Piflufolastat (18F)
A radiopharmaceutical used in PET imaging of prostate cancer
Piflufolastat (18F), also known as 18F-DCFPyL, is a radiopharmaceutical used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to detect prostate cancer. It is a fluorine-18 labeled small molecule that targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Piflufolastat (18F) functions by binding to PSMA, a transmembrane protein that is significantly upregulated in prostate cancer cells. The fluorine-18 isotope emits positrons, which are detected by PET scanners to produce detailed images of the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the body. This allows for the visualization of prostate cancer lesions with high specificity and sensitivity.
Clinical Use[edit | edit source]
Piflufolastat (18F) is primarily used in the detection and localization of prostate cancer metastases. It is particularly useful in cases of biochemical recurrence, where there is a rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels following initial treatment, but conventional imaging fails to locate the cancer. The high affinity of piflufolastat for PSMA enables the detection of even small metastatic lesions.
Administration[edit | edit source]
The radiopharmaceutical is administered intravenously. The typical dose is calculated based on the patient's body weight and the specific activity of the radiopharmaceutical. After administration, patients are scanned using a PET scanner, usually within 60 to 120 minutes post-injection, to allow for optimal imaging.
Safety and Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Piflufolastat (18F) is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are related to the injection process, such as pain at the injection site. As with all radiopharmaceuticals, there is a small risk of radiation exposure, but the benefits of accurate cancer detection typically outweigh these risks.
Development and Approval[edit | edit source]
Piflufolastat (18F) was developed to improve the detection of prostate cancer metastases. It received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in PET imaging of prostate cancer, providing a valuable tool for clinicians in the management of this disease.
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