What is the purpose of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan for a full body examination using Axumin (Fluciclovine)?

From the Guidelines

A full-body PET scan using Axumin is a highly effective imaging test for detecting prostate cancer recurrence, with improved sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional imaging studies. When it comes to pet scan aximun full body, the key consideration is the detection of prostate cancer recurrence, particularly in patients with elevated PSA levels following prior treatment. The use of Axumin, a synthetic L-18 F‐FACBC leucine analogue, has been shown to exhibit high tumor-specific accumulation in primary and metastatic prostate carcinomas, making it an ideal tracer for this purpose 1. Some of the key benefits of using Axumin for full-body PET scans include:

• Improved sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional imaging studies such as CT and 99mTc bone scans 1
• Ability to detect previously undetectable metastases due to its high tumor-specific accumulation 1
• Superiority compared to other NGI techniques such as 11C-choline, with a longer half-life enabling more widespread distribution and availability 1 In terms of the scanning procedure, patients will typically receive an injection of the Axumin tracer and then undergo a full-body PET scan, which covers from the base of the skull to the mid-thigh. The actual scanning procedure takes about 30 minutes, but the entire appointment may last 2-3 hours including preparation time. It is essential to note that the maximum radiation exposure from a PET scan is generally considered safe, with the benefits of diagnosis outweighing potential risks for most patients 1. However, pregnant women and those who have had multiple recent radiation-based imaging tests should discuss risks with their doctor. Overall, the use of Axumin for full-body PET scans is a highly effective and safe imaging test for detecting prostate cancer recurrence, and it should be considered as a first-line imaging modality for patients with elevated PSA levels following prior treatment.

From the FDA Drug Label

Axumin is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment. It is recommended that image acquisition should start from mid-thigh and proceed to the base of the skull.

The Axumin PET scan is not indicated for a full body scan, but rather for scanning from mid-thigh to the base of the skull in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence.

• The scan is typically used to detect prostate cancer recurrence in sites typical for prostate cancer recurrence.
• The recommended scan time is between 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
• The scan should be performed 3 minutes to 5 minutes after completion of the Axumin injection 2.

From the Research

PET Scan Aximun Full Body

• The provided studies do not directly discuss the topic of "PET scan aximun full body" 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• However, the studies do discuss the use of PET scans, such as 18F-fluciclovine PET/MRI and PSMA PET/CT, in the detection and staging of prostate cancer 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The studies suggest that these PET scans can be useful in detecting prostate cancer recurrence and metastatic disease, even at low PSA levels 4, 6, 7.
• The detection rates and diagnostic accuracy of these PET scans can vary depending on factors such as PSA level, Gleason score, and androgen deprivation therapy 4, 6, 7.

Detection Rates and Diagnostic Accuracy

• The detection rate of 18F-fluciclovine PET/MRI in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer was 79% 4.
• The positive predictive value of 18F-fluciclovine PET/MRI was 89% 4.
• The detection rate of PSMA PET/CT in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer and PSA levels ≤ 0.2 ng/mL was 29.6% 7.
• The detection rates of PSMA PET/CT were significantly higher in patients with a PSA level > 0.15 ng/mL, an initial Gleason score > 7, and those receiving androgen deprivation therapy 7.

PET Scan Types

• 18F-fluciclovine PET/MRI is a type of PET scan that uses the radiotracer 18F-fluciclovine to detect prostate cancer recurrence and metastatic disease 3, 4, 5, 6.
• PSMA PET/CT is a type of PET scan that uses radiotracers such as [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, [68Ga]Ga-PSMA I&T, and [18F]PSMA-1007 to detect prostate cancer recurrence and metastatic disease 7.