Clinical Research Directory

PET-Guided Resection in High-Grade Gliomas

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis despite maximal treatment. Current evidence suggests that supramaximal resection, including non-enhancing FLAIR-hyperintense regions, improves survival. However, the extent of FLAIR resection is often limited by functional constraints and its non-specific nature, as it may represent both tumor infiltration and peritumoral edema. This study explores the role of 18F-DOPA PET in refining supramaximal resection by providing a more specific surgical target beyond contrast-enhancing areas. Objective: To evaluate the impact of 18F-DOPA PET-guided resection on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in GBM patients, by comparing outcomes between those undergoing PET-RM integrated resection versus conventional MRI-guided resection. Methods: ResPGlioma is a multicenter, prospective, non-randomized study conducted at IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino (Genoa) and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza (Turin). Patients with newly diagnosed, supratentorial, high-grade gliomas undergo preoperative 18F-DOPA PET and MRI. Surgery follows the principle of maximal safe resection, with postoperative MRI at 48 hours assessing the extent of resection (EOR). To confirm PET resection or non-PET resection status, patients will undergo a postoperative 18F-DOPA PET scan at 30 ± 7 days following surgery, prior to the initiation of chemoradiotherapy. Patients are categorized based on EOR criteria (RANO) and PET volume resection (PET-resection vs. PET non-resection). Statistical analyses include Kaplan-Meier survival curves and regression models to identify prognostic factors.Patients are categorized based on EOR criteria (RANO) and PET volume resection (PET-resection vs. PET non-resection). Statistical analyses include Kaplan-Meier survival curves and regression models to identify prognostic factors. Expected Outcomes: The authors hypothesize that PET-guided resection improves PFS and OS by enabling a more precise tumor removal beyond contrast-enhancing margins while preserving neurological function. Preliminary data support that PET hypercaptant areas contain viable tumor cells and should be resected. This approach may offer a more accessible yet effective alternative to FLAIR-guided supramaximal resection.

The Study on the Effectiveness of [68Ga]Ga-HBED-CC-DiAsp PET/CT in Calculating GFR and Predicting Residual Renal Function After Partial Nephrectomy

In subjects with different levels of renal function and no history of renal tumors, GFR is measured using \[68Ga\]Ga-HBED-CC-DiAsp PET/CT, the Gates method, and the 99mTc-DTPA dual plasma method. The consistency between the three methods is analyzed using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland-Altman analysis. In patients scheduled for partial nephrectomy due to renal tumors, GFR is measured using the three methods within 2 weeks before surgery and 4±1 weeks post-surgery. The percentage of postoperative residual renal function (postoperative GFR/preoperative GFR × 100%, hereafter referred to as RRF%) is calculated for each method. By comparing and overlaying preoperative and postoperative PET/CT images, the resected renal area can be delineated on the preoperative PET/CT image. Based on the preoperative PET/CT and the delineated surgical area, a predictive value for postoperative GFR is calculated to obtain the predicted RRF%. A consistency analysis is then performed between the predicted RRF% and the actual RRF% measured by the three methods, using ICC, CCC, and Bland-Altman analysis to evaluate the efficacy of \[68Ga\]Ga-HBED-CC-DiAsp PET/CT in predicting residual renal function after partial nephrectomy.

A Multicenter Study Evaluating the Diagnostic Value of 68Ga-MY6349 PET/CT for Prostate Cancer

The main objective of this research is to develop and evaluate new PET imaging agents with high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer and other aggressive tumors. Specifically, the research focuses on improving upon existing prostate cancer imaging methods, such as PSA tests and PSMA PET/CT, which have limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and the ability to provide comprehensive tumor information，and aims to create a novel PET probe targeting Trop2, an antigen highly expressed in multiple cancer types, to enable in vivo, whole-tumor assessment. This would support early diagnosis, more precise staging, and effective monitoring of cancer therapy.