Fludeoxyglucose (18F)

Fludeoxyglucose (18F) is a radiopharmaceutical used in the medical imaging modality positron emission tomography (PET). It is an isotope of glucose that allows doctors to observe metabolic processes in the body.

Chemistry

Fludeoxyglucose (18F) is a glucose analog, with the normal hydroxyl group replaced by 18F, a radioactive isotope of fluorine. The isotope is produced by bombardment of oxygen-18 with protons in a cyclotron.

Medical Use

In the medical field, Fludeoxyglucose (18F) is used as a tracer in PET scans. The compound is taken up by cells throughout the body. Its uptake is regulated by the glucose transporter, and the rate of uptake is proportional to the rate of glucose utilization within the cell.

Cancer cells, which are characterized by their rapid growth and division, have a higher rate of glucose metabolism compared to normal cells. This makes Fludeoxyglucose (18F) a valuable tool in cancer detection and monitoring, as areas of high uptake (known as "hot spots") on a PET scan can indicate the presence of cancer.

Production

The production of Fludeoxyglucose (18F) involves the bombardment of oxygen-18 with protons in a cyclotron, which results in the production of 18F. This is then synthesized into Fludeoxyglucose (18F) through a series of chemical reactions.

Safety

As with all radiopharmaceuticals, there is a risk of radiation exposure with the use of Fludeoxyglucose (18F). However, the short half-life of 18F (approximately 110 minutes) means that the radiation dose to the patient is minimal.

See Also

• Positron emission tomography
• Radiopharmaceutical
• Cyclotron
• Oxygen-18
• 18F