identification, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic assessment, and prediction of treatment benefit.
- Novel imaging is crucial for streamlining the development and application of effective, less toxic agents for pediatric malignancies.
