Angiogenesis With Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Tracer Uptake

Correlation of Angiogenesis With 18F-FMT and 18F-FDG Uptake in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: L-[3-18F]-α-methyltyrosine (18F-FMT) is an amino-acid tracer for PET. We have conducted a clinicopathologic study to elucidate the correlation of angiogenesis with 18F-FMT and 18F-FDG uptake in the patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method: Thirty-seven NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study, and a pair of PET study with 18F-FMT and 18F-FDG was performed. Uptake of PET tracers was evaluated with standardized uptake value. VEGF, CD31, CD34, LAT1 and Ki-67 labeling index of the resected tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, and correlated with the clinicopathologic variables and the uptake of PET tracers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who underwent a thoracotomy within 4 weeks after 18F-FMT PET and 18F-FDG PET study
• Histology is non-small cell lung cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery
• Patients who have insulin-dependent diabetes