<sup>68</sup>Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for Detection of Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 Expression in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Sabrina Kraus, Alexander Dierks, Leo Rasche, Olivia Kertels, Malte Kircher, Andreas Schirbel, Josip Zovko, Torsten Steinbrunn, Raoul Tibes, Hans‐Jürgen Wester, Andreas K. Buck, Hermann Einsele, K. Martin Kortüm, Andreas Rosenwald, Constantin Lapa
Abstract
C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is an attractive target for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as it is overexpressed in many solid and hematological malignancies. This study investigated the feasibility of CXCR4-directed imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using <sup>68</sup>Ga-Pentixafor to visualize and quantify disease involvement in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). <b>Methods:</b> 12 patients with MPNs (<i>n</i> = 4 primary myelofibrosis, <i>n</i> = 6 essential thrombocythemia, <i>n</i> = 2 polycythemia vera) and 5 controls underwent <sup>68</sup>Ga-Pentixafor-PET/CT. Imaging findings were compared with immunohistochemical stainings, laboratory data and splenic volume. <b>Results:</b><sup>68</sup>Ga-Pentixafor-PET/CT was visually positive in 12/12 patients and CXCR4 target specificity could be confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. A significantly higher tracer uptake could be detected in the bone marrow of MPN patients (SUVmean 6.45±2.34 vs. 4.44±1.24). Dynamic changes of CXCR4 expression determined by <sup>68</sup>Ga-Pentixafor-PET/CT corresponded with treatment response. <b>Conclusion:</b><sup>68</sup>Ga-Pentixafor-PET/CT represents a novel diagnostic tool to non-invasively detect and quantify the extent of disease involvement in MPNs.