MOLECULAR IMAGING AND BIOLOGY

Spatial FAP Expression as Detected by  Ga-FAPI-46 Identifies Myofibroblasts Beyond the Infarct Scar After Reperfusion
Hess A, Renko A, Schäfer A, Jung M, Fraccarollo D, Schmitto JD, Diekmann J, Thum T, Bengel FM, Bauersachs J, Thackeray JT and Tillmanns J
Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers complex cellular responses essential for tissue repair and remodeling, including myofibroblast activation. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) identifies activated myofibroblasts post-MI, however its spatial distribution relative to the scar and area at risk (AAR) is unclear. Non-invasive FAP-imaging with PET radiotracer  Ga-FAPI-46 shows uptake beyond the infarct scar. We therefore aimed to characterize FAP expression in the AAR using a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) model in mice.
Correction: Evaluation of [F]AlF NOTA-5G, an Aluminum [F]fluoride Labeled Peptide Targeting the Cell Surface Receptor Integrin Alpha(v)beta(6) for PET Imaging
Hausner SH, Davis RA, Ganguly T, Harris R and Sutcliffe JL
Correction: Preclinical Development of Near-Infrared-Labeled CD38-Targeted Daratumumab for Optical Imaging of CD38 in Multiple Myeloma
Cho N, Ko S and Shokeen M
Dual Targeting of Neuropilin-1 and Glucose Transporter for Efficient Fluorescence Imaging of Cancer
Zhu J, Zhou C, Yang J and Wang Z
Early diagnosis and complete resection of cancer are pivotal for enhancing patient survival rates and prognosis. However, a significant current challenge lies in the lack of specific imaging probes for the identifying various tumor types. The expression levels of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in most tumors, including breast cancer, are closely linked to tumor proliferation and metastasis. This study seeks to develop a novel near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) probe aimed at precise tumor detection by targeting NRP1 and GLUT1.
Test-retest Assessment of Biventricular Myocardial Oxidative Metabolism and Perfusion in Pulmonary Hypertension Patients Using C-acetate PET Imaging: A Pilot Study
Ahmadi A, Klein R, Gao D, Mielniczuk LM, Zelt JGE, Boczar KE, Beanlands RS, Bravo PE, Han Y, Di Carli MF and deKemp RA
C-acetate PET is used to measure biventricular oxygen myocardial consumption rate (MVO) and myocardial blood flow (MBF) changes associated with right ventricular (RV) remodelling. We studied PET reproducibility and repeatability for such RV assessments.
Leveraging Radiomics and Hybrid Quantum-Classical Convolutional Networks for Non-Invasive Detection of Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer
Buvaneswari T, Ramkumar M, Venkatesan P and Kumar RS
The goal of this study is to create a novel framework for identifying MSI status in colorectal cancer using advanced radiomics and deep learning strategies, aiming to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in oncology.
Evaluation of [F]AlF NOTA-5G, an Aluminum [F]fluoride Labeled Peptide Targeting the Cell Surface Receptor Integrin Alpha(v)beta(6) for PET Imaging
Hausner SH, Davis RA, Ganguly T, Harris R and Sutcliffe JL
Peptide-based probes targeting integrin αβ have shown promise in clinical trials for cancer imaging based on the high over-expression of this epithelial-specific cell surface receptor in many cancerous tissues. Recently, the αβ-targeting gallium-68 labeled DOTA-5G peptide, [Ga]Ga DOTA-5G, demonstrated diagnostic value in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. To facilitate adoption at sites without access to gallium-68 and take advantage of the characteristics of fluorine-18 through convenient [F]fluoride chelation chemistry, this study evaluated the fluorine-18 labeled analog, [F]AlF NOTA-5G, in vitro and in vivo in a tumor mouse model, and compared it to [Ga]Ga DOTA-5G.
Evaluation of [F]JNJ-CSF1R-1 as a Positron Emission Tomography Ligand Targeting Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor
Salarian M, Liu S, Tsai HM, Leslie SN, Hayes T, Lo ST, Szardenings AK, Zhang W, Chen G, Sandiego C, Wells L, Nair DG, Kolb HC and Xia CA
Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) signaling plays a pivotal role in neuroinflammation, driving microglia proliferation and activation. CSF1R is considered a hallmark of inflammation in many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Our study aims to evaluate the potential value of 5-cyano-N-(4-(4-(2-([F]fluoro)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide ([F]JNJ-CSF1R-1) as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand targeting CSF1R in preclinical models of neuroinflammation.
Quantifying Molecular Changes in the Preeclamptic Rat Placenta with Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging
Shi L, Alencar AKN, Swan KF, Lawrence DJ, Pridjian G and Bayer CL
Abnormal placental remodeling is linked to various pregnancy-related diseases, including preeclampsia (PE). This study applies a bicompartmental (BCM) model to quantify molecular expression changes in the placenta, indicative of abnormal placental remodeling, and evaluates the effectiveness of targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (T-CEUS) in detecting the abnormal placental vasculature. The BCM model provides high temporal resolution and differentiation of anatomical artery structures within the placenta by analyzing the distribution of contrast agents.
Visions by WIMIN: Imposter Phenomenon
Akam-Baxter E, O'Brien CM, Sinharay S, Clavijo-Jordan V, Rodriguez SB, Ijoma JN, Kustagi A, Sahn M, Diop F, Mack K, Malonza N and Alvarez NH
The imposter phenomenon (IP) is a destructive set of beliefs, traits, and experiences in which high-achieving individuals fail to internalize their accomplishments and falsely perceive themselves as frauds. IP is a function of underrepresentation and contributes to and perpetuates a cycle of low self-worth, perfectionism, and anxiety, all of which negatively affect job performance and reinforce the IP cycle. Mitigating the deleterious effects of IP requires first naming this phenomenon and recognizing the patterns of IP. In this article, we summarize pertinent social science literature on this topic and share experiences of IP as told by the authors and anonymous contributors. We highlight the potential destructive effects of IP, as well as strategies that mentors and trainees can utilize to counter this phenomenon.
PET Imaging of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 with [F]TZ4877 in Nonhuman Primates
Gu J, Zheng MQ, Holden D, Fowles K, Qiu L, Felchner Z, Zhang L, Ropchan J, Gropler RJ, Carson RE, Tu Z, Huang Y and Hillmer AT
The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR) is involved in regulating responses to neuroimmune stimuli. There is a need for S1PR-specific radioligands with clinically suitable brain pharmcokinetic properties to complement existing radiotracers. This work evaluated a promising S1PR radiotracer, [F]TZ4877, in nonhuman primates.
Optical-magnetic Imaging for Optimizing Lymphodepletion-TIL Combination Therapy in Breast Cancer
Li J, Guo L, Feng Y, Li G, Sun H, Huang W, Tian J, Du Y and An Y
Lymphodepletion before tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) infusion can activate the immune system, enhance the release of homeostatic cytokines, and decrease the number of immunosuppressive cells. This process is crucial for improving the therapeutic efficacy of TIL therapy. However, the challenge of in vivo assessing TILs targeting tumors limits the optimization of lymphodepleting conditioning regimen (LDC).
Oral Administration of [F]MC225 for Quantification of P-glycoprotein Function: A Feasibility Study
Salvi de Souza G, Furini CRG, Sijbesma JWA, Kominia M, Doorduin J, Giacobbo BL, Lammertsma AA, Tsoumpas C and Luurtsema G
This preclinical study explored the feasibility of assessing P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function in both brain and gastrointestinal (GI) tract of rats using positron emission tomography (PET) following oral administration of [F]MC225. Different oral administration protocols were evaluated, and radioactivity uptake was compared with uptake following intravenous administration.
F-FAPI-42 PET/CT and F-FDG PET/CT in Patients with Malignant Digestive System Neoplasms: A Head-to-Head Comparative Study
Xiong M, You H, Feng J, Liu Y, Luo X, Liu Y and Jiang SN
Radionuclide-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) is an emerging tumor tracer. We sought to assess the uptake and diagnostic performance of F-FAPI-42 PET/CT compared with simultaneous 2-deoxy-2[F]fluoro-D-glucose (F-FDG) PET/CT in primary and metastatic lesions in patients with malignant digestive system neoplasms and to determine the potential clinical benefit.
2-[F]Fluoropropionic Acid PET Imaging of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Azcona JA, Wacker AS, Lee CH, Fung EK, Jeitner TM, Manzo OL, Di Lorenzo A, Babich JW, Amor-Coarasa A and Kelly JM
Treatment of pediatric cancers with doxorubicin is a common and predictable cause of cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis of treatment-induced cardiotoxicity and intervention are major determinants for the prevention of advanced disease. The onset of cardiomyopathies is often accompanied by profound changes in lipid metabolism, including an enhanced uptake of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Therefore, we explored the utility of 2-[F]fluoropropionic acid ([F]FPA), an SCFA analog, as an imaging biomarker of cardiac injury in mice exposed to doxorubicin.
Evaluation of Inflammatory Activity of Extraocular Muscles in Thyroid Associated Orbitopathy by [Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT
Hu Z, Liu J, Deng H, Chen N, Chen L, Wang S, Long T, Tan J and Hu S
The accurate assessment of inflammatory activity of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is crucial for formulating subsequent treatment strategies and prognostic judgments. This study aims to explore the efficacy of using [Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT to assess the inflammatory activity of EOMs in TAO patients.
Deep Radiogenomics Sequencing for Breast Tumor Gene-Phenotype Decoding Using Dynamic Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Shiri I, Salimi Y, Mohammadi Kazaj P, Bagherieh S, Amini M, Saberi Manesh A and Zaidi H
We aim to perform radiogenomic profiling of breast cancer tumors using dynamic contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genes.
DCE-MRI Detects OATP-expressing Transplanted Cells Using Clinical Doses of Gadolinium Contrast Agent
Bhattacharyya T, Mallett CL, Hix JM and Shapiro EM
Hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) transport off-the-shelf, FDA-approved, hepatospecific Gd-based MRI contrast agents into cells that express the transporters enhancing signal on T1-weighted MRI. Studies have used MRI to identify OATP-overexpressing tumors and metastases transplanted in mice following the delivery of Gd-EOB-DTPA at 27-67-fold higher than clinical doses. With safety and regulatory concerns over Gd-based contrast agents, translating OATPs as an MRI reporter protein to humans for regenerative medicine will require substantially lower doses of agent.
PET Imaging of a Transgenic Tau Rat Model SHR24 with [F]AV1451
Ramakrishnan NK, Zhao AZ, Thompson S, Milicevic Sephton S, Williamson DJ, Smolek T, Žilka N and Aigbirhio FI
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans with radioligands targeting tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) have accelerated our understanding of the role of misfolded tau in neurodegeneration. While intended for human research, applying these radioligands to small animals establishes a vital translational link. Transgenic animal models of dementia, such as the tau rat SHR24, play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of these disorders. This study aims to evaluate the utility of SHR24 rat model for PET studies.
Autoradiography of Intracerebral Tumours in the Chick Embryo Model: A Feasibility Study Using Different PET Tracers
Krause S, Florea A, Choi CH, Worthoff WA, Heinzel A, Fischer S, Burda N, Neumaier B, Shah NJ, Lohmann P, Mottaghy FM, Langen KJ and Stegmayr C
In addition to rodent models, the chick embryo model has gained attention for radiotracer evaluation. Previous studies have investigated tumours on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), but its value for radiotracer imaging of intracerebral tumours has yet to be demonstrated.
2024 World Molecular Imaging Congress Program