New Radiopharmaceuticals for Brain Tumors Imaging

Neuro-oncological nuclear medicine is a vibrant field. Various selective targets can be addressed in brain tumors with the use of innovative positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. A broad range of new radiopharmaceuticals for brain tumor imaging has been under investigation or is currently being investigated, and further innovations are to be expected both for the diagnostics and the treatment of gliomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases. A major advantage of PET imaging is the ability to visualize selective biological processes and thus gain comprehensive knowledge of the tumor in a non-invasive manner. PET results can support the decision for either non-radioactive or radioactive targeted therapies as part of a theranostic approach. Therefore, the increasing implementation of new radiopharmaceuticals could make a relevant contribution to a better understanding of brain tumors as well as to improved management of affected patients. In this chapter, we briefly review selected developments on new radiopharmaceuticals for brain tumor imaging.