Tomohiro Kaneta

One-month assessment of renal cell carcinoma treated by everolimus using FDG PET/CT predicts progression-free and overall survival

PurposeWe evaluated 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) results as outcome predictors for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated by everolimus (EVL), an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 30 patients who were treated with EVL for metastatic RCC between May 2010 and March 2015, by evaluating their FDG PET/CT result before and 1 month after starting EVL treatment. We examined the relationships between each patient’s maximum standardized uptake value (max SUVmax) assessed by FDG PET/CT on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsMedian PFS for all 30 patients was 3.77 months (range 0.72–24.56 months) and median OS after EVL treatment of all 30 patients was 11.67 months (range 1.0–62.98 months). Enrolled patients were divided into two groups by max SUVmax prior to EVL (median = 7.6) and at 1 month after EVL treatment (median = 5.7). PFS were significantly shorter in higher max SUVmax prior to EVL (<7.6, PFS 7.8 vs 3.5 months, log-rank P = 0.017) and at 1 month after EVL (<5.7, PFS 10.6 vs 2.7 months, log-rank P = 0.002) than lower max SUVmax. OS were also significantly shorter in higher max SUVmax prior to EVL (<7.6, OS 18.1 vs 7.5 months, log-rank P = 0.010) and at 1 month after EVL (<5.7, OS 17.2 vs 7.5 months, log-rank P = 0.009) than lower max SUVmax. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis indicated that max SUVmax at 1 month after EVL is an independent predictor of both PFS and OS in patients treated with EVL although univariate regression analysis showed max SUVmax before EVL is a possible predictor.ConclusionsMax SUVmax assessed by FDG PET/CT prior to EVL and at 1 month after EVL treatment can accurately predict PFS and can guide decisions on whether to continue or change treatments for patients with EVL-treated RCC who suffer from adverse events.

Prognostic significance of metabolic tumor volume in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognostic significance of the pretreatment metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiation‐based therapy.

Surgery-based versus radiation-based treatment strategy for a high metabolic volume laryngeal cancer

We previously reported that the metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of a primary tumor was an independent prognostic factor for survival in laryngeal carcinoma treated by radiotherapy (RT)‐based protocol. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in survival outcomes between surgery‐based and RT‐based treatment in patients with a MTV laryngeal cancer.

New microwave ablation system for unresectable liver tumors that forms large, spherical ablation zones: New system for microwave ablation

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new microwave ablation (MWA) system, the Emprint Ablation System, for the ablation of unresectable large liver tumors (≥ 30 mm).

Recent Developments with Large-Bore PET/CT

Large-bore positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) combo scanners have recently been developed and released for use. The large bore not only provides a spacious and comfortable environment for the patient, but it also allows the operator to observe and interact with the patient more easily during the examination, thus maximizing safety and minimizing patient anxiety. However, the increased size of the bore may affect image quality and the sensitivity of the PET scanner. To compensate for the diminished image quality, it is necessary to develop different technologies, including a time-of-flight (TOF) function. In this chapter, we introduce recent developments in the field of large-bore PET/CT, using the Celesteion as an example.

Development of a double-stranded siRNA labelling method by using 99mTc and single photon emission computed tomography imaging

Abstract In vivo biodistribution of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is important to develop them for medical use. Therefore, novel single photon emitter-labelled siRNA was prepared by using diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and poly(A) polymerase, and subsequently, real-time analysis of siRNA trafficking was performed by using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This study aimed at assessing the use of 99mTc-radiolabelled siRNA targeting lacZ to detect lacZ expression in vivo. siRNA targeting lacZ was radiolabelled with 99mTc by using the bifunctional chelator DTPA, and the labelling efficiency and specific activity were determined. The probe stability in RNaseA was assessed. SPECT imaging was performed in mice overexpressing the lacZ gene in the liver. Radiolabelled siRNA remained highly stable in RNaseA solution at 37 °C. In SPECT imaging, significant 99mTc accumulation in the liver was observed in mice overexpressing the lacZ gene. 99mTc-labelled lacZ siRNA shows β-galactosidase-specific accumulation and appears promising for the visualisation of lacZ expression in vivo. Our labelled siRNA should be deliverable to specific regions overexpressing the target gene.

Topics of nuclear medicine research in Europe

Last year in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, we introduced some recent nuclear medicine research conducted in Japan. This was favorably received by European readers in the main. This year we wish to focus on the Annals of Nuclear Medicine on some of the fine nuclear medicine research work executed in Europe recently. In the current review article, we take up five topics: prostate-specific membrane antigen imaging, recent advances in radionuclide therapy, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (PET) for dementia, quantitative PET assessment of myocardial perfusion, and iodine-124 (124I). Just at the most recent annual meeting of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine 2016, Kyoto was selected as the host city for the 2022 Congress of the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology. We hope that our continuous efforts to strengthen scientific cooperation between Europe and Japan will bring many European friends and a great success to the Kyoto meeting.