Abstract:
Chemokine receptor CXCR4 is overexpressed in neoplasms and its expression is related to
tumour invasion, metastasis and aggressiveness. 68Ga-Pentixafor is used to non-invasively image
the expression of CXCR4 in tumours and has been widely used in haematological malignancies.
Recent evidence shows that therapies targeting CXCR4 can increase the chemosensitivity of the
tumour as well as inhibit tumour metastasis and aggressiveness. 68Ga-Pentixafor has shown promise
as an elegant radiotracer to aid in the selection of patients whose tumours demonstrate CXCR4
overexpression and who therefore may benefit from novel therapies targeting CXCR4. In addition, its
therapeutic partners 177Lu- and 90Y-Pentixather have been investigated in the treatment of patients
with advanced haematological malignancies, and initial studies have shown a good treatment
response in metabolically active lesions. 68Ga-Pentixafor in solid tumours complements 18F-FDG by
providing prognostic information and selecting patients who may benefit from therapies targeting
CXCR4. This review summarises the available literature on the potential applications of 68Ga-
Pentixafor in solid tumours.