Cancer Over-expressed Receptors as Targets for PET Molecular Imaging

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a nuclear
medicine imaging technology which
allows for four-dimensional, quantitative
determination of the distribution of labeled
biological compounds within the human body. The
high sensitivity of PET and the low concentration of
the tracers used, allow quantitative visualization
of low capacity biochemical systems such as
receptors.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is involved
in proliferation, cell movement,
cell survival and differentiation of both normal and
malignant cells. EGFR over-expression has been
detected in a variety of malignant epithelial tumors.
Androgen Receptor (AR) plays a critical role in
initiation and growth of
prostate cancer cells. Nearly 80-90% of prostate
cancers are dependent on androgen at initial
diagnosis.
While EGFR and AR are established targets for
treatment, the clinical outcome in most cases is
suboptimal.
Development of suitable labeled biomarkers that bind
to the EGFR or to the AR may allow the mapping
and quantification of these receptors in cancer in-
vivo, and will lead to monitoring of response to
hormonal or other chemotherapeutic treatment.

Klappentext

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine imaging technology whichallows for four-dimensional, quantitativedetermination of the distribution of labeledbiological compounds within the human body. Thehigh sensitivity of PET and the low concentration ofthe tracers used, allow quantitative visualizationof low capacity biochemical systems such asreceptors.Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is involved in proliferation, cell movement, cell survival and differentiation of both normal and malignant cells. EGFR over-expression has been detected in a variety of malignant epithelial tumors.Androgen Receptor (AR) plays a critical role in initiation and growth of prostate cancer cells. Nearly 80-90% of prostate cancers are dependent on androgen at initial diagnosis.While EGFR and AR are established targets for treatment, the clinical outcome in most cases is suboptimal.Development of suitable labeled biomarkers that bind to the EGFR or to the AR may allow the mapping and quantification of these receptors in cancer in-vivo, and will lead to monitoring of response tohormonal or other chemotherapeutic treatment.