# RADIOPAQUE FLUOROCARBON IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 1987 · $180,479

## Abstract

Radiopaque fluorocarbons (RFC) have achieved greater potential with the
recent revolution in diagnostic imaging.  Perfluoroctylbromide has been
found to be a cancer specific imaging agent in conjunction with computed
tomography and conventional radiography.  The high concentration of
fluorine in RFC should also prove to be ideal for tumor imaging by nuclear
magnetic resonance, and the availability of this imaging tool in the near
future likely will make it possible to use lower doses of RFC.  There is
also a need for a blood pool agent such as RFC emulsion for angiographic
imaging using techniques such as gaited computerized tomography,
computerized scanned projection radiography and digital video subtraction
angiography.  Emulsions of RFC similar to the emulsions used clinically as
synthetic blood remain within the intravascular space for hours.  Because
these emulsions diffuse slowly from the vascular space, vascular imaging is
enhanced, particularly in the kidney.  Emulsion technology has been
enhanced by the development and practical application of emulsions for
parenteral alimentation and synthetic blood.  Additional studies are under
way for achieving greater emulsion stability and safety.  There is also
evidence that specific tissue and organ distribution and dwell times are
effected significantly by factors such as emulsion charge and particle
size.  Because the RFC compounds have a longer residence time than
conventional X-ray contrast agents, safety studies are more complex and
time consuming.  The emulsions of RFC are sequestered in macrophage cells.
Although the fluorocarbons generally have been considered to be chemically
stable, there is evidence they are not biologically inert.  Macrophage
activation by fluorocarbons has a significant effect on immune properties
such as cytotoxity to tumor cells and antimicrobial activity.  The
immunologic effects of fluorocarbons have been constructive to the
organism.  Further detailed searches for destructive immunologic effects
are an essential part of any safety study.  Fluorocarbon-macrophage
activation may have therapeutic implications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3170723
- **Project number:** 5R01CA032857-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** UYTTZT6G9DT1
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID M LONG
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $180,479
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1979-01-01 → 1988-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3170723

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3170723, RADIOPAQUE FLUOROCARBON IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY (5R01CA032857-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3170723. Licensed CC0.

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