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.

Chemical structure and properties

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Chemical structure of Piflufolastat (18F)

Piflufolastat (18F) is a fluorine-18 labeled compound, which is a radioisotope of fluorine with a half-life of approximately 110 minutes. The chemical structure of Piflufolastat (18F) allows it to bind specifically to PSMA, a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells. This specificity makes it an effective agent for imaging prostate cancer using PET.

Mechanism of action

Piflufolastat (18F) works by binding to the PSMA on the surface of prostate cancer cells. Once bound, the radiolabeled compound emits positrons, which are detected by PET imaging. This allows for the visualization of prostate cancer lesions, including those that may not be detectable by other imaging modalities.

Clinical use

Piflufolastat (18F) is primarily used in the detection and localization of prostate cancer. It is particularly useful in cases of biochemical recurrence, where there is a rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after initial treatment, but the location of the cancer is not known. The high sensitivity and specificity of Piflufolastat (18F) PET imaging make it a valuable tool in the management of prostate cancer.

Safety and side effects

As with other radiopharmaceuticals, the use of Piflufolastat (18F) involves exposure to radiation. However, the amount of radiation is generally low and considered safe for diagnostic purposes. Common side effects are minimal and may include mild discomfort at the injection site. Serious adverse reactions are rare.

Regulatory status

Piflufolastat (18F) has been approved by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in PET imaging of prostate cancer. Its approval is based on clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy and safety in detecting prostate cancer lesions.

Related pages

• Prostate cancer
• Positron emission tomography
• Prostate-specific membrane antigen
• Radiopharmaceutical