Dynamic (18)F-FDG PET lymphography for in vivo identification of lymph node metastases in murine melanoma Journal Article


Authors: Lockau, H.; Neuschmelting, V.; Ogirala, A.; Vilaseca, A.; Grimm, J.
Article Title: Dynamic (18)F-FDG PET lymphography for in vivo identification of lymph node metastases in murine melanoma
Abstract: Positron lymphography using 18F-FDG followed by Cerenkov-guided resection of lymph nodes in healthy mice has previously been introduced by our group. Our aim in this study was to further assess the technique’s potential beyond merely localizing sentinel lymph nodes. We now aimed to evaluate the potential of positron lymphography to characterize the nodes with respect to their tumor status in order to identify metastatic lymph nodes. We explored whether metastatic nodes could be distinguished from normal nodes via dynamic 18F-FDG lymphography, to then be resected under Cerenkov imaging guidance. Methods: A murine melanoma cell line highly metastatic to lymph nodes (B16F10) was implanted subcutaneously on the dorsal hind paw of C57 mice while the tumor-free contralateral leg served as an intraindividual control. A model of reactive lymph nodes after concanavalin A challenge served as an additional control to provide nonmalignant inflammatory lymphadenopathy. Dynamic PET/CT imaging was performed immediately after injection of 18F-FDG around the tumor or intracutaneously in the contralateral footpad. Furthermore, PET/CT and Cerenkov studies were performed repeatedly over time to follow the course of metastatic spread. In selected mice, popliteal lymph nodes underwent Cerenkov luminescence imaging. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was done to verify the presence of lymphatic melanoma infiltration. Results: Positron lymphography using 18F-FDG was successfully performed on tumor-bearing and non–tumor-bearing mice, as well as on controls bearing sites of inflammation; the results clearly identified the sentinel lymph node basin and delineated the lymphatic drainage. Significantly prolonged retention of activity was evident in metastatic nodes as compared with controls without tumor. On the basis of these results, the contrast in detection and identification of metastatic lymph nodes was distinct and could be used for guided lymph node resection, such as by using Cerenkov luminescence imaging. However, retention after 18F-FDG lymphography was also seen in acute inflammatory lymphadenopathy. Conclusion: In a tumor model, significantly longer retention of the radiotracer during 18F-FDG lymphography was seen in metastatic than nonmetastatic lymph nodes, allowing for differentiation between the two and for selective resection of tumor-bearing nodes using Cerenkov imaging. Inflammation can be better differentiated in a subacute state. © 2018 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
Keywords: sentinel lymph node; melanoma; metastasis; cerenkov; positron lymphography
Journal Title: Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Volume: 59
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0161-5505
Publisher: Society of Nuclear Medicine  
Date Published: 2018-02-01
Start Page: 210
End Page: 215
Language: English
DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.117.196303
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC5807531
PUBMED: 28912145
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 March 2018 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Jan Grimm
    93 Grimm
  2. Anuja   Ogirala
    13 Ogirala
  3. Hannah   Lockau
    5 Lockau