We report a single‐molecule radiotracer that can be labeled independently with 18F‐fluoride or radiometals (64Cu, 177Lu) in a single step. A prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐targeting ligand, armed with both an organotrifluoroborate and a metal‐chelator (DOTA), was designed to optionally afford 18F‐, 64Cu‐ or 177Lu‐labeled products that were injected into mice bearing prostate cancer (LNCaP) xenografts. PET/CT images and ex vivo biodistribution data show high, specific tumor uptake irrespective of which radionuclide is used, thereby demonstrating a new approach to combining, in a single molecule, 18F‐labeling capabilities for PET imaging with radiometalation for potential imaging and therapeutic applications.
Gallium-68 is a popular radioisotope for positron emission tomography. To make gallium-68 more accessible, we developed a new solid target for medical cyclotrons. Fused zinc targets promise a new, efficient, and reliable technique without the downsides of other commonly used time-consuming methods for solid target fabrication, such as electroplating and sputtering. We manufactured targets by fusing small pressed zinc pellets into a recess in aluminum backings. Using a simple hotplate, the fusing could be accomplished in less than two minutes. Subsequently, the targets were cooled, polished, and used successfully for test irradiations at Ep = 12.8 MeV and up to 20 µA proton current.
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