Gluscan (Fludeoxyglucose (18f))

Gluscan is employed in PET imaging to assess metabolic activity in various organ systems.

• Oncology PET imaging for detection, staging, and treatment monitoring of solid tumors and lymphomas.
• Cardiac PET imaging to evaluate myocardial viability and perfusion under stress and rest conditions.
• Neurologic PET imaging for assessment of brain glucose metabolism in epilepsy, dementia, and movement disorders.
• Research applications investigating pharmacokinetics, inflammation, and infection models.

Adverse reactions to Gluscan are generally mild and related to the injection procedure or transient physiological changes.

Common

• Mild injection site discomfort or erythema lasting a few minutes.
• Transient nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.
• Temporary headache or dizziness.
• Short‑lasting flushing or warmth sensation.

Serious

• Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria to anaphylaxis.
• Significant changes in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
• Rare radiation‑induced tissue injury at high cumulative doses.

Because Gluscan contains a radioactive tracer, specific precautions are recommended to ensure patient safety and optimal image quality.

• Verify patient fasting status (typically 4–6 hours) to reduce physiologic glucose competition.
• Assess renal function; impaired clearance may increase radiation exposure.
• Screen for pregnancy and lactation; avoid use unless benefits outweigh potential fetal radiation risk.
• Review recent administration of other radiopharmaceuticals to prevent overlapping radiation doses.
• Monitor diabetic patients closely, as glucose metabolism may affect tracer distribution.
• Ensure proper intravenous line placement to avoid extravasation of the radiotracer.

Gluscan may interact with substances that alter glucose metabolism or affect radiation exposure.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of high‑dose glucose or dextrose solutions immediately before the scan.
• Administration of other PET radiotracers within 24 hours, which could confound image interpretation.
• Recent exposure to therapeutic radiation therapy that may increase cumulative dose.

Use with caution

• Antidiabetic medications (insulin, oral hypoglycemics) – adjust timing to maintain target glucose levels.
• Contrast agents for CT performed in PET/CT studies – consider potential impact on renal function and image quality.
• Medications affecting blood flow (vasodilators, beta‑blockers) – may modify tracer distribution.