Diagnostic use of endothelin ET_Breceptor agonists and ET_Areceptor antagonists in tumor imaging

摘要

Methods of imaging tumors are disclosed. The methods utilize an endothelin ETB receptor agonist or an endothelin ETA receptor antagonist, in combination with an imaging agent, to detect a tumor in mammals, including humans.

主权项

1. A method of differentiating a malignant tumor from a benign tumor in a mammal, the method comprising the steps, performed in order of (a) to (g), of
(a) administering an imaging agent to the mammal; (b) obtaining a first image of the tumor using a diagnostic imaging procedure; (c) rinsing the imaging agent from the mammal; (d) administering an endothelin B receptor agonist to the mammal and then waiting about 15 minutes; (e) administering the imaging agent to the mammal; (f) obtaining a second image of the tumor using the diagnostic imaging procedure; and then (g) comparing the first image of step (b) to the second image of step (e), wherein, when the second image is enhanced compared to the first image, the tumor is malignant.