Effective Radiotherapy of Primary Tumors and Metastasis with super(18)F-2-Deoxy-2-Fluoro-D-Glucose in C57BL/6 Mice

• Published in: Cancer biotherapy & radiopharmaceuticals Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 371 - 375
• Main Authors: Caridad, V, Arsenak, M, Abad, MJ, Martin, R, Guillen, N, Colmenter, L F, Taylor, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2008
• ISSN: 1084-9785
• DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2007.0451

Introduction: The radiochemical super(18)F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose ( super(18)F-FDG), a positron emitter, is taken up preferentially by malignant tumors with high metabolic rates. This concentration of super(18)F-FDG in the tumor permits diagnosis and staging by positron emission tomography but also may represent a means of targeting radiotherapy. In this study, we determined the effect of a higher dose of super(18)F-FDG on tumor growth in a mouse model. Materials and methods: The effect of super(18)F-FDG on the growth and viability of 3 tumor cell lines was determined in vitro. Primary tumor growth and metastasis of B16/BL6 melanoma cells were determined in C57BL/6 mice injected with 5 mCi doses of super(18)F-FDG (2/3 doses). Results: super(18)F-FDG was cytostatic for all 3 cell lines at the lowest dose tested. It significantly reduced the growth of primary tumors, by 89% at day 19 postinoculation, and also almost totally inhibited the appearance of lung metastases after intravenous inoculation of the same cells. Conclusions: super(18)F-FDG proved to be an effective radiotherapeutic agent in this model. The possible problems associated with the accumulation of this radiochemical at other sites besides the tumor must be addressed.