L. Cussó, M. Musteanu, F. Mulero, M. Barbacid and M. Desco (2019). Effects of a Ketogenic Diet on [18F]FDG-PET Imaging in a Mouse Model of Lung Cancer. Molecular imaging and biology, 21(2), 279-285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-018-1233-8

PubMed 29968182

[Abstract]
PURPOSE: Myocardial uptake can hamper visualization of lung tumors, atherosclerotic plaques, and inflammatory diseases in 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) studies because it leads to spillover in adjacent structures. Several preparatory pre-imaging protocols (including dietary restrictions and drugs) have been proposed to decrease physiological [18F]FDG uptake by the heart, although their effect on tumor glucose metabolism remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a ketogenic diet (as an alternative protocol to fasting) on tumor glucose metabolism assessed by [18F]FDG positron emission tomography (PET) in a mouse model of lung cancer.

PROCEDURES: PET scans were performed 60 min after injection of 18.5 MBq of [18F]FDG. PET data were collected for 45 min, and an x-ray computed tomograph (CT) image was acquired after the PET scan. A PET/CT study was obtained for each mouse after fasting and after the ketogenic diet. Quantitative data were obtained from regions of interest in the left ventricular myocardium and lung tumor.

RESULTS: Three days on a ketogenic diet decreased mean standard uptake value (SUVmean) in the myocardium (SUVmean 0.95 ± 0.36) more than one night of fasting (SUVmean 1.64 ± 0.93). Tumor uptake did not change under either dietary condition.

CONCLUSIONS: These results show that 3 days on high-fat diets prior to [18F]FDG-PET imaging does not change tumor glucose metabolism compared with one night of fasting, although high-fat diets suppress myocardial [18F]FDG uptake better than fasting.