title: 18F-FDOPA: a multiple-target molecule.
abstract: Although 6-(18)F-fluoro-L-dopa ((18)F-FDOPA) has been available to study the striatal dopaminergic system for more than 2 decades, the full potential of the tracer was not realized before the introduction of (18)F-FDOPA PET and PET/CT to image a variety of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and pancreatic beta-cell hyperplasia. Together with receptor-based imaging, (18)F-FDOPA offers a formerly unforeseen means to assist in the management of NETs and infants with persistent hyperinsulinemic hyperplasia. Institutions with special expertise in surgical, oncologic, and radiologic therapeutic modalities for NETs derive the highest benefit from (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT. (18)F-FDOPA-guided therapy may add to NET control by ensuring maximal cytoreduction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. heminn@utu.fi
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Minn
authors.forename: Saila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kauhanen
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seppänen
authors.forename: Pirjo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nuutila
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001692:Biological Transport; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D055099:Neuroendocrine Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: C043437:fluorodopa F 18; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine