Flutemetamol

Flutemetamol is a radiopharmaceutical compound used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. It is specifically designed to bind to beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Chemistry

Flutemetamol is a derivative of the Pittsburgh compound B (PiB), a thioflavin T derivative that has been used as a fluorescent probe for beta-amyloid. The chemical structure of flutemetamol includes a fluorine-18 atom, which allows it to be detected during PET imaging.

Medical Use

Flutemetamol is used in PET imaging to detect beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. By binding to these plaques, flutemetamol allows them to be visualized during imaging, providing a tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions.

Administration and Dosage

Flutemetamol is administered intravenously. The recommended dose is 185 MBq, injected slowly over a period of approximately 1 minute. Imaging should commence 90 minutes after injection and continue for up to 30 minutes.

Side Effects

Common side effects of flutemetamol include headache, nausea, and dizziness. In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions may occur.

Research

Research into the use of flutemetamol and similar compounds is ongoing. Current areas of interest include the potential use of these agents in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as their use in monitoring the progression of these conditions and the response to treatment.