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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-06-2006 | Short communication

How few cancer cells can be detected by positron emission tomography? A frequent question addressed by an in vitro study

Authors: Barbara M. Fischer, Minna W. B. Olsen, Carsten D. Ley, Thomas L. Klausen, Jann Mortensen, Liselotte Højgaard, Paul E. G. Kristjansen

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 6/2006

Abstract

Purpose

Positron emission tomography (PET) has gained widespread use in cancer diagnosis and treatment, but how many malignant cells are required for a tumour to be detected by PET?

Methods

Three human cancer cell lines [glioblastoma and two subtypes of small cell lung cancer (SCLC)] in concentrations from 10⁴ to 10⁷ were seeded on six-well plates or plastic tubes and treated with [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxy-glucose (FDG) in vitro. FDG retention was measured in a PET/CT scanner and in a calibrated well counter. The clinical situation was simulated using a cylinder phantom with a background concentration of FDG.

Results

The theoretical detection limit was found to be around 10⁵ malignant cells. In a cylinder phantom the detection limit was increased by a factor of 10. The FDG retention by the glioblastoma cell line was significantly higher than the activity of the SCLC cell line. FDG retention measured by PET and a gamma counter was closely correlated to the number of cells and a linear relationship was found.

Discussion

The detection limit of PET is in the magnitude of 10⁵ to 10⁶ malignant cells. The experimental set-up was robust and well suited as a platform for further investigations of factors influencing the detection limit of PET.

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Title: How few cancer cells can be detected by positron emission tomography? A frequent question addressed by an in vitro study
Authors: Barbara M. Fischer
Minna W. B. Olsen
Carsten D. Ley
Thomas L. Klausen
Jann Mortensen
Liselotte Højgaard
Paul E. G. Kristjansen
Publication date: 01-06-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 6/2006
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-005-0038-6

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Springer Medicine

How few cancer cells can be detected by positron emission tomography? A frequent question addressed by an in vitro study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

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