Real-Time Transferrin-Based PET Detects MYC-Positive Prostate Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Imaging
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Noninvasive biomarkers are crucial for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment management.
• The MYC oncogene is a key driver in various cancers, including prostate cancer.
• Targeting MYC activity noninvasively could offer new diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate 68Ga-citrate as a PET imaging agent for detecting MYC-positive prostate cancer.
• To determine if 68Ga-citrate uptake correlates with MYC activity in prostate cancer models and patients.

Main Methods:

• PET imaging with 68Ga-citrate was performed on preclinical models and patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
• Molecular analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and clinical biopsies was conducted.
• Correlation between 68Ga-citrate avidity and MYC pathway activation was assessed.

Main Results:

• 68Ga-citrate successfully detected MYC-positive prostate cancer models in a MYC-dependent manner.
• All patients with 68Ga-citrate avid tumors showed MYC copy number gain in cfDNA.
• Biopsies of avid metastases confirmed MYC hyperactivity.

Conclusions:

• 68Ga-citrate PET imaging can noninvasively target prostate cancer tumors with MYC hyperactivity.
• This approach holds potential for improved understanding and management of MYC-driven prostate cancer.
• Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the specificity of 68Ga-citrate for MYC-hyperactive tumors.