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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Automation of a Positron-emission Tomography (PET) Radiotracer Synthesis Protocol for Clinical Production
Published on: October 26, 2018
An automated synthesis module for preparation of L-3-[123I]iodo-alpha-methyl tyrosine
G Luurtsema1, P L Jager, A Piers
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
L-3-[123I]iodo-alpha-methyl tyrosine (IMT) is an artificial amino acid suitable for SPECT imaging of various tumours. Manual synthesis of this radiopharmaceutical is reliable, but time-consuming and may require handling of large quantities of radioactivity. We developed an automated IMT synthesis module, which prepares a ready-to-inject product that meets radiopharmaceutical requirements and is identical to the manually synthesised equivalent. Current advantages include decreased operator assistance time and reduced radiation exposure. Application may be extended to other radiopharmaceuticals, including high-dose preparations for therapeutic use.

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