PET/CT-Guided Biological Target Volume Delineation and Dose Optimization for Radioactive Seed Implantation Therapy in Malignant Tumors

This prospective, open-label Phase I/II trial evaluates a molecular-imaging-guided optimization strategy that integrates PET/CT into radioactive seed implantation therapy to improve target delineation accuracy, biological precision, and therapeutic efficacy in malignant solid tumors. Conventional CT-guided planning relies primarily on anatomical visualization and geometric dose coverage but does not incorporate intratumoral biological heterogeneity, which may result in uneven dose distribution and increased risk of local recurrence. To address this limitation, the trial incorporates PET/CT-based biological target volume (BTV) delineation and standardized uptake value (SUV)-driven dose modulation to achieve individualized, biologically optimized treatment planning.

Eligible participants with measurable solid tumors suitable for percutaneous implantation are assigned to one of three groups: (1) conventional CT-guided implantation, (2) PET/CT-guided implantation with standard dosing, and (3) PET/CT-guided implantation with biological dose optimization based on metabolic activity quantified by SUV measures. PET/CT is used to identify metabolically active sub-volumes for selective dose escalation while sparing normal tissues, achieved by adjusting seed activity or spatial distribution to deliver intensified irradiation to high-SUV tumor regions. In addition to standard 18F-FDG PET/CT, tumor-specific tracers are evaluated in selected subgroups to enhance lesion visualization and biological characterization, including 18F-PSMA for prostate cancer, 68Ga-FAPI for pancreatic, colorectal, and fibrotic tumors, 18F-FES for ER-positive breast cancer, and 18F-FMISO or 18F-FAZA for hypoxia detection and targeted dose escalation.

Primary endpoints include technical success rate, dosimetric superiority, and 6-month local control defined by imaging and clinical criteria. Secondary endpoints include dosimetric parameters (D90, V100, conformity index, homogeneity index), pain relief, quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), treatment-related adverse events (CTCAE v5.0), and time-to-event outcomes including progression-free survival (PFS), failure-free survival (FFS), and overall survival (OS). Exploratory analyses evaluate correlations between baseline PET parameters (SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume, total lesion glycolysis), radiomics features, and clinical outcomes, as well as early metabolic response (ΔSUVmax at 4-6 weeks) as a predictor of local control.

The central hypothesis is that PET/CT-guided biological optimization will enhance dosimetric conformity, improve local tumor control and survival outcomes, reduce recurrence, and contribute to better symptom relief and quality-of-life measures. Overall, the trial aims to establish a personalized, molecular-imaging-based framework for radioactive seed implantation therapy in malignant solid tumors.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years.
• Pathologically or clinically confirmed malignant tumor (solid tumor, lymphoma, or leukemia with a localized lesion suitable for radioactive seed implantation).
• Tumor site accessible for image-guided implantation, with a target lesion visible on CT or PET/CT.
• Life expectancy of at least 6 months.
• Ability to undergo PET/CT imaging (FDG or tumor-specific tracers such as PSMA or FAPI).
• Signed written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Uncontrolled infection or active systemic inflammatory disease.
• Severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction that contraindicates interventional procedures (e.g., heart failure, severe COPD).
• Coagulation disorders (INR > 1.5 or platelet count < 50 × 10⁹/L).
• Known allergy or intolerance to radiopharmaceuticals or iodinated contrast media.
• Prior radiation therapy overlapping with the planned implantation area.
• Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days that may interfere with study results.
• Any medical or psychosocial condition considered unsuitable for study participation by the investigators (e.g., poor compliance, unstable clinical status).