Published in:
01-02-2012 | Review Article
Feasibility and availability of 68Ga-labelled peptides
Authors:
Clemens Decristoforo, Roger D. Pickett, Alfons Verbruggen
Published in:
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
|
Special Issue 1/2012
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Abstract
68Ga has attracted tremendous interest as a radionuclide for PET based on its suitable half-life of 68 min, high positron emission yield and ready availability from 68Ge/68Ga generators, making it independent of cyclotron production. 68Ga-labelled DOTA-conjugated somatostatin analogues, including DOTA-TOC, DOTA-TATE and DOTA-NOC, have driven the development of technologies to provide such radiopharmaceuticals for clinical applications mainly in the diagnosis of somatostatin receptor-expressing tumours. We summarize the issues determining the feasibility and availability of 68Ga-labelled peptides, including generator technology, 68Ga generator eluate postprocessing methods, radiolabelling, automation and peptide developments, and also quality assurance and regulatory aspects. 68Ge/68Ga generators based on SnO2, TiO2 or organic matrices are today routinely supplied to nuclear medicine departments, and a variety of automated systems for postprocessing and radiolabelling have been developed. New developments include improved chelators for 68Ga that could open new ways to utilize this technology. Challenges and limitations in the on-site preparation and use of 68Ga-labelled peptides outside the marketing authorization track are also discussed.