Approaches to Imaging Immune Activation Using PET

J Nucl Med. 2025 Jun 2;66(6):839-847. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.124.268289.

Abstract

This review explores the role of PET in imaging immune activation, particularly in oncology. 18F-FDG is widely used for assessing treatment response to immunotherapies and can demonstrate unique response patterns as well as immune-related adverse events. However, because of the limited specificity of 18F-FDG, newer PET radiopharmaceuticals targeting specific cellular or subcellular components of the immune system have been developed that can provide more precise information. The development of immune-specific PET radiopharmaceuticals offers significant potential for improving immune monitoring in both clinical practice and research.

Keywords: FDG; PET; immune-related adverse events; immunotherapy; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Positron-Emission Tomography* / methods
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18