18f-fet

What it is and how it works

18F-FET (O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine) is an artificial amino acid taken up into tumour cells mainly via the L-type amino acid transporter LAT1, which is up-regulated in gliomas, but is not incorporated into proteins. Its low uptake in normal brain gives high tumour-to-background contrast on PET.

Indications

PET imaging of brain tumours, particularly gliomas: delineation of tumour extent, guidance of biopsy and treatment planning, and differentiation of tumour recurrence or progression from treatment-related changes.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Dosing is individualised according to the imaging protocol and administered by nuclear medicine specialists as a single intravenous injection, usually with dynamic or static brain PET acquisition.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.

Warnings and precautions

Uptake can also occur in some non-neoplastic lesions (e.g. inflammation, ischaemia, haematoma), so findings should be interpreted alongside MRI and clinical information. Radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.

Pregnancy

Generally avoided in pregnancy unless essential, because of fetal radiation exposure.

Storage and supply

Store at room temperature in appropriate radiation shielding and use within the short shelf-life stated on the label.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.