Advances in PET Imaging of the CXCR4 Receptor: [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor

Semin Nucl Med. 2024 Jan;54(1):163-170. doi: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.09.002. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

[68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor, a PET agent targeting CXCR4 is emerging as a versatile radiotracer with promising applications in oncology, cardiology and inflammatory disease. Preclinical work in various cancer cell lines have demonstrated high specificity and selectivity. In human investigations of several tumors, the most promising applications may be in multiple myeloma, certain lymphomas and myeloproliferative neoplasms. In the nononcologic setting, [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor could greatly improve detection for primary aldosteronism and other endocrine abnormalities. Similarly, atherosclerotic disease and other inflammatory conditions could also benefit from enhanced identification by CXCR4 targeting. Rapidly cleared from the body with a favorable imaging and radiation dosimetry profile that has been already studied in over 1000 patients, [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor is a worthy agent for further clinical exploration with potential for theranostic applications in hematologic malignancies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coordination Complexes* / metabolism
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Peptides, Cyclic / metabolism
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods
  • Receptors, CXCR4* / metabolism

Substances

  • 68Ga-pentixafor
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Coordination Complexes
  • CXCR4 protein, human