The Pharmacokinetics of F-18 Fluorocholine in Detecting Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: The abnormal expression of choline (Cho) metabolism is one of the factors that may contribute to the development of breast cancer. Earlier studies proved that Cho uptakes are varied among the different subtypes of breast cancer. Apart from the ubiquitous 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), the F-18 Fluorocholine (F-18 FCH) has also been proved to be one of the oncologic markers for PET imaging modality. However, it is never been tested on breast cancer patient. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the distribution of F-18 FCH in breast cancer patient. Materials and Methods: The biodistribution of 18F-FCH was obtained at two different time points; six minutes and 30 minutes after administration 18F-FCH. The biodistribution data were collected within the first-hour post-injection from the attenuation-correction of whole-body PET scans. The estimation of radiation dosimetry was then calculated using human biodistribution data assuming no redistribution of tracer after one hour. Results: The F-18 FCH uptake on the malignant tissues was distinguished compared to the uptake in surrounding normal tissue, but much lower than in the liver as the time increases. The 18F-FCH showed a significant difference with high uptake in malignant breast cancer as compared to benign breast cancer with 18F-FCH uptake of (1.66+-0.26 vs. 0.56+-0.14 (p=0.007). Conclusion: Although F-18 FCH was never tested on breast cancer patient on PET imaging, the results showed higher SUVmax uptake in the malignant breast tissue as the time increases.

Keywords

• breast cancer imaging
• positron emission tomography
• f-18 fluorocholine.