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Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
Advancements in noninvasive visualization of the immune environment in glioblastoma: A systematic review
Philipp Lohmann1,2, Laura Schäfer2, Sandra Krause1
1Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3, INM-4), Research Center Juelich, Juelich, Germany.
Background:
Glioblastoma is known for its highly immunosuppressive microenvironment, hindering the efficacy of immunotherapies. Noninvasive imaging like immuno-positron emission tomography (PET) offers the potential for visualizing immune dynamics within glioblastoma, potentially aiding in patient selection and treatment monitoring. This systematic review evaluates immuno-PET tracers currently under investigation for the noninvasive visualization of the immune environment in glioblastoma.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science up to March 2025, using keywords related to glioblastoma, immuno-PET, immune compartments, and specific tracers. Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on the development, characterization, or application of immuno-PET tracers targeting immune cells or immune checkpoint molecules in glioblastoma.
Results:
Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, exploring tracers targeting immune checkpoints and immune cell populations. Full-length antibodies demonstrated higher tumor specificity and retention compared to smaller fragments but showed longer circulation times. Peptide-based tracers and affibodies offered improved pharmacokinetics with rapid clearance and lower nonspecific uptake but encountered hurdles in ensuring adequate tumor targeting and retention. Advancements included dual-modal tracers combining PET and near-infrared fluorescence imaging for enhanced diagnostic and intraoperative applications.
Conclusions:
Significant progress has been made in developing immuno-PET tracers for noninvasive visualization of immune reactions in glioblastoma. Challenges persist in clinical translation due to issues like blood-brain barrier permeability and safety profiles. Continued research and clinical evaluations are essential to harness the potential of immuno-PET in improving glioblastoma diagnosis, assessment of treatment response, and guiding personalized immunotherapy strategies, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes.
