Amino Acid Tracer (FACBC) Positron Emission Tomography for Lung Nodule

This is a study that will test a compound (chemical substance) that has a small amount of radioactivity attached to it. This substance has a natural tendency to go to tumor cells, as has been shown in the detection and staging of prostate cancer and for brain tumors. In this study we are going to test this new substance in patients with lung nodules. Lung nodules are a common finding. It is very important to non-invasively determine whether the nodule is cancer or not, as early cancer detection and treatment may cure the disease. The substance is called \[18\]FACBC and it is given in the form of an injection into a vein. After the substance reaches the lung nodules, scans called PET or Positron Emission Tomography, are done. This is similar to having CAT scans or x-rays. Usually a compound called \[18\]FDG is used for PET scans but this substance often goes to inflammatory tissues as well. This new substance does not significantly go to inflammatory tissues, and may allow tumors in the lungs to be better identified.