2Fluoro2deoxyDglucose

2-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-FDG) is a radioactive glucose analog used primarily in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. It is synthesized by replacing a hydrogen atom at the 2-position of glucose with a fluorine atom and removing the hydroxyl group at the same position. This modification makes 2-FDG resistant to glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose for energy. Instead, 2-FDG is phosphorylated by hexokinase, trapping it within cells. Once inside cells, 2-FDG is further metabolized by the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to the accumulation of 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-6-phosphate (2-FDG-6-P). This accumulation is what allows for the detection of cellular glucose metabolism using PET imaging.

2-FDG is commonly used in oncology to assess tumor metabolism and viability. It is particularly useful in differentiating between viable and necrotic tissue, as viable tumor cells actively metabolize 2-FDG. The radioactive nature of 2-FDG allows for its detection using PET scanners, which can create detailed images of the distribution and concentration of 2-FDG within the body. This information is crucial for diagnosing and staging various cancers, as well as for monitoring treatment responses.

The use of 2-FDG in PET imaging has revolutionized the field of oncology, providing clinicians with a non-invasive tool to evaluate tumor metabolism and guide treatment decisions. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of 2-FDG PET scans requires careful consideration of the underlying physiology and pathology, as well as the specific clinical context.