Peptide-based probes for cancer imaging

J Nucl Med. 2008 Nov;49(11):1735-8. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.108.053041. Epub 2008 Oct 16.

Abstract

Receptors for regulatory peptides are overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. They represent the molecular basis for in vivo imaging with radiolabeled peptide probes. Somatostatin-derived tracers, designed to image the sst2-overexpressing neuroendocrine tumors, have enjoyed almost 2 decades of successful development and extensive clinical applications. More recent developments include second- and third-generation somatostatin analogs, with a broader receptor subtype profile or with antagonistic properties. Emerging tracers for other peptide receptors, including cholecystokinin/gastrin and GLP-1 analogs for neuroendocrine tumors, bombesin and neuropeptide-Y analogs for prostate or breast cancers, or Arg-Gly-Asp peptides for neoangiogenesis labeling, are also in current development. Application fields include both SPECT/CT and PET/CT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnosis
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / metabolism
  • Peptides* / chemistry
  • Radioisotopes
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Somatostatin / analogs & derivatives
  • Staining and Labeling / methods*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Radioisotopes
  • Somatostatin