⁶⁸Ga-DOTA and analogs: Current status and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Radiochemistry
• Molecular imaging

Background:

• The germanium-68/gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga) generator has significantly advanced the use of gallium-68 radiopharmaceuticals in clinical settings.
• Gallium-68 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is crucial for diagnosing and managing neuroendocrine tumors.
• The versatile chemistry of gallium-68, particularly with macrocyclic ligands, expands its utility in various PET imaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current radiopharmaceuticals labeled with gallium-68 for molecular imaging.
• To explore the potential of gallium-68 as a replacement for established PET isotopes like technetium-99, fluorine-18, and carbon-11.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies involving gallium-68 radiopharmaceuticals.
• Analysis of the chemical properties and applications of gallium-68 in PET imaging.

Main Results:

• The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator facilitates widespread clinical use of ⁶⁸Ga-labeled agents.
• Favorable coordination chemistry enables diverse ⁶⁸Ga applications beyond neuroendocrine tumor imaging.
• Gallium-68 demonstrates potential as a viable alternative to ⁹⁹Tc, ¹⁸F, and ¹¹C in specific imaging scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Gallium-68 is a valuable radionuclide for PET imaging, with expanding clinical applications.
• Continued research into gallium-68 chemistry and radiopharmaceuticals will further enhance its role in molecular imaging.
• ⁶⁸Ga offers a promising alternative to existing PET isotopes, broadening diagnostic capabilities.