Fluciclovine F-18

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Fluciclovine F-18


Fluciclovine F-18 is a radiopharmaceutical used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. It is primarily used to detect recurrent prostate cancer. The compound is a synthetic amino acid labeled with the radioactive isotope Fluorine-18.

History[edit | edit source]

Fluciclovine F-18 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2016 under the brand name Axumin. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Blue Earth Diagnostics.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Fluciclovine F-18 works by mimicking the natural amino acids that are absorbed by cancer cells. The Fluorine-18 isotope emits positrons that can be detected by a PET scanner, allowing doctors to visualize areas of the body where cancer cells are present.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Fluciclovine F-18 is used in PET imaging to detect recurrent prostate cancer. It is particularly useful in cases where other diagnostic methods, such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are inconclusive.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of Fluciclovine F-18 include headache, nausea, and a temporary increase in blood pressure. As with all radiopharmaceuticals, there is also a small risk of radiation exposure.

See Also[edit | edit source]




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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD