¹⁸F-meta-fluorobenzylguanidine as a New PET Tracer in Imaging Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma, a major cause of pediatric cancer deaths, often requires precise imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment. While ¹²³I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is the current standard for targeting the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET), it has limitations such as low resolution, long scans, and higher radiation exposure. The new PET tracer ¹⁸F-meta-fluorobenzylguanidine retains hNET specificity but offers superior image quality, faster acquisition, and lower radiation dose. Clinical studies show improved lesion detection, especially for small or low-uptake metastases, and greater practicality in children. Integration with PET/MR and long axial field-of-view PET/computed tomography further enhances performance and reduces sedation needs.