Flutemetamol (18F) is a radioactive tracer used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. It is used to evaluate the amount of amyloid-beta plaque in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Flutemetamol (18F) is a derivative of Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB), which binds to amyloid-beta plaque in the brain. This allows the PET scanner to detect the amount of plaque in the brain, and help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Flutemetamol (18F) is usually administered intravenously, and the PET scan is usually performed within an hour after administration.
Flutemetamol (18F), also known by the trade name Vizamyl, is a radioactive diagnostic agent used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Purpose:
- Aids in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and other causes of cognitive decline in adults by detecting the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
How it works:
- Flutemetamol (18F) is injected intravenously and travels across the blood-brain barrier.
- It binds to beta-amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
- PET scans can then detect the radioactivity emitted by Flutemetamol (18F), highlighting areas of the brain with plaque buildup.
Important points:
- Flutemetamol (18F) is for diagnostic use only and doesn't treat Alzheimer's disease.
- It's a radioactive substance with a short half-life of around 110 minutes.
- Some potential side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, flushing, and increased blood pressure.
Additional information:
- Flutemetamol (18F) is produced in a cyclotron and can be ready for use within a few hours.
- It was approved for medical use in the US in 2013.