320 research outputs found
Phosphorus-32 microparticles for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: how and when?
No full textPhosphorus-32 microparticles for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: how and
when
PARP-Targeted Radiotheranostics with Auger Electrons: An Updated Overview
No full textAuger electrons (AEs) represent an intriguing topic in the field of radionuclide therapy. They are emitted by several radionuclides commonly used in nuclear medicine (indium-111, iodine-123, iodine-125), allowing for highly localized energy deposition and thus exerting a radiotoxic effect on specific cellular and sub-cellular targets. However, due to their short range in matter, AEs have had limited use in therapeutic applications so far. In recent years, the synthesis of various radiopharmaceuticals capable of binding to the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 has reignited interest in this type of therapy, laying the groundwork for a theranostic approach based on radionuclides emitting AEs. The enzyme PARP-1 operates enzymatically in close proximity to DNA that represents the prime target of radionuclide therapies. Following this trend, several PARP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals for AE-based theranostics have been developed. We provide an updated overview of preclinical studies focused on the applications of this new theranostic approach in glioblastoma, breast, prostate and ovarian carcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma
[99mTc]Tc-sestamibi for the differential diagnosis of renal masses: a study protocol
No full textnuclear medicine techniques, particularly
[99mTc]Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT, have the potential to play a
significant role in the differential diagnosis of RM of unde-
termined nature on radiological imaging. Further research
efforts are necessary to elucidate the utility and limitations
of [99mTc]Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT, providing clinicians
with a dependable and safe diagnostic tool
Synthetic imaging for research and education in nuclear medicine: Who’s afraid of the black box?
No full textNot availabl
Triple Tracer PET in Advanced Prostate Cancer: Chasing Phenotypic Plasticity
No full textAdvanced Prostate Cancer is a very heterogeneous disease... but modern multitracer molecular imaging has the potential to reveal its complexity, reshaping clinical practice. In this editorial we discuss modern multri-tracer phenotryping in prostate cancer
99mTc-labeled FAPI compounds for cancer and inflammation: from radiochemistry to the first clinical applications
No full textBackground: In recent years, fibroblast activating protein (FAP), a biomarker overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts, has emerged as one of the most promising biomarkers in oncology. Similarly, FAP overexpression has been detected in various fibroblast-mediated inflammatory conditions such as liver cirrhosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Along this trajectory, FAP-targeted positron emission tomography (PET), utilizing FAP inhibitors (FAPi) labeled with positron emitters, has gained traction as a powerful imaging approach in both cancer and inflammation. However, PET represents a high-cost technology, and its widespread adoption is still limited compared to the availability of gamma cameras. To address this issue, several efforts have been made to explore the potential of [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers as molecular probes for imaging with gamma cameras and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Main body: Several approaches have been investigated for labeling FAPi-based compounds with 99mTc. Specifically, the mono-oxo, tricarbonyl, isonitrile, and HYNIC strategies have been applied to produce [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers, which have been tested in vitro and in animal models. Overall, these labeling approaches have demonstrated high efficiency and strong binding. The resulting [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers have shown high specificity for FAP-positive cells and xenografts in both in vitro and animal model studies, respectively. However, the majority of [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers have exhibited variable levels of lipophilicity, leading to preferential excretion through the hepatobiliary route and undesirable binding to lipoproteins. Consequently, efforts have been made to synthesize more hydrophilic FAPi-based compounds to improve pharmacokinetic properties and achieve a more favorable biodistribution, particularly in the abdominal region. SPECT imaging with [99mTc]Tc-FAPi has yielded promising results in patients with gastrointestinal tumors, demonstrating comparable or superior diagnostic performance compared to other imaging modalities. Similarly, encouraging outcomes have been observed in subjects with gliomas, lung cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. Beyond oncological applications, [99mTc]Tc-FAPi-based imaging has been successfully employed in myocardial and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions: This overview focuses on the various radiochemical strategies for obtaining [99mTc]Tc-FAPi tracers, highlighting the main challenges encountered and possible solutions when applying each distinct approach. Additionally, it covers the preclinical and initial clinical applications of [99mTc]Tc-FAPi in cancer and inflammation
The impact of PET imaging on triple negative breast cancer: an updated evidence-based perspective
No full textIntroductionTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. It predominantly affects younger women and is associated with a poor prognosis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the management of TNBC patients and to identify future research directions.MethodsWe systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to February 2024. A team of five researchers conducted data extraction and analysis. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using a specific evaluation form.ResultsTwenty-eight studies involving 2870 TNBC patients were included in the review. Key clinical applications of PET in TNBC included predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), assessing the prognostic value of baseline PET, and initial disease staging. Two studies utilized PSMA-ligand agents, while the majority used [18F]FDG-based PET. Significant associations were found between baseline [18F]FDG uptake and molecular biomarkers such as PDL-1, androgen receptor, and Ki67. Baseline [18F]FDG PET led to the upstaging of patients from stage IIB to stage IV, influencing treatment decisions and survival outcomes. In the NAC setting, serial PET scans measuring changes in [18F]FDG uptake, indicated by maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), predicted pCR with varying cut-off values correlated with different response rates. Semiquantitative parameters such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and PET lung index were prognostic for metastatic disease.ConclusionsIn TNBC patients, [18F]FDG PET is essential for initial disease staging in both localized and metastatic settings. It is also useful for assessing treatment response to NAC. The ability of PET to correlate metabolic activity with molecular markers and predict treatment outcomes highlights its potential in TNBC management. Further prospective studies are needed to refine these clinical indications and establish its definitive role
'Popularitas' e 'leges publicae'. Publio Clodio Pulcro e l'esilio di Marco Tullio Cicerone
No full textIl difficile richiamo dall'esilio di Marco Tullio Cicerone, misura legata all'estrema popolarità di Publio Clodio Pulcro, attraverso lo strumento legislativo
Artificial intelligence & nuclear medicine: an emerging partnership
No full textThis letter addresses a recently published article evaluating the performance of 3D U-Net–based deep learning models for automated lesion segmentation in PET/CT imaging. The study represents a significant advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Nuclear Medicine. By comparing volumetric, MIP-based, and hybrid segmentation approaches using [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA radiotracers, the authors demonstrate that hybrid models can enhance lesion detection and contouring accuracy. These findings underscore the potential of AI-based segmentation to improve consistency and reduce the manual workload in clinical PET/CT interpretation. We consider this work a pivotal step toward the clinical adoption of AI tools, offering tangible benefits for routine practice and radiomic analysis, while preserving the essential supervisory role of the Nuclear Medicine Physician
Colonic J pouch vs straight colorectal anastomosis after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: analysis of anastomotic failure, overall complications and functional results.
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