Common Radiotracers and Their Uses:
- FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose): Measures glucose metabolism, often used in Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
- DOPA (Fluorodopa): Maps dopamine pathways, useful for studying Parkinson’s disease.
- Amyloid-Specific Tracers: Detects amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.
Emerging Tracers:
- Tracers targeting tau proteins, microglia activity, and synaptic density for advanced research applications.
Real-World Example: Using Radiotracers to Study Cancer’s Secrets
Summary:
Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) developed advanced PET imaging techniques using specialized radiotracers to track cancer’s behavior in real-time. These radiotracers bind to specific molecules associated with cancer metabolism and proliferation, allowing scientists to monitor how tumors grow, respond to treatments, and resist therapies.
- Key Impact:
PET imaging with radiotracers provides a window into tumor biology, enabling early detection of treatment resistance and the personalization of cancer therapies. It also offers insights into how cancer adapts to its environment, revealing vulnerabilities that can be targeted with new drugs.
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