Imaging of Lymph Node Micrometastases Using an Oncolytic Herpes Virus and [18F]FEAU PET

摘要: Background In patients with melanoma, knowledge of regional lymph node status provides important information on outlook. Since can influence treatment, surgery for sentinel (SLN) biopsy became a standard staging procedure these patients. Current imaging modalities have limited sensitivity detection micrometastases in nodes and, therefore, there is need better technique that accurately identify occult SLN metastases. Methodology/Principal Findings B16-F10 murine melanoma cells were infected replication-competent herpes simplex virus (HSV) NV1023. The presence tumor-targeting and reporter-expressing was assessed by [18F]-2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-1-β-D-β-arabinofuranosyl-5-ethyluracil ([18F]FEAU) positron emission tomography (PET) confirmed histochemical assays. An animal foot pad model metastasis established. Mice received intratumoral injections NV1023, 48 hours later imaged after i.v. injection [18F]FEAU. NV1023 successfully provided high levels lacZ transgene expression cells. Intratumoral resulted viral trafficking to had metastasized popliteal inguinal nodes. Presence virus-infected tumor [18F]FEAU-PET, identified 8 out tumor-positive There no overlap between radioactivity (lymph surrounding tissue ratio) tumor-negative nodes. Conclusion/Significance A new approach metastases using [18F]FEAU-PET successful model. Similar studies could be translated the clinic improve management melanoma.