gallium citrate Ga-67

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Diagnostic Imaging: Ga-67 citrate is used primarily as a radiopharmaceutical agent for diagnostic imaging. It has an affinity for certain tissues, especially tumor cells and areas of inflammation or infection. The Ga-67 citrate accumulates in these specific regions, allowing for the detection and visualization of various diseases or conditions. 

Spectrum 

Tumor Detection: Ga-67 citrate concentrates in some types of tumors, aiding in the localization and assessment of these malignancies. 

Infection and Inflammation Imaging: It accumulates at sites of infection or inflammation, aiding in the identification of such areas within the body. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Nausea 

Skin rash 

Allergic reactions 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to gallium citrate ga-67 or any of its components should avoid its use. 

Pregnancy: Gallium citrate ga-67 may pose risks to the developing fetus, and therefore, its use is generally contraindicated during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks and are deemed necessary by a physician. 

Children: Safety and efficacy data for gallium citrate ga-67 in pediatric populations may be limited. Its use in children should be carefully considered, and the potential risks and benefits should be evaluated before administration. 

Severe renal impairment: Patients with severe kidney dysfunction may experience difficulties in excreting the radioactive material efficiently, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.  

Gallium citrate ga-67 might be contraindicated in such cases. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

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: Gallium citrate ga-67 is a radioactive isotope used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic purposes, particularly in imaging studies. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Radiation Emission: Gallium citrate ga-67 emits gamma radiation, which is used for imaging purposes.  

Targeting Mechanism: Gallium-67 acted similarly to iron (III) in the body and tends to accumulate in tissues with high metabolic activity, inflammation, or areas with increased cell division. This characteristic is particularly useful in identifying certain types of cancers, such as lymphomas, sarcomas, and lung cancer, as well as in localizing sites of infection or inflammation.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After intravenous administration, gallium citrate ga-67 is rapidly distributed in the body. It does not undergo significant oral absorption since it is typically administered intravenously for imaging purposes. 

Distribution 

Gallium citrate ga-67 distributes throughout the body, particularly accumulating in tissues with increased metabolic activity, such as tumors, inflammatory sites, and infection areas.  

Metabolism 

Gallium citrate ga-67 does not undergo significant metabolism in the body. It retains its chemical structure as it moves through the body and accumulates in target tissues.  

Excretion and Elimination 

Ga-67 is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. Urine excretes most of the dose that was delivered. within the first 24 hours after injection. Some elimination might also occur through the gastrointestinal tract, with a smaller fraction eliminated in feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Gallium citrate ga-67 is typically administered intravenously (IV) through a vein in the arm. The injection is usually slow and controlled. 

The patient may be required to drink fluids before the procedure to encourage urination, which helps in the elimination of the radiopharmaceutical from the body. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: gallium citrate ga-67 

Why do we use gallium citrate ga-67?  

Ga-67 imaging is particularly useful in localizing areas of infection or inflammation in the body, such as osteomyelitis (bone infection), abscesses, or certain types of pneumonia.

It aids in the assessment of various cancers, including lymphoma, sarcoma, and certain types of lung cancer. Ga-67 accumulates in tumors and helps in their localization and staging.