Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Arcitumomab scan, Technetium-99m arcitumomab diagnostic imaging
• Technical Terms: Technetium (Tc-99m) Arcitumomab, A9568

Summary

The Technetium Tc-99m arcitumomab scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to detect certain types of cancer, particularly in the colon and rectum. It involves injecting a radioactive substance and then taking images of the body to locate cancerous cells.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Primarily used to detect metastatic colorectal cancer.
• Goals/Outcomes: The goal is to accurately identify cancerous cells in various parts of the body, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Suspected or confirmed cases of colorectal cancer.
• Patient Criteria: Patients needing detailed imaging to locate primary and metastatic cancer sites.

Preparation

• Instructions: Patients may be advised to fast for a few hours before the procedure. They should also inform their healthcare provider of any medications they are currently taking.
• Pre-tests: Blood tests to assess overall health and kidney function might be required before the imaging.

Procedure Description

1. Injection: The patient will receive an intravenous injection of Technetium Tc-99m arcitumomab.
2. Uptake Period: There is a short waiting period to allow the substance to circulate and be absorbed by any cancerous cells.
3. Imaging: The patient will then lie on a scanning table while a special camera takes images of their body.
4. Completion: The images are reviewed by a radiologist for the presence of cancerous activity.

• Tools/Equipment: Gamma camera, Technetium-99m arcitumomab injection.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Generally, no anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes around 2-3 hours, including the uptake period.

Setting

This procedure is usually conducted in a hospital's nuclear medicine department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Technologist: Conducts the imaging scan.
• Radiologist: Interprets the images.
• Nurse/Phlebotomist: Administers the injection.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor discomfort at the injection site, mild allergic reactions.
• Rare Risks: More significant allergic reactions, exposure to radiation.

Benefits

• Benefits: Accurate localization of cancer cells, which helps in planning appropriate treatment. Results are typically available within a few days.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure: Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Instructions: Stay hydrated to help flush out the radioactive substance.
• Follow-Up: Based on the results, further diagnostic tests or treatments may be scheduled.

Alternatives

• Other Options: CT scans, MRI, PET scans.
• Pros/Cons: Each alternative varies in accuracy, cost, and availability. The Technetium Tc-99m arcitumomab scan is often more specific for colorectal cancer.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Most patients feel minimal discomfort except for the brief injection.
• Post-Procedure: Some patients might experience mild fatigue. Pain management usually isn't necessary, but any discomfort can be addressed with over-the-counter pain relievers.