Technetium (99mTc) tilmanocept

Technetium (99mTc) tilmanocept is a radiopharmaceutical agent used in the detection of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors. It is a radiotracer that is injected into the body and then detected using a gamma camera to create images of the lymphatic system.

History

Technetium (99mTc) tilmanocept was developed by Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, a company specializing in precision medicine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 2013 under the brand name Lymphoseek.

Mechanism of Action

Technetium (99mTc) tilmanocept works by binding to the CD206 receptor on macrophages in the lymph nodes. This allows it to be taken up by the lymphatic system and transported to the sentinel lymph nodes, which are the first lymph nodes to which cancer is likely to spread.

Uses

Technetium (99mTc) tilmanocept is used to identify sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors. It is also used in lymphoscintigraphy, a type of medical imaging that provides pictures of the lymphatic system.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Technetium (99mTc) tilmanocept include nausea, pain at the injection site, and rash. In rare cases, it can cause severe allergic reactions.

See Also

• Radiopharmaceutical
• Sentinel lymph node
• Gamma camera
• Lymphoscintigraphy