[18F]MFBG PET/CT Outperforming [123I]MIBG SPECT/CT in the Evaluation of Neuroblastoma

Iodine 123 labeled meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([123I]MIBG) scan with SPECT/CT imaging is one of the most commonly used imaging modalities in the evaluation of neuroblastoma. [18F]-meta-fluorobenzylguanidine ([18F]MFBG) is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer which was reported to have a similar biodistribution to [123I]MIBG. However, the experience of using [18F]MFBG PET/CT in the evaluation of patients with neuroblastoma is limited. This preliminary investigation aims to assess the efficacy of [18F]MFBG PET/CT in the evaluation of neuroblastomas in comparison to [123I]MIBG scans with SPECT/CT. In this prospective, single-center study, 40 participants (mean age 6.0 ± 3.7 years) with history of neuroblastoma were enrolled. All children underwent both [123I]MIBG SPECT/CT and [18F]MFBG PET/CT studies. The number of lesions and the Curie scores revealed by each imaging method were recorded. Six patients had negative findings on both [123I]MIBG and [18F]MFBG studies. Four of the 34 patients (11.8 Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT05069220 (Registered: 25 September 2021, retrospectively registered); Institute Review Board of Peking Union Medical College Hospital: ZS-2514