Theranostics for Neuroblastoma: Making Molecular Radiotherapy Work Better
Despite improvements in neuroblastoma treatment, survival figures lag behind those of many other childhood malignancies. New treatments, and better use of existing treatments, are essential to reduce mortality. Neuroblastoma expresses several molecular targets for radionuclide imaging and therapy, of which the most widely exploited is the norepinephrine transporter. [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging and [131I]MIBG treatment, which target this physiologic pathway, have been in clinical practice for 40 y. Although therapy outcomes have been favorable, [131I]MIBG use has not yet been optimized. Somatostatin receptors and the disialoganglioside are alternative targets, but their use remains experimental. The charity Children’s Cancer Research Fund organized a workshop bringing together a broad range of scientists including radiochemists, radiobiologists, radiation physicists, clinical researchers including pediatric oncologists and nuclear medicine physicians, and patient advoca
