Conclusion
The results from this study suggest that (89)Zr-transferrin could be a broadly applicable tool for identifying and monitoring tumors in the brain, with realistic potential for near-term clinical translation.
Methods
Transferrin was radiolabeled with (89)Zr, and its properties with respect to human models of glioblastoma multiforme were studied in vivo.
Results
In this report, we show proof of concept that (89)Zr-labeled transferrin ((89)Zr-transferrin) localizes to genetically diverse models of glioblastoma multiforme in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrate that (89)Zr-transferrin can detect an orthotopic lesion with exceptional contrast. Finally, the tumor-to-brain contrast conferred by (89)Zr-transferrin vastly exceeded that observed with (18)F-FDG, currently the most widely used radiotracer to assess tumor burden in the brain.