Choline C 11
CHOLINE C-11
Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Choline C 11 Injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of patients with suspected prostate cancer recurrence and non-informative bone scintigraphy, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In these patients, 11 C-choline PET imaging may help identify potential sites of prostate cancer recurrence for subsequent histologic confirmation.
Structured Monograph
Clinical summary
Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Choline C 11 Injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of patients with suspected prostate cancer recurrence and non-informative bone scintigraphy, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In these patients, 11 C-choline PET imaging may help identify potential sites of prostate cancer recurrence for subsequent histologic confirmation. Suspected prostate recurrence is based upon elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following initial therapy. In clinical studies, images were produced with PET/CT coregistration. Limitation of U se: 11 C-choline PET imaging is not a replacement for histologic verification of recurrent prostate cancer. Choline C 11 Injection is a radioactive diagnostic agent for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of patients with suspected prostate cancer recurrence and non-informative bone scintigraphy, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging. In these patients, 11 C-choline PET imaging may help identify potential sites of prostate cancer recurrence for subsequent histologic confirmation. Suspected prostate recurrence is based upon elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following initial therapy. In clinical studies, images were produced with PET/CT coregistration. Limitation of U se: 11 C-choline PET imaging is not a replacement for histologic verification of recurrent prostate cancer ( 1 ). Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Aseptically withdraw Choline C 11 Injection from its container and administer 370 – 740 MBq (10 – 20 mCi) as a bolus intravenous injection. The radioactivity dose (370 – 740 MBq, 10 – 20 mCi) is chosen based on patient body dimensions and the characteristics of the image acquisition system ( 2.1 ). Initiate imaging immediately after administration of Choline C 11 Injection and acquire static emission images 0 – 15 minutes from the time of injection ( 2.5 ). The effective radiation absorbed dose from 740 MBq (20 mCi) dose of Choline C 11 Injection is approximately 3.22 mSv (0.32 rem) in an adult ( 2.4 ). Image interpretation: Refer to full prescribing information ( 2.5 ). 2.1 Radiation Safety – Drug Handling Choline C 11 Injection is a radioactive drug and should be handled with appropriate safety measures to minimize radiation exposure during administration. Use waterproof gloves and effective shielding when handling Choline C 11 Injection. Radiopharmaceuticals, including Choline C 11 Injection, should only be used by or under the control of physicians who are qualified by specific training and experience in the safe use and handling of radioactive materials, and whose experience and training have been approved by the appropriate governmental agency authorized to license the use of radionuclides. 2.2 Recommended Dose and Administration Instructions The recommended dose is 370 – 740 MBq (10 – 20 mCi) administered as a bolus intravenous injection. The radioactivity dose (370 – 740 MBq, 10 – 20 mCi) is chosen based on patient body dimensions and the characteristics of the image acquisition system Inspect Choline C 11 Injection visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration. Do not use the drug if the solution contains particulate matter or is discolored. Aseptically withdraw Choline C 11 Injection from its container and administer the drug as a bolus through a peripheral venous catheter. Dispose of any unused drug in a safe manner, in compliance with applicable regulations. 2.3 Patient Preparation Prior to administration of Choline C 11 Injection: Fasting for at least six hours is recommended to minimize the potential for dietary choline interference with radioactivity uptake in tissue. Ensure that the patient is well hydrated and encourage voiding when imaging is completed. 2.4 R adiation Dosimetry The estimated radiation absorbed doses for adults from intravenous injection of Choline C 11 Injection are shown in Table 1. These estimates are calculated from data in Tolvanen 1 and using OLINDA/EXM (Organ Level Internal Dose Assessment/Exponential Modeling) software from Vanderbilt University. 2 Table 1: Estimated Radiation Absorbed Dose Per Unit Activity for Adults, Choline C 11 Injection Organ/Tissue Mean Absorbed Dose P er Unit Administered Activity ( μ Gy/MBq) b Adrenals 3.59 Bone - Osteogenic Cells 4.81 Bone - Red Marrow 1.90 Brain 1.16 Breast 1.39 Gallbladder Wall 4.54 GI a – Lower Large Intestine Wall 1.81 GI a - Small Intestine 2.35 GI a - Stomach Wall 6.00 GI a – Upper Large Intestine Wall 6.41 Heart wall 3.43 Kidneys 20.62 Liver 20.11 Lungs 4.59 Muscle 2.54 Ovaries 2.02 Pancreas 29.19 Skin 1.22 Spleen 9.16 Testes 1.36 Thymus 1.69 Thyroid 1.49 Urinary Bladder Wall 3.41 Uterus 1.96 Total body 2.97 Effective Dose (μSv/MBq) c 4.35 a Gastrointestinal b Assumed radiation weighting factor, w r , (formerly defined as quality factor, Q) of 1 for conversion of absorbed dose (Gr
Monitoring
- • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Imaging errors have been reported; blood PSA levels < 2 ng/mL have been associated with poor imaging performance ( 5.1 ).
- • Allergic reactions: have emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel readily available ( 5.2 ).
- • Radiation risk: Choline C 11 Injection contributes to a patient’s long-term cumulative radiation exposure.
- • Ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care worker ( 5.3 ).
Interaction Notes
- • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Colchicine and androgen-deprivation therapeutic drugs have been reported to interfere with choline-based PET imaging [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
- • The impact of androgen-deprivation therapeutic drugs upon 11 C-choline PET imaging may depend upon the hormonal responsiveness of a patient’s recurrent prostate cancer.
- • Clinical studies have not established this relationship but published reports suggest 11 C-choline PET imaging may be productive in patients with “hormone resistant” recurrent prostate cancer even if the patients are receiving anti-androgen therapy.
- • Imaging may prove unproductive or misleading due to failed or insufficient 11 C-choline uptake in patients with hormone-responsive cancer if the patients are receiving androgen-deprivation therapy.