Axumin is an FDA-approved diagnostic imaging agent, also known as a “tracer,” which may help your physician determine if and where your prostate cancer has returned. Like many imaging tracers, Axumin includes a radioactive element (fluorine 18) which is used to produce images of your body and its internal organs and tissues. Over time and through a natural process, the fluorine 18 will become non-radioactive, and much of it will leave your body in your urine.
Axumin (Fuciclovine F18) PET/CT Scan
What is Axumin PET/CT?
Axumin is used with a PET/CT scan
Your Axumin study is done using a PET/CT scanner. PET/CT scanning combines two imaging techniques. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan shows physiologic (functional) changes in the body, and a computed tomography (CT) scan shows a detailed depiction of your anatomy, where these changes could be taking place. Together, these two imaging techniques provide your physician with detailed information about the extent and location of your disease.
What to expect the day of the scan
- Imaging preparation
Once in the imaging room, you may be asked to sit in a chair, or helped onto a PET/CT scanner table while a nurse or technologist inserts an intravenous (IV) line (usually in your arm). Once on the scanner table, you will be asked to lie on your back and put your arms over your head. Please inform a staff member if this will be an uncomfortable position to hold for 30 minutes. - Axumin injection
Before the Axumin injection, a saline solution (salt water) will be put in your IV to check it has been properly inserted. Axumin will then be administered through your IV. Once Axumin has been given, more saline will be put in the IV to ensure you received the full Axumin dose for your scan. The PET/CT scan will begin approximately 3 to 5 minutes after completion. - The PET/CT scan
The scan is painless and lasts approximately 30 minutes. If you are experiencing any discomfort, please alert a staff member. During the scan, lie as still as possible on the scanner bed and breathe normally. You will feel the bed move slowly through the PET/CT scanner opening. The nurse or technologist will provide you with any instructions or information throughout this process. In clinical studies evaluating the safety of Axumin, reported side effects were uncommon. These included redness and pain at the injection site, and an unusual taste in the mouth.
Axumin PET/CT results
Axumin PET/CT results are typically available in a few days.
Once the PET/CT scan is complete, the nurse or technologist will assist you off the table, and you will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processing.
After your scan, you may receive instructions to take home with you. If you have any questions after the scan, call your physician. You may resume normal activities immediately after the PET/CT scan, unless your physician has instructed otherwise. To help flush any remaining Axumin from your body, drink as much fluid as possible for the remainder of the day and empty your bladder frequently, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Your scans will be read by an imaging specialist, such as a radiologist or nuclear medicine physician, and the results will be reported to your doctor as soon as possible, usually within a few days.
Rising PSA levels?
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. While most primary prostate cancer can be successfully treated, recurrence occurs in up to one-third of patients. Recurrent disease is typically detected by a rise in PSA levels but often the location and extent of the disease cannot be detected by conventional imaging. Of those who experience biochemical recurrence, approximately one-third develop metastatic prostate cancer. Axumin was developed to target the increased amino acid transport that occurs in many cancers, including prostate cancer. It is labeled with the radioisotope F18, enabling it to be visualized in the body with PET imaging.
3 Things you should consider before scheduling an PET/CT Exam...
Why does equipment matter?
The quality and resolution of the PET/CT images are important for accurate diagnosis or evaluation from a referring physician. In addition, you want to get the lowest amount of radiation necessary. The Discovery MI DR PET/CT scanner can reduce CT dose by up to 82 percent at the same image quality in routine imaging across applications.
Patient Experience
Getting a PET/CT Exam can be overwhelming. The exam can last between 15 – 30 minutes and If you have ever been in a still position for this long, you will know that it can quickly get frustrating if you are not comfortable or at ease. Patient comfort is one of our utmost priorities. We address this through ambient controls, soothing music, and the most comfortable equipment options available.
Exam Results
If you are in need of a PET/CT exam it is because a referring physician has requested it or you would like to evaluate if there are any abnormalities or problems in an area of your body. You should make sure that the results of the exam itself are accurate and professionals interpreting those results are experienced and thorough. We pride ourselves on the quality of exams we perform and our talented Radiologists..
D. Miran (Patient)
Wow! Truly great experience. Usually I dread getting an MRI! Staff and technician are awesome. Went there because they had a 3T MRI, which doctor recommended. Exam itself was fast and actually soothing. Relaxing music and cool ambient lighting. Quick turnaround on the results too. Overall, 5 well deserved stars!
S. Brown (Patient)
Doctor Roizental’s facility was great. Clean, professional and took care of me quickly.
Our Equipment
GE Discovery MI DR 64 slice PET/CT
Unique Imaging is proud to present the latest in PET/CT imaging technology to South Florida, the GE Discovery MI DR 64 slice PET/CT. Located in our Aventura Harbor Center the Discovery MI delivers excellent high resolution images, shorter scan times, streamlines workflow, and provides a wide & short bore open experience.
MAIN FEATURES
- Wide 70cm bore
- Can accommodate patients up to 500 lbs. (227 kg)
- TOF (Time of Flight) PET imaging
- Low dose High Resolution CT
- Sub-millimeter CT scanning capabilitySmart CT Metal Artifact Reduction
- Smart CT Metal Artifact Reduction
An Elective Full Body Scan Can Save Your Life
This elective exam uses state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technology such as MRI Scans, CT Scans, and PET scans, to help detect silent life threatening abnormalities that if identified in early stages, can save your life. More than 90% of people whose cancer is diagnosed at stage 1 have a 10 year survival rate, compared with 5% for those whose disease is found at stage 4. Early Detection Saves Lives and our technology gives patients the power of knowledge.
F.A.Q. About PET/CT Exams
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT?
When having a FDG PET/CT scan done at Unique Imaging, here is a list of instructions to follow:
- Low carbohydrate diet on day before study (no bread, no rice, no potatoes, no soda, no juice, no sugar)
- No food after midnight if study time is before 1:00 p.m.
- No food after 7:00 a.m. if study time is after 1:00 p.m. (patient may eat a light breakfast before 7:00 a.m. no bread, no rice, no potatoes, no soda, no juice, no sugar)
- Drink only water on day of study
- Patient must bring outside relevant prior exams for comparison (CT, MRI, PET, US, Biopsy Reports, etc.
- Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing without metal (zippers, buttons, clips, etc.)
- Avoid Strenuous activity such as exercising 24 hours prior to PET/CT scan.
- A Technologist will call you the day before your PET/CT scan to confirm your appointment, if you do not confirm we will have to Reschedule.
- If you are diabetic, please advise the Technologist prior to your PET/CT scan.
Request an appointment
For your convenience, you can request an appointment by providing us some very basic information.
