Radiology #199908058

Dr. Menda

Determination of Biodistribution and tumor uptake of C-11 choline in DTS with NSCLC using PET

Abstract:

C-11 is a positron emitting radioisotope with a 20 minute half life that can be used to label and image distributions of carbon containing molecules in the body using PET. Choline is a molecule which is incorporated into the cell membrane of newly developing cells. Proliferating cancer cells utilize choline to a greater degree than most normal tissues in the body. Choline levels as measured by MRI spectroscopy appear to be particularly high in prostate cancer cells. C-11 choline PET imaging data in humans with prostate cancer is very limited. The goal of this study is to evaluate the biodistribution of C-11 choline using positron tomography in patients with known recurrent prostate cancer. We want to determine intensity of activity in normal organs along with obtaining a preliminary assessment of the degree of concentration of this radiopharmaceutical at sites of recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer.

Patients with rising PSA levels status post-prostatectomy who have had a recent abnormal bone scan and/or abnormal radioimmunoscintigraphy with In-111 7E11 monoclonal antibody (Prostascint) will be eligible for this study. C-11 choline PET imaging of the pelvis, abdomen and thorax will be performed on each subject. Images will be evaluated to determined the distribution of C-11 in normal organs along with comparison made to findings form bone scan and prostascint studies to ascertain C-11 choline uptake at sites of known or suspected metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer. If this preliminary data appears promising we hope to seek finding in order to expand the study.