Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Fludeoxyglucose F-18 (FLUDEOXYGLUCOSE)

Fludeoxyglucose F-18 is a radioactive sugar molecule that accumulates in cells with high metabolic activity, allowing for visualization of cancer and other conditions.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Fludeoxyglucose F-18 is a glucose analog that concentrates in cells that rely upon glucose as an energy source, or in cells whose dependence on glucose increases under pathophysiological conditions. Fludeoxyglucose F-18 is transported through the cell membrane by facilitative glucose transporter proteins and is phosphorylated within the cell to [ 18 F] FDG-6-phosphate by the enzyme hexokinase. Once phosphorylated it cannot exit until it is dephosphorylated by glucose-6-phosphatase. Therefore, within a given tissue or pathophysiological process, the retention and clearance of Fludeoxyglucose F-18 reflect a balance involving glucose transporter, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities. When allowance is made for the kinetic differences between glucose and Fludeoxyglucose F-18 transport and phosphorylation (expressed as the ''lumped constant'' ratio), Fludeoxyglucose F-18 is used to assess glucose metabolism. In comparison to background activity of the spe

Approved indications

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• malignancy
• coronary artery disease
• left ventricular dysfunction
• epileptic seizures
• cancer
• abnormal glucose metabolism
• coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction

Common side effects

• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Pruritus
• Edema
• Rash

Key clinical trials

• Testing the Addition of M3814 (Peposertib) to Radiation Therapy for Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Who Cannot Take Cisplatin (PHASE1)
• Testing Immunotherapy Versus Observation in Patients With HPV Throat Cancer (PHASE3)
• Tiragolumab and Atezolizumab for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory SMARCB1 or SMARCA4 Deficient Tumors (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Testing the Investigational Medication Combination of Teclistamab and Pomalidomide Compared to the Usual Treatment (Carfilzomib, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone) for Patients With Multiple Myeloma Who Have Relapsed Shortly After Treatment (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Therapy Adapted for High Risk and Low Risk HIV-Associated Anal Cancer (PHASE2)
• Entinostat in Combination With Aldesleukin in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Comparing the Effectiveness of the Immunotherapy Agents Rituximab or Mosunetuzumab in Patients With Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma, NORM Trial (PHASE2)
• Testing Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate in Patients With Somatostatin Receptor Positive Advanced Bronchial Neuroendocrine Tumors (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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