Clinical Evaluation of Nuclear Imaging Agents in Breast Cancer
Ziqi Li1,2, Mariam S Aboian2, Xiaohua Zhu1
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Abstract:
Precision medicine is the customization of therapy for specific groups of patients using genetic or molecular profiling. Noninvasive imaging is one strategy for molecular profiling and is the focus of this review. The combination of imaging and therapy for precision medicine gave rise to the field of theranostics. In breast cancer, the detection and quantification of therapeutic targets can help assess their heterogeneity, especially in metastatic disease, and may help guide clinical decisions for targeted treatments. Positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) imaging has the potential to play an important role in the molecular profiling of therapeutic targets in vivo for the selection of patients who are likely to respond to corresponding targeted therapy. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art nuclear imaging agents in clinical research for breast cancer. We reviewed 17 clinical studies on PET or SPECT agents that target 10 different receptors in breast cancer. We also discuss the limitations of the study designs and of the imaging agents in these studies. Finally, we offer our perspective on which imaging agents have the highest potential to be used in clinical practice in the future.
Insights
Nuclear imaging agents like PET and SPECT are crucial for molecular profiling in breast cancer, guiding targeted therapy selection. This review explores current agents and their potential for precision medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Precision medicine tailors treatments using genetic/molecular profiling.
- Noninvasive imaging, particularly nuclear imaging, is key for molecular profiling.
- Theranostics combines imaging and therapy for personalized cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review state-of-the-art nuclear imaging agents for molecular profiling in breast cancer.
- To assess the role of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) in guiding targeted treatments.
- To evaluate the potential of imaging agents in clinical practice for breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 17 clinical studies on PET or SPECT agents.
- Analysis of agents targeting 10 different receptors in breast cancer.
- Evaluation of study designs and limitations of current imaging agents.
Main Results:
- Identified various nuclear imaging agents targeting multiple receptors in breast cancer.
- Assessed the potential of these agents for in vivo molecular profiling.
- Highlighted heterogeneity in metastatic breast cancer and its assessment via imaging.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear imaging agents show promise for selecting patients likely to respond to targeted therapy.
- Further development and validation are needed to overcome limitations in study designs and agents.
- Certain imaging agents demonstrate high potential for future clinical integration in breast cancer precision medicine.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...