Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Preparation and Evaluation of 99mTc-labeled Tridentate Chelates for Pre-targeting Using Bioorthogonal Chemistry
Published on: February 4, 2017
Effects of chelator modifications on (68)Ga-labeled [Tyr (3)]octreotide conjugates
Mai Lin1, Michael J Welch, Suzanne E Lapi
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box.8225, 510 South Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Purpose:
Somatostatin receptors (SSTR) have been reported as promising targets for imaging agents for cancer. Recently, (68)Ga-DOTATOC-based PET imaging has been used successfully for diagnosis and management of SSTR-expressing tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of chelator modifications and charge on (68)Ga-labeled peptide conjugates.
Procedures:
We have synthesized a series of [Tyr(3)]octreotide conjugates that consisted of different NOTA-based chelators with two to five carboxylate moieties, and compared our results with (68)Ga-DOTATOC in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Results:
With the exception of (68)Ga-1 (three carboxylates), the increased number of carboxylates on the NOTA-based chelators resulted in a reduced binding affinity and internalization. Additionally, the tumor uptake for (68)Ga-2 (four carboxylates) and (68)Ga-3 (five carboxylates) was reduced compared to that of (68)Ga-DOTATOC (three carboxylates) and (68)Ga-NO2ATOC (two carboxylates) and (68)Ga-1 (three carboxylates) at 2 h p.i. suggesting the presence of an optimal charge for this compound.
Conclusions:
Chelator modifications can lead to the altered pharmacokinetics. These results may impact further design considerations for peptide-based imaging agents.
Insights
Modifying chelators on Gallium-68 (68Ga)-labeled peptide conjugates impacts their performance. An optimal charge exists for these imaging agents, influencing tumor uptake and binding affinity for better cancer diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Nuclear Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Somatostatin receptors (SSTR) are key targets for cancer imaging.
- (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET imaging is established for SSTR-expressing tumors.
- Peptide-based imaging agents offer targeted diagnostic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how chelator modifications and charge affect (68)Ga-labeled peptide conjugates.
- To evaluate the impact of NOTA-based chelator variations on SSTR-targeting agents.
- To compare novel conjugates with (68)Ga-DOTATOC for PET imaging.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of [Tyr(3)]octreotide conjugates with varying NOTA-based chelators (2-5 carboxylates).
- In vitro assessment of binding affinity and internalization.
- In vivo evaluation of tumor uptake in preclinical models.
- Comparison with (68)Ga-DOTATOC and other controls.
Main Results:
- Increased carboxylates (beyond three) generally reduced binding affinity and internalization.
- Tumor uptake of conjugates with four and five carboxylates was lower than controls at 2 hours post-injection.
- An optimal charge balance appears crucial for effective tumor targeting.
- (68)Ga-1 (three carboxylates) showed comparable results to (68)Ga-DOTATOC.
Conclusions:
- Chelator modifications significantly alter the pharmacokinetic properties of (68)Ga-labeled peptide conjugates.
- These findings are critical for the rational design of future peptide-based imaging agents.
- Optimization of chelator charge is essential for enhancing diagnostic efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Drug Metabolism: Phase II Reactions

