NCIt definition : A synthetic neutral amino acid analog radiolabeled with carbon C 11 with potential
use for metabolic tumor imaging during positron emission tomography (PET). Upon administration,
carbon C 11 methylaminoisobutyrate ([(11)C]MeAIB) is taken up by and accumulates in
cancer cells through the A-type (alanine-preferring) amino acid transport system.
Upon imaging of the radioisotope, the distribution patterns of MeAIB and its uptake
by cancer cells can be further elucidated. This may establish its usefulness as a
tumor tracer in the diagnosis of certain cancers. Amino acid transport system A is
highly upregulated in malignant cells and facilitates the uptake of amino acids needed
for tumor cell proliferation.;
Currated CISMeF NLP mapping