Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of 68Ga-NOTA-IF7 as a tumor imaging agent

With the aim of developing a new tumor imaging agent, the IFLLWQR (Ile-Phe-Leu-Leu-Trp-Glu-Arg, IF7) was conjugated with 1, 4, 7-triazacyclononane-N, N', N''-triacetic acid (NOTA) and labeled with Ga-68. In the optimal conditions, the whole radio-synthesis was accomplished within 20 min. The decay-corrected radiochemical yield was more than 92 %. The radiochemical purity of Ga-68-NOTA-IF7 was more than 95 %. MicroPET studies showed a high tumor uptake at 15 min post-injection with 7.52 +/- A 0.16 %ID/g. The ratios of tumor to muscle uptake were 20.61 +/- A 0.31, 13.14 +/- A 0.21, 2.39 +/- A 0.12 at 15 min, 30 min and 60 min post-injection, respectively. Ga-68-NOTA-IF7 is a promising radiopharmaceutical for tumor imaging.