Abstract
Molecular imaging moves forward with the development of new imaging agents, and among these are new radiotracers for nuclear medicine applications, particularly positron emission tomography (PET). A number of new targets are becoming accessible for use in oncologic applications. In this review, major new radiotracers in clinical development are discussed. Prominent among these is the family of fibroblast-activation protein-targeted agents that interact with the tumor microenvironment and may show superiority to 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose in a subset of different tumor histologies. Additionally, carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) inhibitors are directed at clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which has long lacked an effective PET imaging agent. Those CAIX agents may also have utility in hypoxic tumors. Pentixafor, which binds to a transmembrane receptor, may similarly allow for visualization by PET of low-grade lymphomas, as well as being a second agent for multiple myeloma that opens theranostic possibilities. There are new adrenergic agents aimed at providing a PET-visible replacement to the single-photon-emitting radiotracer meta-[123I]iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG). Finally, in response to a major development in oncologic chemotherapy, there are new radiotracers targeted at assessing the suitability or use of immunotherapeutic agents. All of these and the existing evidence for their utility are discussed.
Overview
- The study focuses on the development of new radiotracers for nuclear medicine applications, particularly positron emission tomography (PET).
- The main objective of the study is to discuss major new radiotracers in clinical development, including fibroblast-activation protein-targeted agents, carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) inhibitors, pentixafor, adrenergic agents, and radiotracers targeted at assessing the suitability or use of immunotherapeutic agents.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The study compares the outcomes observed under different experimental conditions or interventions, including fibroblast-activation protein-targeted agents, CAIX inhibitors, pentixafor, adrenergic agents, and radiotracers targeted at assessing the suitability or use of immunotherapeutic agents. The study identifies significant differences or similarities in the results between these conditions, such as superiority of fibroblast-activation protein-targeted agents in a subset of different tumor histologies and utility of CAIX agents in hypoxic tumors.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study's findings have significant implications for the field of research or clinical practice, as they provide new radiotracers for oncologic applications and may open theranostic possibilities. The study identifies limitations of the study that need to be addressed in future research, such as the need for more clinical trials to validate the utility of these radiotracers. The study suggests possible future research directions, such as the development of new radiotracers targeted at assessing the suitability or use of immunotherapeutic agents and the exploration of new targets for use in oncologic applications.