Detection and quantification of beta cells by PET imaging: why clinical implementation has never been closer

• Published in: Diabetologia Vol. 61; no. 12; pp. 2516 - 2519
• Main Authors: Gotthardt, Martin, Eizirik, Decio L., Aanstoot, Henk-Jan, Korsgren, Olle, Mul, Dick, Martin, Frank, Boss, Marti, Jansen, Tom J. P., van Lith, Sanne A. M., Buitinga, Mijke, Eriksson, Olof, Cnop, Miriam, Brom, Maarten
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.12.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Beta cells; Clinical diabetes; Commentary; Diabetes; Glucose; Human Physiology; Imaging; Insulin-Secreting Cells; Internal Medicine; Islets; Medical Futility; Medical imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolic Diseases; Pancreas; PET imaging; Positron emission tomography; Tomography; Clinical diabetes; Islets; PET imaging; Imaging
• ISSN: 0012-186X; 1432-0428; 1432-0428
• DOI: 10.1007/s00125-018-4745-5

In this issue of Diabetologia , Alavi and Werner ( https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-018-4676-1 ) criticise the attempts to use positron emission tomography (PET) for in vivo imaging of pancreatic beta cells, which they consider as ‘futile’. In support of this strong statement, they point out the limitations of PET imaging, which they believe render beta cell mass impossible to estimate using this method. In our view, the Alavi and Werner presentation of the technical limitations of PET imaging does not reflect the current state of the art, which leads them to questionable conclusions towards the feasibility of beta cell imaging using this approach. Here, we put forward arguments in favour of continuing the development of innovative technologies enabling in vivo imaging of pancreatic beta cells and concisely present the current state of the art regarding putative technical limitations of PET imaging. Indeed, far from being a ‘futile’ effort, we demonstrate that beta cell imaging is now closer than ever to becoming a long-awaited clinical reality.