Norepinephrine Transporter-Targeted Cancer Theranostics-New Horizons

Clin Nucl Med. 2025 Jan 1;50(1):44-51. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000005567. Epub 2024 Nov 19.

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of precision oncology, this review delineates the role of radiopharmaceuticals targeting the norepinephrine transporter (NET), with a particular focus on the current clinical application of 123 I-MIBG diagnostic imaging and 131 I-MIBG therapeutics, in particular for pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, or paraganglioma. We will also highlight recently introduced 18 F-labeled NET targeting imaging radiotracers, which would offer unparalleled resolution, enhanced tumor localization, and staging properties. Complementing these novel second-generation PET agents in a theranostic approach, astatine-211 meta-astatobenzylguanidine ( 211 At-MABG) would leverage the advantages of alpha-particles to selectively target and eradicate NET-expressing tumor cells with minimal off-target effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins* / metabolism
  • Precision Medicine
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine

Substances

  • Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Radiopharmaceuticals