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Fludeoxyglucose F18
Fludeoxyglucose F18 is a glucose analog labeled with fluorine-18 that accumulates in tissues with high metabolic activity, enabling visualization via positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
Fludeoxyglucose F18 is a glucose analog labeled with fluorine-18 that accumulates in tissues with high metabolic activity, enabling visualization via positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Used for Oncology: detection and staging of various cancers (lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma), Cardiology: assessment of myocardial viability and perfusion, Neurology: evaluation of dementia and neurodegenerative disorders.
At a glance
| Generic name | Fludeoxyglucose F18 |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) |
| Drug class | Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent |
| Target | Glucose metabolism / GLUT1 transporter |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The drug consists of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a glucose molecule with a fluorine-18 radioisotope attached. Cancer cells and inflamed tissues consume glucose at higher rates than normal tissue, causing FDG to preferentially accumulate in these areas. The fluorine-18 emits positrons that are detected by PET scanners, producing detailed metabolic images to identify and localize disease.
Approved indications
- Oncology: detection and staging of various cancers (lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma)
- Cardiology: assessment of myocardial viability and perfusion
- Neurology: evaluation of dementia and neurodegenerative disorders
Common side effects
- Radiation exposure
- Allergic reaction to radiopharmaceutical
- 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 F18 CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Fludeoxyglucose F18 updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) portfolio CI