ideasIdea
18F-MFBG PET replacing 123I-MIBG scintigraphy
A same-day PET tracer could replace the two-day, low-resolution MIBG scan children now undergo repeatedly.
18F-meta-fluorobenzylguanidine PET shows higher lesion detection and needs no sedation across two days; prospective comparisons (MSK, COG imaging studies) under way; regulatory path via NDA in progress.
Hypothesis
18F-MFBG PET/CT detects more lesions than 123I-MIBG SPECT with equal specificity, and Curie-type scoring on MFBG predicts outcome at least as well.
Rationale
MFBG uses the same norepinephrine-transporter biology as MIBG but with PET resolution and 18F logistics.
What would test it
Paired prospective comparison in newly diagnosed and relapsed patients; response prediction analysis.
Maturity
early clinical