Definition

A radioconjugate composed of fluoropivalate, a non-natural short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), labeled with the positron-emitting radioisotope fluorine F 18, with potential use as an imaging agent for tracing SCFA metabolism upon positron emitting tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Upon administration, fluorine F 18 FPIA is rapidly taken up by tumor cells. This may allow for the visualization of tumor cells upon PET/CT. SCFA is used as an energy source for cell growth and proliferation; tumor cells take up SCFAs at a much higher rate than normal, healthy cells due to their increased energy demand to allow for rapid tumor cell proliferation.