Innovative PET Tracer Allows Same-Day Imaging for Triple-Negative Breast and Urothelial Cancers

A groundbreaking PET tracer has been developed to visualize nectin-4, a protein often overexpressed in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC), within just four hours. This advancement, detailed in a recent publication in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, offers a significant leap forward in cancer diagnostics by enabling same-day imaging. Traditionally, imaging procedures for these cancers required multiple visits or prolonged waiting periods, which could delay diagnosis and treatment planning.

The new tracer, [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-EV-F(ab′)2, demonstrates rapid tumor accumulation and high specificity in nectin-4 positive models, with optimal imaging achieved at around four hours post-injection. Its pharmacokinetics favor quick clearance from non-tumor tissues, improving tumor-to-background ratios and reducing patient radiation exposure compared to conventional full-length antibody tracers. This allows clinicians to accurately visualize nectin-4 expression in tumors on the same day, paving the way for improved patient stratification, real-time monitoring of therapies, and personalized treatment approaches.

Research led by Weibo Cai, Ph.D., from the University of Wisconsin Madison, involved evaluating two PET tracers—full-length conjugated antibodies and fragmented antibodies—using cell-based assays and animal models. The findings showed that the F(ab′)2 fragment tracer offers superior imaging performance due to its rapid tumor targeting and reduced background noise. Lei Kang, MD, Ph.D., from Peking University First Hospital, highlighted that the approach could be expanded to other cancer types and targets, making molecular imaging faster, safer, and more accessible.

This technology's capacity to provide swift, accurate insights into nectin-4 expression can significantly influence treatment decisions, especially for patients with advanced or hard-to-detect disease. As research progresses, such tracers could become standard tools for dynamic cancer management, contributing to more precise, personalized oncology care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-pet-tracer-enables-day-imaging.html