89ZR-BEVACIZUMAB PET IMAGING IN PRIMARY BREAST CANCER

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is overexpressed in most malignant and premalignant breast lesions. VEGF-A can be visualized noninvasively with PET imaging and using the tracer 89 Zr-labeled bevacizumab. In this clinical feasibility study, we assessed whether VEGF-A in primary breast cancer can be visualized by 89Zr-bevacizumab PET. Methods: Before surgery, breast cancer patients underwenta PET/CTscan of the breastsand axillary regions 4 d after intravenous administration of 37 MBq of 89Zr-bevacizumab per 5 mg. PET images were compared with standard imaging modalities. 89Zr-bevacizumabuptakewasquantifiedasthemaximumstandardized uptake value (SUVmax). VEGF-A levels in tumor and normal breast tissues were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data are presented as mean 6 SD. Results: Twenty-five of