Development of radiotracers for oncology--the interface with pharmacology

Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;163(8):1565-85. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01160.x.

Abstract

There is an increasing role for positron emission tomography (PET) in oncology, particularly as a component of early phase clinical trials. As a non-invasive functional imaging modality, PET can be used to assess both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of novel therapeutics by utilizing radiolabelled compounds. These studies can provide crucial information early in the drug development process that may influence the further development of novel therapeutics. PET imaging probes can also be used as early biomarkers of clinical response and to predict clinical outcome prior to the administration of therapeutic agents. We discuss the role of PET imaging particularly as applied to phase 0 studies and discuss the regulations involved in the development and synthesis of novel radioligands. The review also discusses currently available tracers and their role in the assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as applied to oncology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / trends*
  • Drug Design*
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Radioactive Tracers
  • Radioisotopes / chemistry*
  • Radioisotopes / pharmacokinetics
  • Radioisotopes / pharmacology
  • Radioligand Assay / methods*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Radioactive Tracers
  • Radioisotopes