A Critical Review of PET Tracers Used for Brain Tumor Imaging

Advances in the application of neuroinflammatory molecular imaging in brain malignancies

“…Additionally, PET imaging is predominantly used to assess tissue metabolism, providing valuable information about cancer cell proliferation and early-stage tumor detection ( 10 ). PET is a type of molecular imaging technique that is suitable for detecting specific molecules, such as choline, fluorodeoxyglucose, methionine, and phenylalanine ( 11 , 12 ). Thus, the critical mechanism of PET-based neuroimaging involves defining and tracing the targeting molecules that are specific or sensitive to immune cells, including microglia and macrophages.…”

“…Furthermore, elevated levels of the neuroinflammatory marker PBR-TSPO can be observed in necrotic sites and quantified using a specific PET biotracer. Therefore, PET biotracers based on 11 Carbon (C)-methionine have been used in patients with metastatic brain tumors to accurately diagnose tumor recurrence (59,60). In one clinical trial, 11 C-methionine-based PET biotracers correctly diagnosed tumor recurrence, as confirmed by pathological examination, in seven patients.…”

“…Therefore, PET biotracers based on 11 Carbon (C)-methionine have been used in patients with metastatic brain tumors to accurately diagnose tumor recurrence (59,60). In one clinical trial, 11 C-methionine-based PET biotracers correctly diagnosed tumor recurrence, as confirmed by pathological examination, in seven patients. In comparison, 11 C-PBR28-based PET biotracers only identified three lesions, highlighting the reliability of 11 C-methionine-based biotracers for tumor recurrence detection.…”

Facts and Fictions About [18F]FDG versus Other Tracers in Managing Patients with Brain Tumors

“…22 The brain is a special environment restricted by the BBB; gliomas and cancer cells take up nutrients from the extracellular environment, including glucose, acetate, glutamine and other amino acids (AAs) and fatty acids, to ensure tumor growth. 22 Borja and colleagues 23 recently presented the use of PET tracers for brain tumor imaging for tumor grading, delineation, and treatment response assessment. The present work aims at further discussing the role of 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy-Dglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) and alternative PET tracers in the management of brain tumors.…”

Monte Carlo Characterization of the Trimage Brain PET System

“…This has opened the way for the introduction of several novel radiotracers, each with their own inherent strengths and limitations [2,3] that can increase the potential of brain imaging. A specific discussion of the state of the art of PET radiotracers is beyond the scope of this work; however, we refer the reader to [4][5][6] for more in-depth information about this topic. The present and future availability of the new radiotracers have raised a new interest in brain-dedicated PET systems, especially if combined with magnetic resonance (MR), having superior performance than whole body systems.…”