Antibiotic-Derived Radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography: Nuclear or Unclear Infection Imaging?

The excellent features of non-invasive molecular imaging, its progressive technology (real-time, whole-body imaging and quantification), and global impact by a growing infrastructure for positron emission tomography (PET) scanners are encouraging prospects to investigate new concepts, which could transform clinical care of complex infectious diseases. Researchers are aiming towards the extension beyond the routinely available radiopharmaceuticals and are looking for more effective tools that interact directly with causative pathogens. We reviewed and critically evaluated (challenges or pitfalls) antibiotic-derived PET radiopharmaceutical development efforts aimed at infection imaging. We considered both radiotracer development for infection imaging and radio-antibiotic PET imaging supplementing other tools for pharmacologic drug characterization; overall, a total of 20 original PET radiotracers derived from eleven approved antibiotics.

Automated summary

The excellent features of non-invasive molecular imaging, coupled with the progressive technology and global impact of PET scanners, provide encouraging prospects for investigating new concepts in the clinical care of complex infectious diseases. This article reviews and critically evaluates the development efforts of antibiotic-derived PET radiopharmaceuticals for infection imaging.