18F-fludeoxyglucose
A radiopharmaceutical used in PET imaging
18F-fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is a radiopharmaceutical used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. It is a glucose analog in which the hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon of the glucose molecule is replaced by the positron-emitting radioactive isotope fluorine-18.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
18F-FDG is taken up by cells via glucose transporters and phosphorylated by hexokinase to 18F-FDG-6-phosphate. Unlike glucose-6-phosphate, 18F-FDG-6-phosphate cannot be further metabolized in the glycolytic pathway, leading to its accumulation in cells. This property allows for the visualization of metabolic activity in tissues, as areas with high uptake of 18F-FDG correspond to regions of increased glucose metabolism.
Clinical Applications[edit | edit source]
18F-FDG is widely used in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of various cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. It is also used in the assessment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy, as well as in the evaluation of myocardial viability in cardiology.
Oncology[edit | edit source]
In oncology, 18F-FDG PET imaging is used to detect malignant tumors, as cancer cells often exhibit increased glucose metabolism compared to normal tissues. This makes 18F-FDG PET a valuable tool in identifying primary tumors, assessing the extent of disease, and evaluating the response to therapy.
Neurology[edit | edit source]
In neurology, 18F-FDG PET is used to assess brain metabolism. It can help differentiate between types of dementia, localize epileptic foci, and evaluate brain function in various neurological conditions.
Cardiology[edit | edit source]
In cardiology, 18F-FDG PET is used to assess myocardial viability. It helps determine whether heart tissue is still alive and can benefit from revascularization procedures.
Safety and Precautions[edit | edit source]
18F-FDG is generally safe when used in clinical settings. However, as with any radiopharmaceutical, there is a risk of radiation exposure. The effective dose from a typical 18F-FDG PET scan is approximately 7-10 mSv. Patients are advised to stay hydrated and urinate frequently to help eliminate the tracer from the body.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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