ImmunoPET Targeting Trophoblast Cell-surface Antigen 2 (Trop-2) in Craniopharyngioma Patients

The trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2), encoded by the TACSTD2 gene, is a transmembrane glycoprotein that regulates epithelial malignant transformation and proliferation. Trop2 has been reported to be overexpressed in various epithelial tumors, including craniopharyngioma. 68Ga-MY6349, an immune-PET tracer targeting Trop2, has demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity in visualizing other Trop2-high solid tumors. In this research, patients with primary or recurrent craniopharyngioma scheduled for surgery will receive the preoperative 68Ga-MY6349 PET/CT in addition to standard MRI. Tumor uptake is quantified by the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). The diagnostic performance of 68Ga-MY6349 PET is subsequently compared with MRI and the SUVmax is correlated with Trop2 expression levels in postoperative pathological specimens.

Inclusion criteria

• must be able to provide a written informed consent
• radiologically presumed and/or histologically confirmed craniopharyngioma scheduled for resection
• adequate clinical condition (Karnofsky performance status ≥70)

Exclusion criteria

• concomitant major central nervous system disorders
• severe hepatic or renal dysfunction
• history of severe allergy or hypersensitivity to intravenous radiographic contrast agents
• claustrophobia precluding PET/CT or MRI examinations
• pregnancy or breastfeeding