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Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18

Recent clinical trials are investigating the use of Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18 to better understand the role of cholinergic and dopaminergic systems in apathy following stroke. This innovative research aims to shed light on the pathophysiology of apathy and potentially pave the way for improved treatments for stroke patients.

Table of Contents

What is FLUOROETHOXYBENZOVESAMICOL F-18 (FEOBV F-18)?

FLUOROETHOXYBENZOVESAMICOL F-18, also known as FEOBV F-18 or (18F)Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol, is a diagnostic tool used in medical imaging[1]. It is a radioactive tracer that helps doctors see specific areas of the brain during a special type of scan called a PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography). This substance is not a medication that treats a condition, but rather a tool to help understand what’s happening in the brain.

Purpose of the Study

Researchers are using FEOBV F-18 to study apathy in stroke patients[1]. Apathy is a condition where a person loses interest or motivation in daily activities. The main goal of this study is to compare the brain activity in stroke patients with and without apathy, focusing on two important brain systems:

  • Cholinergic system: This system uses a chemical called acetylcholine and is important for attention, memory, and motivation.
  • Dopaminergic system: This system uses dopamine and is involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure.

By comparing these systems between apathetic and non-apathetic stroke patients, researchers hope to better understand why some people develop apathy after a stroke[1].

How is FEOBV F-18 Used?

FEOBV F-18 is given as an injection solution[1]. During the study, participants will receive this injection before undergoing a PET scan. The maximum dose used in this study is 262.5 MBq (megabecquerels), which is a measure of radioactivity[1]. This allows researchers to see how the cholinergic system is functioning in different parts of the brain.

Who Can Participate in the Study?

The study is looking for specific types of participants[1]:

  • Adults aged 18 to 75 years old
  • People who have had a stroke 3 to 7 months ago
  • Individuals with a Rankin score (a measure of disability) of 2 or less
  • Participants may or may not have apathy (determined by a special scale)
  • Those who are able to provide informed consent

Who Cannot Participate in the Study?

Some people cannot participate in this study for safety reasons[1]. These include:

  • People over 75 years old
  • Those who cannot have an MRI or PET scan (e.g., due to metal implants or claustrophobia)
  • Individuals with known allergies to the study materials
  • People taking certain medications that affect the cholinergic or dopaminergic systems
  • Those with severe heart failure or certain brain abnormalities
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • People with chronic neurological disorders or severe psychiatric conditions

What Will Be Measured?

The study will look at several factors[1]:

  1. The intensity of FEOBV F-18 binding in the brain, which shows cholinergic activity
  2. The severity of apathy symptoms
  3. Brain connectivity patterns using MRI
  4. Changes in brain structure using special MRI techniques
  5. Blood flow in the brain

Safety Considerations

While FEOBV F-18 is used for diagnosis and not treatment, there are still some safety considerations[1]:

  • The injection contains a small amount of radioactive material, which is carefully controlled
  • Participants will be screened for any conditions or medications that might interact with the study procedures
  • The study excludes pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential risks from radiation exposure
  • Multiple follow-up visits are required to ensure participant safety and gather necessary data

This study aims to improve our understanding of apathy after stroke, which could lead to better treatments in the future. If you or someone you know has had a stroke and might be interested in participating, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider to understand all the potential risks and benefits.

Aspect Details
Study Drug Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18
Primary Objective Compare cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways in apathetic and non-apathetic stroke patients
Participant Age Range 18-75 years
Time Since Stroke 3-7 months
Imaging Techniques PET scan, MRI
Main Outcomes Measured Binding intensities of tracers, clinical severity of apathy, brain connectivity, white matter structure, cerebral blood flow
Potential Impact Better understanding of apathy mechanisms in stroke patients, possible development of targeted treatments

FAQ

  • What is the main goal of the clinical trial using Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18? The main goal is to compare the integrity of cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways in apathetic and non-apathetic patients 3 to 7 months after stroke. This will be done by comparing the binding intensity of cholinergic and dopaminergic tracers between the two groups.
  • Who can participate in this clinical trial? Participants must be between 18 and 75 years old, have had a stroke 3 to 7 months ago, and have a Rankin score of 2 or less. They may or may not have apathy, which will be determined by specific scales. Participants must also be able to provide informed consent and use effective contraception if applicable.
  • What does the trial involve? The trial involves brain imaging techniques, including PET scans using Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18 and MRI scans. These will be used to assess cholinergic and dopaminergic activity, brain connectivity, white matter structure, and cerebral blood flow in relation to apathy symptoms.
  • Are there any risks associated with Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18? While specific risks are not mentioned in the trial information, participants with known allergies to Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18 or those who have had a PET examination in the previous month are excluded from the study. As with any medical procedure, potential risks would be discussed with participants before obtaining consent.
  • How might this research benefit stroke patients in the future? This research could lead to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms behind apathy in stroke patients. By identifying how cholinergic and dopaminergic systems are involved, it may help in developing more targeted treatments for apathy, potentially improving the quality of life for stroke survivors.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18

  • Study on Apathy in Stroke Patients Using Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18 and Fluorodopa (18F)

    Recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

Glossary

  • Apathy: A lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, often seen as a symptom in neurological conditions like stroke.
  • Cholinergic system: A part of the nervous system that uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, important for memory, attention, and mood.
  • Dopaminergic system: A part of the nervous system that uses the neurotransmitter dopamine, involved in motivation, pleasure, and movement.
  • Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol F-18 (FEOBV F-18): A radioactive tracer used in PET scans to visualize and measure cholinergic activity in the brain.
  • PET scan: Positron Emission Tomography, an imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to visualize and measure activity in body tissues.
  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures.
  • Rankin score: A scale used to measure the degree of disability in patients who have had a stroke.
  • White matter: The deeper tissues of the brain and spinal cord, consisting mainly of nerve fibers.
  • Cerebral blood flow: The blood supply to the brain, which is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain cells.
  • Pathophysiology: The study of the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-apathy-in-stroke-patients-using-fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol-f-18-and-fluorodopa-18f/