18F-MFBG PET/CT Imaging to Evaluate Tumor Burden and Diagnosis in Pheochromocytoma, Paraganglioma, and Neuroblastoma

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of 18F-metafluorobenzylguanidine (18F-MFBG) positron emission tomography (PET) to assess tumor burden and diagnostic accuracy in patients with neuroendocrine tumors, mainly pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma (PPGL), and neuroblastoma (NB). These tumors express norepinephrine transporter (NET), which is targeted by traditional imaging agents like 131I/123I-MIBG. However, current imaging methods have limitations such as low resolution, long procedure times, and poor detection of small lesions. This study aims to explore the safety, image quality, and diagnostic potential of 18F-MFBG PET in these conditions. Participants will receive an intravenous injection of 18F-MFBG at a dose of 2-4 MBq/kg, followed by PET/CT scanning 60 minutes post-injection. Patients with malignant PPGL and NB may also receive 68Ga-Dotatate intravenously, with PET/CT conducted 40 minutes after injection. The short imaging time and favorable characteristics of 18F-MFBG could improve detection and evaluation of neural crest tumors. The study will include patients with confirmed or suspected neural crest tumors, including PPGL and NB. During the study, participants will undergo safety assessments and imaging procedures to evaluate tumor presence and extent. Diagnostic performance of 18F-MFBG PET will be measured across different tumor regions over approximately one year. Patients with neuroblastoma are expected to have routine 123I-MIBG scintigraphy within six months before or three months after enrollment. The study will monitor imaging quality, tumor burden, and safety throughout the participation period.

18F-MFBG PET/CT in the Evaluation of Neural Crest Tumor