C-11 Choline PET Scan

The C-11 choline PET scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses positron emission tomography (PET) technology to visualize and diagnose various conditions, particularly in the field of oncology.

What is C-11 Choline?

C-11 choline, also known as carbon-11 choline, is a radioactive tracer used in PET scans. It is a synthetic molecule that mimics the natural choline molecule, which is involved in cell membrane synthesis and metabolism.

How does the C-11 Choline PET Scan work?

During the procedure, a small amount of C-11 choline is injected into the patient's bloodstream. The tracer accumulates in areas with high cellular activity, such as tumors, where it is incorporated into cell membranes.

The PET scanner detects the positron emissions from the decaying C-11 choline and reconstructs images of the body, highlighting areas with increased uptake of the tracer. This allows for visualization of tumor metabolism and detection of potential cancerous tissues.

Indications for C-11 Choline PET Scan

The C-11 choline PET scan is primarily used to:

• Detect and diagnose prostate cancer, particularly in cases where other imaging modalities are inconclusive
• Monitor treatment response and recurrence of prostate cancer
• Identify metastatic disease in other types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and colon cancer

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages of the C-11 choline PET scan include:

• High sensitivity and specificity for detecting prostate cancer
• Ability to detect metastatic disease early
• Non-invasive procedure

Limitations of the C-11 choline PET scan include:

• Availability and accessibility, as it requires a cyclotron for production and a PET scanner for imaging
• High cost compared to other imaging modalities
• Potential for false positives or false negatives

Radiation Exposure and Safety

The C-11 choline PET scan involves exposure to a small amount of radiation from the injected tracer. However, the radiation dose is generally considered safe and comparable to other medical imaging procedures.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should inform their doctor before undergoing the procedure, as the effects of C-11 choline on the fetus or infant are not well understood.