Project title: Fluorine-18 labeled MIBG analogues for theranostic applications

David Raffel, PhD University of Michigan

David Raffel, PhD
  • Status: Active
  • Year(s): 2019
  • Grant Type: Investigator
  • Research Type: Clinical
  • Primary Tumor Site: Multiple
  • Area of Inquiry: Diagnostic
  • Also seen in November 2020 eUpdate

Description

Raffel will assess a new PET radiotracer ([18F]3F-PHPG) to see whether it can perform significantly better than current methods (e.g. MIBG) for finding adrenal NETs.

What question will the researchers try to answer?

Is [18F]3F-PHPG a superior radiotracer for PET scans in humans for the diagnosis and localization of NETs in the adrenal system?

Why is this important?

This new radiotracer [18F]3F-PHPG may offer multiple benefits over a similar agent, [123I]MIGB, developed 40 years ago. [18F]3F-PHPG offers same-day imaging and provides high-resolution images that may be better able to find NETs.

What will researchers do?

Raffel will evaluate the diagnostic performance of [18F]3F-PHPG in 24 patients with NETs. The PET images of [18F]3F-PHPG uptake will be directly compared with additional scans using [123I]MIBG or the recently approved PET radiopharmaceutical [68Ga]DOTA-TATE).

How might this improve the treatment of NETs?

Raffel will compare existing approaches with [18F]3F-PHPG to see how it might improve diagnosis and treatment planning for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. In addition, the agent may have the potential to predict radiation dose delivery in [131I]MIBG therapy of NETs.

What is the next step?

If the results of this study demonstrate that [18F]3F-PHPG consistently provides high-quality diagnostic PET images outperforming [123I]MIBG, these clinical data will be leveraged to explore the development of a new radiotherapeutic agent for improved treatment of NETs based on the phenethylguanidine structure.

Additional Details

  • City: Ann Arbor
  • State: MI
  • Country: USA
  • Grant Duration: 2

DISCLAIMER

NETRF funds laboratory research to understand the development of neuroendocrine tumors and translational research to explore new concepts in treatment. Research grant descriptions and research updates from NETRF are not intended to serve as medical advice. It can take years for research discoveries to be fully validated and approved for patient care. Always consult your health care providers about your treatment options.

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