Abstract ED4-1: Functional imaging: Beyond FDG

• Published in: Clinical cancer research 2010-04, Vol.16 (7_Supplement), p.ED4-1-ED4-1
• Main Author: Price, Patricia M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1078-0432; 1557-3265
• DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.TCME10-ED4-1

Whole body FDG has become an important part of the diagnosis and staging of cancer. Worldwide, over 90% of PET imaging is now clinical whole body FDG imaging. However, in vivo molecular imaging with PET is an emerging discipline that is of importance to the development of anti-cancer therapies. As anti-cancer strategies become more directed towards a defined molecular target, we need information that is relevant to humans about whether the molecular target is expressed, the selectivity and binding of the compound for that target, and the effects of such an interaction. PET is the most sensitive and specific technique for imaging molecular pathways in vivo in humans. PET uses positron emitting radionuclides to label molecules which can then be imaged in vivo. The inherent sensitivity and specificity of PET is the major strength of this technique, able to provide quantitative kinetic information down to sub-picomolar levels. Molecular imaging with PET can provide pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and mechanistic information. Use of the technique in early clinical trials can (1) provide information on optimum biological dose and PK/PD relationships; (2) identify tumours containing specific molecular targets; and (3) provide in vivo pharmacodynamic evaluation of compounds. Molecular imaging with PET has the potential to ensure a paradigm shift in drug development, to revolutionise, streamline and accelerate drug development in oncology. Examples will presented where in vivo clinical tumour and normal tissue pharmacokinetics measured by PET have helped drug development, from use with small molecules to antisense therapy. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):ED4-1