Last reviewed · How we verify
Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG)
Fludeoxyglucose F-18 is a glucose analog labeled with fluorine-18 that accumulates in tissues with high metabolic activity, enabling detection via positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
Fludeoxyglucose F-18 is a glucose analog labeled with fluorine-18 that accumulates in tissues with high metabolic activity, enabling detection via positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Used for Detection and staging of cancer (lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma), Evaluation of dementia and neurodegenerative disorders, Assessment of myocardial viability in cardiac disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc. |
| Drug class | Radiopharmaceutical; PET imaging agent |
| Target | Glucose transporter (GLUT1); hexokinase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology; Neurology; Cardiology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
FDG is a radiopharmaceutical tracer that mimics glucose metabolism. Cancer cells and inflamed tissues typically exhibit elevated glucose uptake due to increased metabolic demand. The fluorine-18 isotope emits positrons that annihilate with electrons to produce gamma rays, which are detected by PET scanners to create metabolic images of the body.
Approved indications
- Detection and staging of cancer (lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma)
- Evaluation of dementia and neurodegenerative disorders
- Assessment of myocardial viability in cardiac disease
Common side effects
- Radiation exposure
- Allergic reaction (rare)
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- Therapy Adapted for High Risk and Low Risk HIV-Associated Anal Cancer (PHASE2)
- DDAVP for Pituitary Adenoma (NA)
- Testing Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate in Patients With Somatostatin Receptor Positive Advanced Bronchial Neuroendocrine Tumors (PHASE2)
- Testing Immunotherapy Versus Observation in Patients With HPV Throat Cancer (PHASE3)
- Entinostat in Combination With Aldesleukin in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer (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)
- Comparing the Effectiveness of the Immunotherapy Agents Rituximab or Mosunetuzumab in Patients With Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma, NORM Trial (PHASE2)
- Reliability of the Human Brain Connectome (EARLY_PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc. portfolio CI