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Fluciclovine (18F)

Fluciclovine (18F), also known by its brand name Axumin, is a radioactive diagnostic agent used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. This article explores recent clinical trials investigating the use of Fluciclovine (18F) in imaging brain tumors and multiple myeloma. These studies aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in these challenging medical conditions.

Table of Contents

What is FLUCICLOVINE (18F)?

FLUCICLOVINE (18F), also known as Fluciclovine F18 or by its brand name Axumin, is a diagnostic tool used in medical imaging[1]. It is a radioactive tracer that helps doctors see certain types of cancer cells more clearly during a special type of scan called a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan[2].

How Does FLUCICLOVINE (18F) Work?

FLUCICLOVINE (18F) works by targeting specific amino acid transporters that are often overexpressed in cancer cells. When injected into the body, it accumulates in these cells, making them visible during a PET scan. This allows doctors to see where cancer might be present or if it has spread to other parts of the body[1].

Medical Conditions FLUCICLOVINE (18F) Can Help Diagnose

FLUCICLOVINE (18F) is being studied for its effectiveness in diagnosing and monitoring several types of cancer:

  • Brain Tumors: It’s being used to detect newly diagnosed cerebral gliomas (a type of brain tumor), recurrent cerebral gliomas, and brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain from other parts of the body)[1].
  • Multiple Myeloma: Researchers are investigating its use in imaging patients with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells[2].

How is FLUCICLOVINE (18F) Administered?

FLUCICLOVINE (18F) is given as an intravenous injection (directly into a vein) before a PET scan. The dose is measured in units called megabecquerels (MBq), which measure radioactivity. The maximum dose is typically around 370 MBq[2].

Current Clinical Trials

There are ongoing clinical trials to further investigate the effectiveness of FLUCICLOVINE (18F):

  1. Brain Tumor Study: This trial compares FLUCICLOVINE (18F) PET scans with another type of PET scan (using a tracer called fluoroethyltyrosine) in patients with brain tumors. The goal is to see how well FLUCICLOVINE (18F) can detect tumor size and distribution compared to the other tracer[1].
  2. Multiple Myeloma Study (FLUCIPET): This study is looking at how FLUCICLOVINE (18F) PET scans compare to standard FDG PET scans in patients with multiple myeloma. Researchers want to see if FLUCICLOVINE (18F) can detect cancer that FDG scans might miss, and how this relates to patient outcomes[2].

Safety Information

As with any medical procedure, there are some safety considerations:

  • FLUCICLOVINE (18F) should not be used in patients who are hypersensitive (allergic) to the active substance or any of its ingredients[2].
  • It may not be suitable for patients with severe kidney problems, as it could lead to increased radiation exposure[2].
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not receive this tracer[1].
  • The safety of FLUCICLOVINE (18F) is being closely monitored in clinical trials[2].

Conclusion

FLUCICLOVINE (18F) is a promising diagnostic tool that may help doctors better detect and monitor certain types of cancer, particularly brain tumors and multiple myeloma. While it’s already in use for some conditions, ongoing research aims to expand its applications and compare its effectiveness to other imaging techniques. As with any medical procedure, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.

Aspect Brain Tumor Study Multiple Myeloma Study
Study Type Phase II, single-center, single-arm prospective basket trial Phase II diagnostic clinical trial
Main Objective Compare Fluciclovine (18F) PET with Fluoroethyltyrosine PET in brain tumors Compare Fluciclovine (18F) PET/CT with FDG PET/CT in multiple myeloma
Primary Endpoint Agreement on tumor size and tracer distribution between FET and FACBC PET Number of patients positive on Fluciclovine PET/CT but negative on FDG PET/CT, correlated with PFS and OS
Key Secondary Endpoints Correlation of tumor-to-brain ratios, time-to-peak, and accuracy in differentiating tumor progression from treatment-related changes Comparison of various Fluciclovine and FDG PET/CT result combinations, correlation with PFS and OS, and safety evaluation
Dosage Up to 222 MBq Up to 370 MBq

FAQ

  • What is Fluciclovine (18F)? Fluciclovine (18F) is a radioactive diagnostic agent used in PET scans. It's injected into the body to help create detailed images of certain types of tumors or cancer cells.
  • What medical conditions are being studied with Fluciclovine (18F)? The clinical trials are focusing on using Fluciclovine (18F) to image brain tumors (including gliomas and brain metastases) and multiple myeloma.
  • How is Fluciclovine (18F) administered? Fluciclovine (18F) is given as an intravenous injection, typically just before the PET scan is performed.
  • Are there any risks associated with Fluciclovine (18F)? While generally considered safe, patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients should not use it. Those with renal impairment may face increased radiation exposure and should discuss risks with their doctor.
  • How does Fluciclovine (18F) compare to other imaging techniques? The trials are comparing Fluciclovine (18F) PET scans to other imaging methods like FDG PET/CT and Fluoroethyltyrosine (FET) PET to determine its effectiveness in detecting tumors and distinguishing between tumor progression and treatment-related changes.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Fluciclovine (18F)

  • Study on Imaging Multiple Myeloma Patients Using Fluciclovine (18F) PET/CT

    Recruiting

    4 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Norway

  • Study Comparing Fluciclovine (18F) and Fluoroethyltyrosine F-18 PET Scans in Patients with New or Recurrent Brain Tumors and Brain Metastases

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

Glossary

  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography): A type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to show how organs and tissues are working.
  • Glioma: A type of tumor that occurs in the brain and spinal cord.
  • Brain metastases: Cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body.
  • Multiple myeloma: A cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell.
  • FDG PET/CT: A type of PET scan that uses a radioactive form of glucose (sugar) to create images of cancer metabolism.
  • Fluoroethyltyrosine (FET): Another type of radioactive tracer used in PET scans, particularly for brain tumors.
  • Tumor progression: The growth or spread of a tumor over time.
  • Treatment-related changes: Changes in tissue appearance caused by treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, which can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from tumor growth.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS): The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives without the disease getting worse.
  • Overall survival (OS): The length of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start of treatment that patients are still alive.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-comparing-fluciclovine-18f-and-fluoroethyltyrosine-f-18-pet-scans-in-patients-with-new-or-recurrent-brain-tumors-and-brain-metastases/
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-imaging-multiple-myeloma-patients-using-fluciclovine-18f-pet-ct/