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New radiotracer quickly detects gastrointestinal cancer biomarker and helps to identify patients for targeted therapy
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers occur in the digestive system. It is among the most common types of cancer worldwide. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of endoscopy, imaging (like CT scans and PET scans), biopsies, and blood tests. Treatment options depend on the cancer type and stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Early detection generally leads to better outcomes, but many GI cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which can complicate treatment and worsen prognosis. A new synthesized PET scan radiotracer, 68Ga-NC-BCH, helps doctors see a protein called Claudin18.2 (an important GI cancer biomarker) that is often found in high amounts in GI cancers. Uptake of 68Ga-NC-BCH is correlated with the amount of Claudin18.2. 68Ga-NC-BCH lets doctors take detailed images in one day, unlike older methods that might take longer and be more invasive. It specifically targets the Claudin18.2 protein. This means doctors can get a clear view of where the cancer is and how much of the protein is in the body. Compared to traditional methods, this new tool is non-invasive and provides quick, accurate results. It can help doctors make better treatment decisions and track how well treatments are working.