Does a new or increasing contrast enhancement on T1 MRI represent a consequence of treatment or progressive/recurrent tumor? This common clinical dilemma can be resolved by amino acid PET with good diagnostic accuracy.

Graphical Abstract. Does a new or increasing contrast enhancement on T1 MRI represent a consequence of treatment or progressive/recurrent tumor? This common clinical dilemma can be resolved by amino acid PET with good diagnostic accuracy. 


May 12, 2023 — A newly published meta-analysis indicates that amino acid PET can accurately differentiate recurrent or progressive brain metastases from treatment-related changes. A specificity of 84 percent suggests that it may reduce the number of invasive procedures and overtreatment in patients who in fact experience treatment-related changes. This research was published in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Brain metastases occur in 20 to 40 percent of all cancer patients and are most likely to occur in those with lung, breast and renal cancer, melanoma, and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Management of patients with brain metastases usually includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Some patients develop treatment-related changes such as radiation necrosis or pseudoprogression. 

“A differentiation between recurrent or progressive brain metastases and treatment-related changes is challenging,” said Igor Yakushev, senior physician in the department of nuclear medicine at Technical University of Munich in Germany. “As the management of patients with recurrent or progressive brain metastases and treatment-related changes is fairly different, accurate and early differential diagnosis is essential.” 

The meta-analysis included 12 studies with amino acid PET radiotracers. The studies included a total of 397 patients with 547 lesions. Overall, 269 lesions (49 percent) were found to be recurrent or progressive brain metastases. Using a histologic examination and/or radiological and clinical follow-up as reference, pooled sensitivity and specificity of amino acid PET were found to be 82 and 84 percent respectively. 

“This study provides IIa class evidence on diagnostic utility of amino acid PET in the differential diagnosis of recurrent or progressive brain metastases,” stated Yakushev. “These findings are in line with an increasing role of molecular imaging in the management of patients with brain tumors, yet the results also point to potential for further improvement of diagnostic accuracy.” 

For more information: www.snmmi.org 


Related Content

News | RSNA

December 1, 2023 — In today's healthcare environment, the industry faces various pressing challenges. The magnetic ...

Time December 01, 2023
arrow
News | Contrast Media

November 29, 2023 — Bayer continues to advance its comprehensive Radiology portfolio with progress in the development ...

Time November 29, 2023
arrow
News | Quality Assurance (QA)

November 25, 2023 — Mirion announced that it will debut the new Instadose VUE personal dosimeter, from its Dosimetry ...

Time November 25, 2023
arrow
News | PET-CT

November 22, 2023 — Siemens Healthineers announces the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the Biograph ...

Time November 22, 2023
arrow
News | Artificial Intelligence

November 21, 2023 — Heuron, a medical AI (artificial intelligence) imaging software solution company, under the ...

Time November 21, 2023
arrow
News | Information Technology

November 21, 2023 — GE HealthCare has received U.S. FDA 510(k) Clearance for the new version of Digital Expert Access ...

Time November 21, 2023
arrow
News | Contrast Media

November 13, 2023 — Bracco Diagnostics Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A., a pioneer in diagnostic ...

Time November 13, 2023
arrow
News | PET Imaging

November 8, 2023 — In a small study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found that positron emission ...

Time November 08, 2023
arrow
News | PET Imaging

November 6, 2023 — Meilleur Technologies, Inc. announced a research collaboration agreement with the National Institute ...

Time November 06, 2023
arrow
News | Linear Accelerators

October 25, 2023 — A new order for several Elekta Harmony linear accelerators (linacs) in Ukraine will complement the ...

Time October 25, 2023
arrow
Subscribe Now