Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology Volume 37, Number 4, 2009 229-232
Authors: Juan P. Gambini et al.

Preliminary findings have suggested that 99mTc-glucarate has tumor-seeking properties. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of this tracer to evaluate malignant head and neck tumors by means of SPECT/CT software fusion imaging.

Methods:
Eleven male patients with advanced head and neck carcinoma were included in the study: 9 with locally advanced disease and 2 with clinical suspicion of local relapse. Scanning started 3–6 h after the injection of 1,110 MBq of 99mTc-glucarate. Planar and SPECT images of the head, neck, and thorax were acquired. Three-dimensional images were also coregistered with CT.

Results:
We found 99mTc-glucarate uptake in all suspected lesions. SPECT/CT fusion imaging was helpful in all cases for topographically localizing the tracer foci.

Conclusion:
99mTc-glucarate can be considered a potential tracer for the evaluation of patients with head and neck tumors.

Authors:
Juan P. Gambini1, Margarita Nuñez2, Pablo Cabral3, Martín Lafferranderie4, Javier Noble5, Eduardo Corchs5, Ricardo D’Albora4, Eduardo Savio6, Lucía Delgado7 and Omar Alonso1,2

Authors’ affiliations:
1 Nuclear Medicine Center, Clinical Hospital, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay;
2 School of Medical Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology Program, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay;
3 Nuclear Investigations Center, School of Science, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay;
4 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Clinical Hospital, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay;
5 Department of Radiology, Clinical Hospital, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay;
6 Department of Radiochemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay; and
7 Department of Oncology, Clinical Hospital, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay