Theranostic role of chemokine receptor imaging in multiple myeloma patients

Chemokine receptor (CXCR4) belongs to a G-protein coupled receptors family. A variety of cells express CXCR4 during the development, but its over expression can be seen in various malignancies such as lung, breast, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. The over expression has been identified as adverse prognostic factor and may be exploited as a therapeutic target. Hence, various synthetic analogs of natural ligands have been developed. The study aims to evaluate the utility of ⁶⁸Ga chemokine analog (CXC) for in vivo imaging of CXCR4 and compare with metabolic imaging tracer, ¹⁸F-labeled fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (F-18 FDG). Both CXC and FDG play an important role in assessing disease burden. CXC being receptor specific has additional role in targeted therapy planning