Fluciclovine f-18

Fluciclovine F-18 is a radiopharmaceutical agent used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. It is primarily used to detect recurrent prostate cancer. Fluciclovine F-18 is a synthetic amino acid that is labeled with the radioactive isotope Fluorine-18.

History

Fluciclovine F-18 was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2016. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Blue Earth Diagnostics.

Mechanism of Action

Fluciclovine F-18 works by mimicking the natural amino acids in the body. Cancer cells, which have a higher metabolic rate than normal cells, take up these synthetic amino acids at a higher rate. The radioactive isotope Fluorine-18 attached to the amino acid emits positrons, which are detected by the PET scanner to create an image of the body's tissues and organs.

Uses

Fluciclovine F-18 is used in PET imaging to detect recurrent prostate cancer. It is particularly useful in cases where other imaging techniques, such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are inconclusive.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Fluciclovine F-18 include headache, nausea, and a flushed feeling. As with all radiopharmaceuticals, there is a small risk of radiation exposure.

See Also

• Radiopharmaceutical
• Positron Emission Tomography
• Prostate Cancer
• Fluorine-18
• Blue Earth Diagnostics