Integrated PET/MRI and germline variants to differentiate brain tumor recurrence from iatrogenic changes in children

This project aims to improve diagnosis in pediatric brain tumors, where distinguishing recurrence from pseudoprogression after radio-chemotherapy is challenging yet critical. The proposed approach integrates 11C-methionine PET/MRI with advanced MRI sequences (diffusion, perfusion, spectroscopy) to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, germline coding variants will be analyzed through whole-exome sequencing to identify risk factors for neurotoxicity and prognosis, under the responsibility of Dr. Colombo in ITB-CNR. Children and adolescents will undergo PET/MRI six months after radiotherapy, with imaging data correlated to genetic and clinical profiles. Expected outcomes include innovative diagnostic models and predictive biomarkers to personalize follow-up and minimize treatment-related toxicity.