PET Imaging Biomarker Technology May Provide New Cancer Treatment Pathways

Preliminary study findings of a new imaging biomarker for hypoxic tumors indicated that the compound was found to be stable for imaging at 145 minutes post-injection, that it would safely clear the body through urinary elimination, and that there were very low dose accumulations in major organs.

The study, performed in collaboration with Dr. Jian Q. (Michael) Yu, and Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA, USA), was presented in September 2008 at the World Molecular Imaging Conference in Nice, France. This imaging biomarker is intended for exclusive worldwide distribution by PETNET Solutions, a fully owned Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany) subsidiary.

The results of the safety study indicated that HX4, a new imaging biomarker developed at Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research (Los Angeles, CA, USA), is safe for use in human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies. The study included initial human data regarding biodistribution of the new agent, radiation dosimetry levels in normal volunteers and optimal patient imaging parameters with PET.

"Being able to image hypoxic tumors may significantly change the management of disease in cancer patients. The prognostic value of this level of information can effectively improve quality of life for oncology patients, offering them potential for personalized and possibly more effective treatment,” said Hartmuth Kolb, vice president, Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research. "Siemens is committed to developing new methods to visualize disease processes with new imaging biomarkers in conjunction with our molecular imaging technology so that, ultimately, providers can detect and manage the treatment of disease much earlier.”

Hypoxic cells are clinically problematic and tend to be less responsive to conventional treatment regimens. A probe that measures hypoxia could prove quite a helpful application for oncologists. The development of an imaging biomarker that selectively identifies hypoxic tumor cells could help radiation oncologists customize specific treatment options to most effectively manage disease.

Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research facility was created for the discovery and development of new imaging biomarkers to spur the growth of in vivo molecular diagnostics. The facility house scientists dedicated to the discovery of new imaging agents and their clinical development, with the goal of bringing several new agents to the market over the next five to 10 years. Research and development efforts conducted at the facility focus largely on oncology and neurology, and include other areas, such as inflammation and microfluidics/nanotechnology research

PETNET Solutions operates the largest PET radiopharmacy network with more than 50 radiopharmacies and distribution centers worldwide to produce and distribute PET radiopharmaceuticals to hospitals, clinics, and research facilities for PET imaging. PETNET Solutions is currently growing its network of radiopharmacies to promote global PET utilization. As molecular imaging evolves, PETNET Solutions provides products and services that expand the value of PET to providers, referring physicians, and patients.

Related Links:
Fox Chase Cancer Center
PETNET Solutions
Siemens Healthcare