The interest in gallium-68 labelled positron-emission tomography probes continues to increase around the world. However, one of the barriers for routine clinical use is the cost of the automated synthesis units for relatively simple labelling procedures. Herein, we describe the adaptation of a TRACERlab FX FN synthesis module for the automated production of gallium-68 radiopharmaceuticals using a cation-exchange cartridge for postprocessing of the 68 Ge/ 68 Ga generator eluate. The recovery of activity from the cartridge was 95.6% to 98.9% using solutions of acidified sodium chloride (5 M with pH = 1-3).The radiosyntheses of [ 68 Ga]Ga-DOTANOC and [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 were performed using acetate sodium buffer or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1ethanesulfonic acid, with a total duration of 21 and 23 minutes, respectively, including generator elution and radiopharmaceutical dispensing. Activity yields were 77% ± 2% for [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and 68% ± 3% for [ 68 Ga]Ga-DOTANOC (n > 100). The labelled peptides had a radiochemical purity exceeding 97%, and all quality control parameters were in conformity with the limits prescribed by the European Pharmacopoeia.

Insufficient apoptosis is a recognised hallmark of cancer. A strategy to quantitatively measure apoptosis in vivo would be of immense value in both drug discovery and routine patient management. The first irreversible step in the apoptosis cascade is activation of the “executioner” caspase-3 enzyme to commence cleavage of key structural proteins. One strategy to measure caspase-3 activity is Positron Emission Tomography using isatin-5-sulfonamide radiotracers. One such radiotracer is [18F]ICMT-11, which has progressed to clinical application. This review summarises the design and development process for [18F]ICMT-11, suggesting potential avenues for further innovation.

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