Posluma

Generic name: flotufolastat F 18
Dosage form: intravenous injection
Drug class: Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Jun 1, 2023.

What is Posluma?

Posluma (flotufolastat F 18) is an imaging agent used to detect and locate prostate cancer during PET (positron emission tomography) scans. Posluma contains an imaging agent (18F radioscope) which is designed to specifically bind to Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) on prostate cancer cells which means physicians can accurately identify and locate the prostate cancer cells within the body. Posluma is a Radiohybrid PSMA-targeted PET Imaging Agent.

Posluma received FDA approval based on the results of two phase 3 trials, LIGHTHOUSE (NCT04186819) and SPOTLIGHT (NCT04186845), it was originally called 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 during clinical trials and development.

What is Posluma used for?

Posluma is FDA-approved to be used as a radioactive diagnostic agent during PET scan for PSMA-positive lesions in men with prostate cancer who have:

• suspected metastasis and are candidates for initial definitive therapy
• suspected recurrence based on elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.

Warning

Radiation Risks. This medicine contributes to a patient’s long-term cumulative radiation exposure.

Risk of Image Misinterpretation. The interpretation of Posluma PET may differ depending on imaging readers, particularly in the prostate/prostate bed region. Because of the associated risk of false positive interpretation, consider multidisciplinary consultation and histopathological confirmation when clinical decision-making hinges on uptake only in the prostate/prostate bed region or only on uptake interpreted as borderline. 

How is Posluma administered?

Patients should drink sufficient water to ensure they are well-hydrated before their PET study.

Patients should empty their bladder immediately before imaging.

Posluma is given as an intravenous injection (injection into a vein) approximately 60 minutes before the PET scan which usually takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on the number of bed positions and time per bed position.

It is important to drink and urinate as often as possible during the first hours after having this medicine to reduce radiation exposure.

Related/similar drugs

glucagon, mannitol, Lexiscan, Ceretec, arginine, metyrapone, Pylarify

Dosing information

The recommended Poslum adult dose is 296 MBq (8 mCi) as an intravenous bolus injection.

• The necessary volume to administer should be calculated based on calibration time and required dose.
• The recommended maximum volume of undiluted Posluma is 5 mL.
• Posluma may be diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP.
• Assay the dose in a dose calibrator before administration.

Post Administration Instructions

• After the injection, administer an intravenous flush of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to ensure full dose delivery.

What are the side effects of Posluma?

Posulma side effects include:

• diarrhea 
• blood pressure increase  
• injection site pain. 

Interactions

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and other therapies targeting the androgen pathway, such as androgen receptor antagonists, can result in a change in the absorption of this medicine into prostate cancer. It has not been established what the effect of these therapies has on the performance of Posluma PET. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Posluma is not indicated for use in females. 

Radioactive drugs have the potential to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the size of the radiation dose.

There is no data on the presence of this medicine in human milk, the effect on the breastfed infant, or the effect on milk production.

Storage

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) 
• Store in the original container in radiation shielding. 
• The expiration date and time are provided on the container label.
• Use within 10 hours from the end of synthesis.
• Unused solution should be disposed of in compliance with applicable regulations. 

Company

Marketed by Blue Earth Diagnostics Ltd., Oxford, OX4 4GA, UK.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer