Strategies for the Development of Novel Tumor Targeting Technetium and Rhenium Radiopharmaceuticals

Authors

  • Thomas Mindt
  • Harriet Struthers
  • Elisa Garcia-Garayoa
  • Dominique Desbouis
  • Roger Schibli

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2007.725

Keywords:

Radiopharmaceuticals, Rhenium, Spect, Technetium, Tumor targeting

Abstract

The labeling of tumor targeting biomolecules with the ?-emitting nuclide Tc-99m and the ?-emitting nuclides Re-186/188 is an attractive option for non-invasive diagnosis and therapy of cancerous diseases. Issues such as availability, low costs, high specific activity and suitable decay properties are responsible for the prominent role of Tc-99m and Re-188. In addition Tc-99m and Re-186/188 represent one of the few 'matched-pairs' of diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides with identical or very similar chemical characteristics. Basic chemistry for both elements has made tremendous progress in the past. A variety of established Tc/Re-metal cores, metal chelating systems and reliable labeling methods are available today. However, despite enormous research efforts, the new generation of specific Tc/Re-radiopharmaceuticals is far from their introduction into routine clinical practice. The reasons are manifold and, from a scientific point of view, not always justified. Functionalization and Tc/Re-labeling of promising, small (tumor) targeting molecules without compromising their biological affinity or fate is a frequent problem. In this article, promising pharmacological and chemical approaches necessary for the development of a novel generation of Tc/Re radiopharmaceuticals are described.

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Published

2007-11-28

How to Cite

[1]
T. Mindt, H. Struthers, E. Garcia-Garayoa, D. Desbouis, R. Schibli, Chimia 2007, 61, 725, DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2007.725.

Issue

Section

Scientific Articles