Positron Emission Tomography (PET) With 3,4-dihydroxy-6-18F-fluoro-L-enylalanine (18F-FDOPA) Study

A Phase II Study Using 18F-FDOPA Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for Neurosurgery and Assessment of Surgical Resection

The 18F-FDOPA PET tracer is an amino acid analogue that can be used to visualize high-grade glioma not clearly identified on diagnostic MRI. Use of 18F-FDOPA PET will permit neurosurgeons to achieve a complete resection more frequently.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Contrast-enhancing mass on diagnostic brain CT or MRI strongly suggesting a diagnosis of WHO grade III or IV glioma
• Karnofsky Performance status (KPS) ≥ 70
• Age ≥18 years
• Subject is able to understand and consent to study
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 45 ml/minute

Exclusion Criteria:

• Indication for urgent craniotomy to relieve mass effect
• Only stereotactic biopsy indicated because tumour is located in eloquent brain.
• The enhancement on the T1 MRI sequence involves or abuts the basal ganglia
• Previous intracranial malignancy or any invasive malignancy unless free of disease > 5 years
• Prior cranial irradiation
• Contra-indications to systemic radiation exposure: pregnancy or breast feeding
• Subject exceeds the weight limit of the PET scanner bed (204.5 kg)
• Subjects taking medication such as Levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease
• Allergies or other contraindication to CT contrast or MRI contrast