Alzheimer's & Dementia · Oct 30, 2026

Tau positron emission tomography harmonization using the CenTauR approach: General conversion equations, relevant cut‐points, and external validation

By Moscoso Rial A, Leuzy A, Raket LL et al.

INTRODUCTION: Tau positron emission tomography (PET) tracers differ in kinetics, binding properties, and quantification pipelines, complicating cross‐study comparisons. The CenTauR approach provides a unified framework for harmonizing tau PET quantification across tracers. METHODS: We defined a tracer‐agnostic “Standard Method” using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12, standardized regions of interest, and harmonized acquisition parameters. Using data from five tau tracers—[ ¹⁸ F]flortaucipir, [ ¹⁸ F]MK‐6240, [ ¹⁸ F]PI‐2620, [ ¹⁸ F]RO948, and [ ¹⁸ F]GTP1—we applied the Joint Propagation Model to derive linear equations converting regional standardized uptake value ratios into the tracer‐independent CenTauR scale. Validation included independent cross‐sectional, longitudinal, and test–retest datasets across multiple cohorts. RESULTS: The CenTauR scale yielded highly consistent regional values across tracers, with strong cross‐tracer agreement and robust performance in external validation cohorts. We also expressed clinically relevant cut‐points and staging boundaries on the CenTauR scale. DISCUSSION: The CenTauR approach enables harmonized, tracer‐independent quantification of tau PET, supporting reproducibility across studies and improving interpretation in clinical research and multicenter trials.

doi.org/10.1002/alz.71886Open accessPubMed 42963335Biomarkers