Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
10:48
PET and MRI Guided Irradiation of a Glioblastoma Rat Model Using a Micro-irradiator
Published on: December 28, 2017
Characterization of neuroblastic tumors using 18F-FDOPA PET
Meng-Yao Lu1, Yen-Lin Liu, Hsiu-Hao Chang
1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Summary
18F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-FDOPA) PET imaging shows high accuracy in detecting neuroblastic tumors in children. This new tool may complement existing methods for improved diagnosis and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Neuroblastic tumors are childhood neoplasms with amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) activity.
- 18F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-FDOPA) PET is a novel imaging technique for neuroendocrine tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and clinical utility of 18F-FDOPA PET in diagnosing and monitoring neuroblastic tumors.
- To compare 18F-FDOPA PET with established imaging modalities like 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy and 18F-FDG PET.
Main Methods:
- Patients with tissue-proven neuroblastic tumors underwent 18F-FDOPA PET.
- Sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDOPA PET were compared against 123I-MIBG and 18F-FDG PET, using histology as the gold standard.
- Quantitative analysis included maximum standardized uptake value and tumor-to-liver uptake ratio, correlated with AADC expression.
Main Results:
- 18F-FDOPA PET detected 97.6% of neuroblastic tumors with 87.5% specificity.
- It showed higher sensitivity than 123I-MIBG and 18F-FDG PET in comparative analyses.
- Tumor uptake of 18F-FDOPA correlated significantly with AADC expression.
Conclusions:
- 18F-FDOPA PET demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for detecting and tracking neuroblastic tumors.
- It may serve as a valuable complementary tool to 123I-MIBG and 18F-FDG PET.
- Its correlation with AADC expression supports its role in functional assessment of these tumors.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET
Fundamental Principles of PET