Imaging Tumor-Targeting Bacteria Using 18F-Fluorodeoxysorbitol Positron Emission Tomography

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Microbiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Microbial-based cancer treatments are an emerging therapeutic strategy.
• Bacterial colonization in tumors requires effective imaging for development and clinical translation.
• Noninvasive, bacteria-specific imaging can assess tumor and off-target colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate 18F-Fluorodeoxysorbitol (18F-FDS) positron emission tomography (PET) for visualizing bacteria-specific cancer treatment.
• To assess the utility of 18F-FDS PET in murine breast cancer models using Yersinia enterocolitica.

Main Methods:

• An attenuated strain of Yersinia enterocolitica was used in murine breast cancer models.
• 18F-FDS PET was employed to visualize bacterial colonization after direct intratumor or intravenous administration.
• 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET was used as a comparative imaging modality.

Main Results:

• Yersinia enterocolitica showed excellent 18F-FDS uptake in vitro.
• 18F-FDS PET demonstrated significantly higher signals in colonized tumors compared to uncolonized tumors.
• No significant difference in 18F-FDG PET signal was observed between colonized and uncolonized tumors.

Conclusions:

• 18F-FDS PET is a viable bacteria-specific imaging approach.
• This method can support the development and clinical translation of Yersinia enterocolitica-based cancer therapeutics.
• 18F-FDS PET can serve as a complementary tool in managing cancer patients undergoing microbial therapy.