Validation of \[18F\]-FES for imaging of estrogen receptors in the brain The primary objective of the study is to determine if \[18F\]-FES Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can be used to quantify the estrogen receptor expression in the human brain.
Estrogens are the primary female sex hormones that play a major role in the development and maintenance of secondary sexual functions. In addition, estrogens play an important role in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immunological, bone development and central nervous system processes. Actions of estrogens are mediated by a group of specialized receptors, known as estrogen receptors. Estrogens were found to be neuroprotective and may thus protect against development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. In addition, estrogens may also play an important role in psychiatric disorders, like depression. To improve our understanding of the action of estrogens in the brain, it is important to study the expression of estrogen receptors in the brain. Positron emission tomography (PET) is the most suitable technique for non-invasive imaging of brain receptors. \[18F\]FES is a PET tracer that is regularly used in the UMCG to image the estrogen receptor expression in breast cancer patients, but has never been used for quantitative imaging of brain estrogen receptors. Quantification of the expression of brain receptors by PET usually requires arterial blood sampling to obtain the plasma input function of the tracer. Arterial blood sampling causes discomfort to the patient and therefore can be an obstacle especially in longitudinal studies. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate whether \[18F\]FES PET imaging for quantification of estrogen receptors in the human brain is feasible without arterial blood sampling, using a reference tissue model (SRTM) or an image derived input function (IDIF), so the discomfort associated with arterial blood sampling can be avoided.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
3
University Medical Centre Groningen
Groningen, Netherlands
Quantification of estrogen receptors in the human brain
The primary objective of the study is to validate the use of a reference tissue model and an image derived input function for the quantification of ERs in the human brain, by \[18F\]FES PET, using pharmacokinetic modelling with arterial sampling as golden standard
Time frame: 1 year
Evalution of the levels of circulating estradiol in two patient cohorts and to evaluate the imaging technique
1. To evaluate the effect of the levels of circulating estradiol on quantification of ERs in the human brain, by comparing premenopausal women with postmenopausal women. 2. To investigate whether PET acquisition time can be shortened to reduce the subjects discomfort, as the current protocol requires the patient to be scanned for 90 min.
Time frame: 1 year
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.