Relationship Between [18F]FDOPA PET Uptake, Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), and Proliferation Rate in Recurrent Malignant Gliomas
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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Elena Karavaeva1, Robert J Harris, Kevin Leu
1Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
Purpose:
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-dopa ([(18)F]FDOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) are used to interrogate malignant tumor microenvironment. It remains unclear whether there is a relationship between [(18)F]FDOPA uptake, diffusion MRI estimates of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and mitotic activity in the context of recurrent malignant gliomas, where the tumor may be confounded by the effects of therapy. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether there is a correlation between these imaging techniques and mitotic activity in malignant gliomas.
Procedures:
We retrospectively examined 29 patients with recurrent malignant gliomas who underwent structural MRI, diffusion MRI, and [(18)F]FDOPA PET prior to surgical resection. Qualitative associations were noted, and quantitative voxel-wise and median measurement correlations between [(18)F]FDOPA PET, ADC, and mitotic index were performed.
Results:
Areas of high [(18)F]FDOPA uptake exhibited low ADC and areas of hyperintensity T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) with low [(18)F]FDOPA uptake exhibited high ADC. There was a significant inverse voxel-wise correlation between [(18)F]FDOPA and ADC for all patients. Median [(18)F]FDOPA uptake and median ADC also showed a significant inverse correlation. Median [(18)F]FDOPA uptake was positively correlated, and median ADC was inversely correlated with mitotic index from resected tumor tissue.
Conclusions:
A significant association may exist between [(18)F]FDOPA uptake, diffusion MRI, and mitotic activity in recurrent malignant gliomas.
Insights
High 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-dopa (FDOPA) uptake on PET scans correlated with low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion MRI in recurrent malignant gliomas. Both imaging modalities showed associations with tumor mitotic activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiology
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Diffusion MRI and 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-dopa (FDOPA) PET are utilized to assess malignant tumor microenvironments.
- The relationship between FDOPA uptake, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and mitotic activity in recurrent malignant gliomas, particularly considering therapy effects, is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between FDOPA uptake, diffusion MRI-derived ADC, and mitotic activity in recurrent malignant gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 29 patients with recurrent malignant gliomas who underwent MRI and FDOPA PET before surgery.
- Quantitative voxel-wise and median measurement correlations were performed between FDOPA PET, ADC, and mitotic index.
Main Results:
- Areas of high FDOPA uptake corresponded to low ADC, and areas of high T2/FLAIR hyperintensity with low FDOPA uptake showed high ADC.
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between FDOPA uptake and ADC across all patients.
- Median FDOPA uptake positively correlated with mitotic index, while median ADC inversely correlated with mitotic index.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between FDOPA uptake, diffusion MRI, and mitotic activity in recurrent malignant gliomas.
- These imaging techniques may offer insights into tumor biology and aggressiveness.
