Comparison of PET Imaging with 64 Cu-Liposomes and 18 F-FDG in the 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-Induced Hamster Buccal Pouch Model of Oral Dysplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose Currently, 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro- d -glucose ( 18 F-FDG) is the gold standard radiotracer for staging of head and neck cancer; however, the low sensitivity of this tracer can impede detection of early lesions. 64 Cu-liposomes accumulate in various cancers and provide both a sensitive tracer and an indication of the biodistribution of nanotherapeutics. Here, the accumulation of 64 Cu-liposomes in early and established cancers is assessed and compared with 18 F-FDG in a head and neck cancer model. Methods Lesions ranging from mild dysplasia to squamous cell carcinoma were induced in a hamster model of head and neck cancer by topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene to the buccal pouch. The hamsters were imaged with micro-positron emission tomography using 18 F-FDG and 64 Cu-liposomes. Results At 24 h postinjection, 64 Cu-liposome accumulation exceeded the accumulation of 18 F-FDG in every pathologic grade. The lesion-to-cheek pouch (background) ratio and lesion-to-brain ratio were also higher for 64 Cu-liposomes than for 18 F-FDG. Conclusion Imaging of a nanotracer such as 64 Cu-liposomes can improve the visualization of head and neck tumors. Accumulation of liposomal particles in head and neck tumors over various pathologic grades averaged 3.5 %ID/cc demonstrating the potential for liposomal therapy with targeted chemotherapeutic agents.