Healthcare Professionals

^99mTc-maraciclatide is a radio-labelled tracer containing the RGD tripeptide motif (Arg-Gly-Asp) which binds with high affinity to α_vβ₃ integrin¹, a cell-adhesion molecule which is up-regulated on activated vascular endothelial cells, activated macrophages and osteoclasts². ^99mTc-maraciclatide uptake in the joints has been shown to be highly correlated with Power Doppler Ultrasound (PDUS) in an initial proof of concept study in 5 patients with rheumatoid arthritis³ and subsequently in a study involving 50 patients^4,5.

^99mTc-maraciclatide planar imaging has the capacity to image the whole body, highlighting total synovial inflammatory load in a 20 minute acquisition without requiring the rheumatologist’s time.

^99mTc-maraciclatide images are easy to interpret to the untrained observer and we are exploring how images might inform a patient’s view of their condition and treatment.

¹ Ebenhan T, Kleynhans J, Zeevaart JR, et al. Non-oncological applications of RGD-based single-photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography agents. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-020-04975-9

² Eliceiri BP, Cheresh DA. The role of alphav integrins during angiogenesis: insights into potential mechanisms of action and clinical development. J Clin Invest 1999;103(9):1227-30.

³ Attipoe L, Chaabo K, Wajed J, et al. Imaging neoangiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (INIRA): whole-body synovial uptake of a 99mTc-labelled RGD peptide is highly correlated with power Doppler ultrasound. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:1254-1255.

⁴ Attipoe L, Garrood T, Subesinghe S, et al. Imaging Neoangiogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis (INIRA): Whole-Body Synovial Uptake of a 99mTc-Labelled RGD Peptide Is Highly Correlated with Power Doppler Ultrasound [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019;71(suppl 10).

⁵ Attipoe L, Subesinghe S, Blanco-Gil C, et al. Imaging neoangiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (INIRA): whole-body synovial uptake of a 99mTc-labelled RGD peptide is highly correlated with power Doppler ultrasound. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79, supplement 1:110.

• Small camera head can be placed closer to the patient than conventional large detectors which improves image resolution/acquisition times.
• Small footprint and fast acquisition to increase capacity in the Nuclear Medicine Department by providing an alternative for imaging small organs and structures without requiring an additional, dedicated camera room.
• Lightweight, portable design makes it easy for one person to move the camera around the Department, through hospital corridors, in the tight confines of the ICU, and around the patient’s bed.
• Imaging at the patient’s bedside (e.g. paediatric department, ICU) improves care and eliminates the need to bring the patient and nursing staff to the Nuclear Medicine Department.

• Easy to position camera head making it possible to image patients in whatever position is most comfortable for them (e.g. sitting in a chair or wheelchair, or lying down on a bed or gurney).
• A less intimidating experience for the patient than with conventional SPECT cameras, making it ideal for claustrophobic and paediatric patients.
• Automatically co-registered gamma and optical images facilitates added information on uptake in relation to surface anatomy improving communication on investigational findings with the patient.