Melanin-Targeted PET Imaging With 18F-PFPN for Identifying Gastric Metastatic Melanoma

A 47-year-old man, who had a history of occipital skin dissection for melanoma, underwent F-18-FDG and F-18-PFPN (a specific tracer targeting melanin) PET due to increased stomach discomfort and melena. In F-18-FDG and F-18-PFPN images, strong uptakes were both found in the thickened gastric wall, which was suspected as metastatic melanoma to the stomach. This was further confirmed by pathological biopsy of gastric tissue. Our case illustrated that melanin-targeted PET imaging could provide an effective method for searching the metastases of melanoma.

Automated summary

This case illustrates that melanin-targeted PET imaging can provide an effective method for searching metastases of melanoma.