Name of the Procedure:

Common Name(s): Indium-111 Scan
Technical Term: Indium-111 Satumomab Pendetide, Diagnostic, Per Study Dose, Up to 6 Millicuries (A4642)

Summary

An Indium-111 scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material, Indium-111 labeled satumomab pendetide, into the patient to help visualize certain types of cancer lesions or other abnormalities on a scan.

Purpose

This procedure is used primarily to identify the presence and extent of certain cancers. By detecting the location of cancer cells, the scan aids in diagnosis, staging of the disease, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

Indications

• Suspected or confirmed cancer, particularly gastrointestinal and colorectal
• Persistent unexplained symptoms that may indicate cancerous growth
• Pre-operative planning to determine the extent of cancer spread
• Ongoing monitoring during and after cancer treatment to assess response

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to avoid certain medications that can interfere with the scan.
• Fasting might be required for a few hours before the procedure.
• Blood tests or imaging tests may be done beforehand to check for kidney function and other relevant health factors.

Procedure Description

1. The patient receives an intravenous (IV) injection of Indium-111 labeled satumomab pendetide.
2. After allowing time for the tracer to circulate and bind to cancer cells, typically a few hours to up to a few days, the patient undergoes a scan using a specialized camera.
3. The camera detects the radiation emitted by the Indium-111 to produce detailed images of the body.

Tools and Equipment: Gamma camera, IV setup, Indium-111 labeled satumomab pendetide.

Anesthesia or Sedation: Typically not required, as the procedure is non-invasive.

Duration

• Injection: A few minutes.
• Circulation time: Several hours to a few days.
• Imaging: Typically 1-2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is usually done in a hospital’s nuclear medicine department or an outpatient imaging center equipped with specialized imaging technology.

Personnel

• Nuclear Medicine Physician
• Radiologist
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Nurses

Risks and Complications

• Allergic reactions to the tracer, though rare
• Radiation exposure, kept minimal but still present.
• Possible discomfort or infection at the injection site

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis and staging of cancers
• Helps in planning effective treatment strategies
• Non-invasive and relatively low risk

Recovery

• Usually, no significant recovery time is needed.
• Patients can often resume normal activities almost immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives

• CT Scan, MRI, or PET scan
• Each alternative imaging option has different strengths and weaknesses regarding detail, safety, and specificity.

Patient Experience

Most patients find the procedure to be relatively comfortable. Some might experience mild discomfort at the injection site. The scan itself involves lying still for up to an hour, potentially causing minor discomfort but is generally well-tolerated. Pain management and comfort measures are typically minimal due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure.