fluorine F18 DCFPyL

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

Action: 

• fluorine F18 DCFPyL is a radiotracer that incorporates a radioactive isotope of fluorine (F18) into a ligand that targets prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). It is a cell surface protein that is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells. By targeting PSMA, the radiotracer aims to accumulate in prostate cancer cells. 

Spectrum: 

• The spectrum of fluorine F18 DCFPyL is related to its use in PET imaging. It is a nuclear imaging technique that allows visualization of physiological processes at the molecular level. 
• The radioactive decay of fluorine F18 produces positrons, which interact with electrons in the body, leading to the emission of gamma rays. 
• The gamma rays are usually detected by a PET scanner, and the data are reconstructed to create three-dimensional images of distribution of the radiotracer in the body. 
• In the context of fluorine F18 DCFPyL, the PET imaging is used to visualize and localize prostate cancer cells that express PSMA. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

N/A 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There is no specific black box warning associated with fluorine F18 DCFPyL. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

N/A 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

fluorine F18 DCFPyL is a radiopharmaceutical designed for positron emission tomography of prostate cancer. Its pharmacology involves the incorporation of a radioactive isotope of fluorine (F18) into a ligand that selectively targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a cell surface protein overexpressed in prostate cancer cells.

Once administered, the radiotracer binds to PSMA on prostate cancer cells, allowing PET imaging to visualize and localize the presence of these cells. This targeted approach enables the non-invasive detection and assessment of prostate cancer lesions, aiding in diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of the disease. The short half-life of F18 allows for imaging with minimal radiation exposure to patients.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Target Binding: fluorine F18 DCFPyL is a radiotracer designed to selectively bind to PSMA, a cell surface protein overexpressed in prostate cancer cells. 
• Radiation Emission: The radiopharmaceutical incorporates a radioactive isotope of fluorine (F18), which undergoes positron emission decay. Positron emission leads to the production of positrons that interact with electrons in the surrounding tissues, resulting in the emission of gamma rays. 
• PET Imaging: The emitted gamma rays are detected using a PET scanner, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional images that reflect the distribution of fluorine F18 DCFPyL in the body. PET imaging with fluorine F18 DCFPyL enables the visualization and localization of prostate cancer lesions that express PSMA. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

fluorine F18 DCFPyL is administered intravenously as a radiotracer for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. 

Distribution 

fluorine F18 DCFPyL circulates in the blood and is distributed throughout the body. The radiotracer targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on the surface of prostate cancer cells, leading to its accumulation in prostate tissue. 

Metabolism 

fluorine F18 DCFPyL is not metabolized in the traditional sense, as it is a radiopharmaceutical designed for imaging rather than a therapeutic agent. 

Elimination and excretion 

The radiotracer does not undergo significant excretion through the kidneys or other organs in the same way that traditional drugs might. The short half-life of F18 (approximately 110 minutes) means that the radioactivity diminishes over time through decay. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Injection: fluorine F18 DCFPyL is typically supplied as a sterile, pyrogen-free solution for injection. A qualified healthcare professional administers the radiotracer through an intravenous (IV) line, usually in a vein in the arm. 
• Dosage: The dosage and timing of administration are determined based on the specific imaging protocol recommended for prostate cancer evaluation. 
• Imaging Procedure: After administration, the patient undergoes imaging with a PET scanner. The radiotracer accumulates in prostate tissue due to its binding to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). 
• PET Scan: The PET scanner detects the gamma rays emitted during the positron decay of the radioactive fluorine isotope (F18). The emitted gamma rays are used to create detailed three-dimensional images of the distribution of fluorine F18 DCFPyL in the body. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: fluorine F18 DCFPyL 

Pronounced: (floor-een eff-eight dee-see-fip-il)  

Why do we use fluorine F18 DCFPyL? 

fluorine F18 DCFPyL is utilized to visualize and locate prostate cancer lesions in patients suspected of having or already diagnosed with prostate cancer. The radiotracer aids in determining the extent and severity of prostate cancer by identifying metastases and assessing the involvement of nearby tissues or organs. In cases of suspected recurrent prostate cancer (biochemical recurrence), the radiotracer helps identify the presence and location of cancer recurrence after initial treatment.