Functional imaging of the renal cortex using 18F-PSMA-1007 PET

Nuclear medicine imaging can be broadly divided into gamma camera imaging encompassing planar scintigraphy and single photon emission tomography (SPECT) on one hand, and positron emission tomography (PET) on the
other. PET is often used in combination with computed tomography (CT), yielding hybrid PET-CT studies with a widespread and increasing use. SPECT and PET yield tomographic (3D) images, while conventional scintigraphy results in planar (2D) images.
99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy is the most widely used functional imaging procedure of the renal parenchyma. It is usually performed as planar imaging with anteroposterior and oblique projections, rendering 2D images read for signs of damage to the parenchyma, as well as semi-automatic calculation of split renal function percentages.
PET currently sees the most use in oncology, as an integral part in the diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of treatment response in many malignancies. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has quickly become the main target for PET imaging in prostate cancer. PSMA expression is however not limited to prostate cancer cells, but is also present in normal prostate tissue as well as in other organs. PET studies using PSMA ligands show a significant renal uptake. The two major PSMA radiotracers for PET-imaging, 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-PSMA-1007, are both being explored as alternatives to 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy for renal cortical imaging.

The overall goal of the project is to explore 18F-PSMA-1007 PET as a potential high resolution functional imaging method for the renal cortex.