Use of Propranolol to Reduce FDG Uptake in Brown Adipose Tissue in Pediatric Cancer Patients PET Scans

In this study, participants will be assessed in the University of Kentucky DanceBlue Pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinic to confirm they are eligible for the study. This will be done at the time intravenous (iv) access is started, either through an iv placed in the arm or through a port/central line.

All females who are capable of becoming pregnant will then undergo urine pregnancy testing. If it is found that they are pregnant they will not be allowed to be in the study. Participant blood sugar will be checked. When possible, the research blood sample will be collected at a time when routine non-research labs will be collected.

Study eligible participants will then be given a single 20 mg tablet of propranolol to take by mouth and will be escorted by a member of the medical team to the PET scan trailer, where they will be checked in and assessed. Blood sugar level will again be checked by finger stick according to the standard procedure for PET scans.

Vital signs will be assessed by a clinical research nurse at least three times while the participants are at the PET scan trailer, including twice before the scan and once immediately after the scan. The nurse will also assess for any symptoms related to the propranolol. If no problems are noted, participants will be discharged from the PET scan trailer and their tudy participation will end. If any side effects arise from the medication, the pediatric oncologist will be called immediately and appropriate treatment started. The PET scan will be assessed by the radiologist to see whether there is uptake in brown fat, as well as to see if any areas of tumor are seen.

Inclusion criteria

• Individual is between 12 years and 29 years of age
• Individual weighs over 66 pounds
• Individual will be undergoing a FDG-PET scan as part of staging or response assessment for malignancy. Note: the patient may be newly-diagnosed, currently receiving therapy, or have already completed therapy. The presence of identifiable tumor on the PET scan is not required.
• Individual is able to swallow a tablet

Exclusion criteria

• Prior diagnosis of asthma, OR use of an inhaler in past three years to treat or prevent bronchospasm.
• History of cardiac arrhythmia requiring treatment
• History of congestive heart failure
• Current use of medications to control blood pressure or improve cardiac output
• Diabetes Type I or II, or currently on medications to reduce blood sugar
• Pregnant