List of PET radiotracers

PET Radiotracers are chemical compounds that are used in the medical imaging technique known as Positron Emission Tomography (PET). These radiotracers are typically injected into the bloodstream, inhaled or swallowed, and they emit positrons that can be detected by the PET scanner to create detailed images of the body's internal structures and functions.

Types of PET Radiotracers

There are several types of PET radiotracers, each with its own specific uses and characteristics.

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is the most commonly used PET radiotracer. It is a glucose analog that is taken up by cells and trapped in the cell when it is phosphorylated by hexokinase, the first enzyme in the glycolysis pathway. FDG is used to image glucose metabolism, which is increased in many types of cancer cells.

Fluorodopa (FDOPA)

Fluorodopa (FDOPA) is a radiotracer used to image the dopamine system in the brain. It is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson's disease and other disorders of the dopaminergic system.

Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO)

Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) is a radiotracer used to image hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, in tissues. This can be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cancer, as hypoxic cells are often more resistant to radiation therapy.

Choline C-11

Choline C-11 is a radiotracer used to image cell proliferation, as choline is a component of the cell membrane. It is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer.

Applications

PET radiotracers are used in a wide range of medical applications, including:

• Oncology: PET scans using FDG can detect cancer, determine the stage of the cancer, assess the effectiveness of treatment, and detect any recurrence of the cancer.
• Neurology: PET scans using FDOPA can detect changes in the brain's dopamine system, which can be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.
• Cardiology: PET scans can assess blood flow to the heart, determine the effects of a heart attack, and assess the effectiveness of treatment.

See Also

• Nuclear medicine
• Medical imaging
• Radiopharmaceutical