Technetium Chemistry and Technetium Radiopharmaceuticals

Role of Pure Technetium Chemistry: Are There Still Links to Applications in Imaging?

The discovery and development of new 99mTc-based radiopharmaceuticals or labeled drugs in general is based on innovative, pure chemistry and subsequent, application-targeted research. This was the case for all currently clinically applied imaging agents. Most of them were market-introduced some 20 years ago, and the few more recent ones are based on even older chemistry, albeit technetium chemistry has made substantial progress over the last 20 years. This progress though is not mirrored by new molecular imaging agents and is even accompanied by a steady decrease in the number of groups active in pure and applied technetium chemistry, a contrast to the trends in most other fields in which d-elements play a central role. The decrease in research with technetium has been partly counterbalanced by a strong increase of research activities with homologous, cold rhenium compounds for therapy, disclosing in the future eventually a quite unique opportunity for theranostics. This Viewpoint analyzes the pathways that led to radiopharmaceuticals in the past and their underlying fundamental contributions. It attempts to tackle the question of why new chemistry still does not lead to new imaging agents, i.e., the question of whether pure technetium chemistry is still needed at all.

A novel 99m Tc-diester complex as tumor targeting agent: Synthesis, radiolabeling, and biological distribution study

The target of this study is the synthesis of a new diester derivative and radiolabeling with one of the most effective diagnostic radioisotopes to be investigated as a novel targeting radiotracer for tumor imaging. 10-[2-(9-Carboxynonanoyloxy)propoxy]-10-oxodecanoic acid was synthesized in excellent yield and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, mass, 1 H-NMR, and 13 C-NMR spectra. The diester was technetium-99m (99m Tc) radiolabeled by direct technique using sodium dithionite as a reducing agent. The labeling parameters such as diester amount, reducing agent amount, pH of the medium, and reaction time were optimized. High radiochemical yield of 95.10 ± 0.41% and in vitro stability in serum up to 12 h have been obtained on complexation of the synthesized diester with Tc-99m. Evaluation of the diester anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) showed high percent of inhibition about 61.5% at 100 μg/ml. The rhenium complex of the diester was synthesized and characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (ESI) and elemental analysis depending on the strong chemical resemblance between Tc and Re. Biodistribution studies of 99m Tc-diester complex showed high target to nontarget ratio (T/NT) equals 6.24 ± 0.09 in tumor-bearing mice at 30-min postinjection, suggesting this complex could be used as hopeful solid tumor-imaging agent.

An unconventional method for measuring the Tc L3-edge of technetium compounds

Tc L3-edge XANES spectra have been collected on powder samples of SrTcO3 (octahedral Tc(4+)) and NH4TcO4 (tetrahedral Tc(7+)) immobilized in an epoxy resin. Features in the Tc L3-edge XANES spectra are compared with the pre-edge feature of the Tc K-edge as well as other 4d transition metal L3-edges. Evidence of crystal field splitting is obvious in the Tc L3-edge, which is sensitive to the coordination number and oxidation state of the Tc cation. The Tc L3 absorption edge energy difference between SrTcO3 (Tc(4+)) and NH4TcO4 (Tc(7+)) shows that the energy shift at the Tc L3-edge is an effective tool for studying changes in the oxidation states of technetium compounds. The Tc L3-edge spectra are compared with those obtained from Mo and Ru oxide standards with various oxidation states and coordination environments. Most importantly, fitting the Tc L3-edge to component peaks can provide direct evidence of crystal field splitting that cannot be obtained from the Tc K-edge.

Structural phase transitions and magnetic order in SrTcO3

The structure of the perovskite SrTcO(3) has been investigated using both synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. At room temperature SrTcO(3) is orthorhombic as a consequence of cooperative tilting of the corner sharing TcO(6) octahedra. The tilts are sequentially removed as the sample is heated with the oxide displaying the sequence of structres Pnma→Imma→I4/mcm→Pm ̅3m. Neutron powder diffraction data collected in the temperature range 4-1023 K indicate that SrTcO(3) has G-type antiferromagnetic structure, in which each Tc moment is antiparallel to its six nearest neighbours, below ∼1000 K. The magnetic structure is collinear antiferromagnetic with the technetium moments parallel to c-axis and can be described by the propagation vector k = [0,0,0] and the basis vector (0,0,A(z)). The same magnetic structure is observed in each of the four crystal structures.

Analysis of 188Re-EDTMP complexes by HPLC and ultrafiltration

High performance liquid chromatography (anion-exchange, reversed-phase ion-pair and gel permeation chromatography) and ultrafiltration have been employed to analyze 188Re-ethylenediamine-N,N,N´,N´-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) complexes ( 188Re-EDTMP), prepared from the tin chloride reduction or sodium borohydride reduction in the presence or absence of rhenium carrier. The HPLC analysis showed that the 188Re-EDTMP complexes were mixtures of components and the distribution of the components was dependent upon the total amount of rhenium present and the reducing agents (SnCl2, NaBH4). The ultrafiltration analysis showed that the distribution of nominal molecular weight of 188Re-EDTMP was dependent upon the presence of rhenium carrier and the reducing agents. In addition, it was found that the proportion of chemical species with bigger molecular weight in no-carrier-added 188Re(SnCl2)-EDTMP was larger than that in carrier-added 188Re(SnCl2)-EDTMP.

Kinetic and high-pressure mechanistic investigation of the aqua substitution in the trans-aquaoxotetracyano complexes of re(v) and tc(v): some implications for nuclear medicine

A kinetic study of the aqua substitution in the [TcO(OH(2))(CN)(4)](-) complex by different thiourea ligands (TU = thiourea, NMTU = N-methyl thiourea, NNDMTU = N, N'-dimethylthiourea) yielded second-order formation rate constants (25 degrees C) as follows [NNDMTU, NMTU, TU, respectively]: k(f) = 11.5 +/- 0.1, 11.38 +/- 0.04, and 7.4 +/- 0.1 M(-1)s(-1), with activation parameters: Delta H(#) (k(f) ) : 55 +/- 2, 42 +/- 3, 35 +/- 5 kJ mol(-1); DeltaS(#) (k(f) ) : - 40 +/- 8, - 84 +/- 11, - 110 +/- 17 J K(-1)mol(-1). A subsequent high-pressure investigation of the aqua substitution in the [ReO(OH(2))(CN)(4)](-) and [TcO(OH(2))(CN)(4)](-) complexes by selected entering ligands yielded DeltaV(#) (k(f) ) values as follows: Re(V): -1.7 +/- 0.3(NCS(-)), -22.1 +/- 0.9 (TU) and for Tc(V): -3.5 +/- 0.3(NCS(-)), -14 +/- 1 (NNDMTU), and -6.0 +/- 0.5 (TU) cm(3)mol (-1), respectively. These results point to an interchange associative mechanism for the negative NCS(-) as entering group but even a pure associative mechanism for the neutral thiourea ligands.

Synthesis and pharmacological study of novel pyrido-quinazolone analogues as anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anticancer agents

A versatile method for novel pyrido-quinazolones was described here and tested for anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anticancerous activities. These synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for specific radiopharmaceuticals. Preliminary radiolabeling results with (99m)Tc and biological evaluation studies showed promising results for further evaluation in vivo. The efficiency of labeling was more than 98% and complexes were stable for about 18 h at 25 degrees C in the presence of serum.

New directions in the coordination chemistry of 99mTc: a reflection on technetium core structures and a strategy for new chelate design

Bifunctional chelates offer a general approach for the linking of radioactive metal cations to macromolecules. In the specific case of 99mTc, a variety of technologies have been developed for assembling a metal-chelate-biomolecule complex. An evaluation of these methodologies requires an appreciation of the coordination characteristics and preferences of the technetium core structures and oxidation states, which serve as platforms for the development of the imaging agent. Three technologies, namely, the MAG3-based bifunctional chelates, the N-oxysuccinimidylhydrazino-nicotinamide system and the recently described single amino acid chelates for the {Tc(CO)3}1+ core, are discussed in terms of the fundamental coordination chemistry of the technetium core structures. In assessing the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, we conclude that the single amino acid analogue chelates (SAAC), which are readily conjugated to small peptides by solid-phase synthesis methods and which form robust complexes with the {Tc(CO)3}1+ core, offer an effective alternative to the previously described methods.

Synthesis, characterization and biodistribution of bisphosphonates Sm-153 complexes: correlation with molecular modeling interaction studies

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are characterized by a P-C-P backbone structure and two phosphonic acid groups bonded to the same carbon, and are established as osteoclast-mediated bone resorption inhibitors. The nature of the groups attached to the central carbon atom are responsible in determining the potency of bisphosphonates as anti-resorption drugs. However, it is not yet clear the exact relationship between their molecular structure and pharmacologic activities. In this study, molecular geometries of pamidronate, alendronate and neridronate, differing only in the length of the aliphatic chains, were predicted by molecular mechanics and their interactions with hydroxyapatite, the main bone mineral component, were examined. We report the synthesis and radiochemical characterization of 153Sm complexes with pamidronate, alendronate and neridronate. Hydroxyapatite binding and biodistribution studies of these complexes have shown a good correlation with the theoretical molecular modeling interaction studies. So, it is possible to conclude that computational chemistry techniques are a good approach to evaluate specific interactions and may play a relevant role in determining the relative ability of BPs to mineral bone, and open new perspectives to the design of new BPs with increased pharmacological activity. These techniques could be extended to BPs as ligands to carrier radioactive metals, aiming for new bone therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.

Evolution of Tc-99m in diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

The progress in diagnostic nuclear medicine over the years since the discovery of 99mTc is indeed phenomenal. Over 80% of the radiopharmaceuticals currently being used make use of this short-lived, metastable radionuclide, which has reigned as the workhorse of diagnostic nuclear medicine. The preeminence of 99mTc is attributable to its optimal nuclear properties of a short half-life and a gamma photon emission of 140 keV, which is suitable for high-efficiency detection and which results in low radiation exposure to the patient. 99mTcO4-, which is readily available as a column eluate from a 99Mo/99mTc generator, is reduced in the presence of chelating agents. The versatile chemistry of technetium emerging from the 8 possible oxidation states, along with a proper understanding of the structure-biologic activity relationship, has been exploited to yield a plethora of products meant for morphologic and functional imaging of different organs. This article reviews the evolution of 99mTc dating back to its discovery, the development of 99Mo/99mTc generators, and the efforts to exploit the diverse chemistry of the element to explore a spectrum of compounds for diagnostic imaging, planar, and single photon emission computed tomography. A brief outline of the 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals currently being used has been categorically presented according to the organs being imaged. Newer methods of labeling involving bifunctional chelating agents (which encompass the "3 + 1" ligand system, Tc(CO)3(+1)-containing chelates, hydrazinonicotinamide, water-soluble phosphines, and other Tc-carrying moieties) have added a new dimension for the preparation of novel technetium compounds. These developments in technetium chemistry have opened new avenues in the field of diagnostic imaging. These include fundamental aspects in the design and development of target-specific agents, including antibodies, peptides, steroids, and other small molecules that have specific receptor affinity.

Capillary electrophoresis of 99mtechnetium radiopharmaceuticals

Diagnostically used 99mTc kit radiopharmaceuticals were analyzed using capillary zone electrophoresis with radioactivity detection: 99mTc-bis(bis(2-ethyloxyethyl)phosphino)ethane (99mTc-Myoview, 99mTc-Tetrofosmin), 99mTc-trans(1,2-bis(dehydro-2,2,5,5,-tetramethyl-3-furanone-4-methylene- amino)ethane)-tris(3-methoxy-1-propyl)phosphine) (99mTc-Technescan Q12, 99mTc-Furifosmin), 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI), 99mTc-L,L-ethylenecysteine diethylester dimer (99mTc-ECD), 99mTc-d,1-hexamethylene propyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO), 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA), 99mTc-ethylene hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (99mTc-EHIDA), 99mTc-L,L-ethylenecysteine dimer (99mTc-EC), 99mTc-mercaptoacetylglycylglycylglycine (99mTc-MAG3), 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA), 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) and 99mNaTcO4. A pressure-driven capillary zone electrophoresis was employed to detect small anions of high electrophoretic mobility and cations within one run. Effective 99mTc complex charges could be determined by a neutral internal standard. All complexes showed the expected electrophoretic behaviours in view of their charges. Pure products were obtained for the majority of the studied complexes. In the case of 99mTc-Q12, 99mTc-EHIDA and 99mTc-MDP, complex mixtures were detected. The high potential of CE for the analysis of 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals could be shown.

Determination of dissociation constants of 99mTechnetium radiopharmaceuticals by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis was applied to investigate pKa values of 99mTc radiotracers used in nuclear medicine. Therefore, the protonation equilibria of the carboxyl groups of 99mTc-mercaptoacetylglycylglycylglycine (99mTc-MAG3) and 99mTc-ethylenecysteine dimer (99mTc-EC) were studied by pH-dependent determination of electrophoretical velocities. 99mTc-ethylenecysteine dimer diethyl ester (99mTc-ECD) was used as a non-protonable standard. The capillary electrophoresis system was equipped with a radioactivity detector. Measurements were performed using a pressure-driven capillary zone electrophoresis which allowed runs even in the low pH range. For the determination of pKa values, the electrophoretical velocities of the analytes were referred to the electrophoretical velocities of tetraphenyle arsonium chloride as a positively charged marker. Calculation of pKa values was accomplished by non-linear curve fitting of both structure-based equilibria equations and sigmoidal decay functions to the experimental data. 99mTc-MAG3 was shown to have a carboxyl group pKa value of 4.22. The value for the carboxyl groups of 99mTc-EC is 2.90 (determined by structure-based equilibria equations), which represents a common value for both carboxyl groups. By the use of sigmoidal functions, similar values were elucidated. As expected, 99mTc-ECD shows no protonation step.

Synthesis and characterization of novel N3O3-Schiff base complexes of 99gTc, and in vivo imaging studies with analogous 99mTc complexes

Sixteen novel derivatives of 1,1,1-tris (salicylaldiminomethyl)ethane have been synthesized for the purpose of encapsulating 99mTc(IV) ions and generating new 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals. Two methods for the preparation of the 99gTc(IV) analog complexes are presented; one utilizes SnCl2 reduction on 99gTcO4- and the other a direct substitution route starting with [99gTcCl6]2-. Free ligands (H3L) are characterized by melting points, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopy, TLC, and/or elemental analyses. [99gTcL]+ complexes are characterized by FAB-ms, UV-VIS, IR and/or CV. An X-ray structural analysis was performed on a crystal of [M(6,6'-[[2-[[((4-Methoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl) methylene)-amino]methyl]-2-methyl- 1,3-propanediyl]bis(nitrilomethylidyne)]-bis-3-methoxyphenol )] tetraphenylborate, where M represents a 1/3 isomorphous mixture of 99gTc/Sn as determined by SEM. The metal coordination site is 6-coordinate, composed of N3O3 donor atoms, and intermediate between octahedral and trigonal prismatic geometry. The [99mTcL]+ complexes were prepared in a stannous environment; equivalence of the 99mTc and 99gTc complexes is demonstrated by HPLC techniques. The [SnL]+ complex was prepared for comparison purposes. An unusual ligand oxidation occurs for one series of ligands in which in situ amine-->imine conversion is observed during the complexation reaction in reducing media. Guinea pig, rat, dog, and human metabolism studies are reported for selected [99mTcL]+ complexes, the myocardial uptake of which approaches 2% of the injected dose.

Synthesis of potential 99mTc nitrido tumor imaging disposition in mice

Several cationic or neutral technetium-nitrido complexes of Schiff bases [for which 5-methyl 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl methylene) dithiocarbazate (L1) was a prototype], bis-aminoethanethiol (BAT-TM) and macrocyclic amines were prepared. We report here, the synthesis and isolation of these TcNLn complexes from reaction mixtures by high pressure liquid chromatography or sephadex G25 column. In vivo tissue distribution studies were performed on tumor bearing mice (B16, EMT6, 3LL) after i.v. injection of 10-20 microCi of TcNLn. Although pharmacokinetic differences appeared between the three studied ranges, we did not obtain proof of any particular specificity to tumor tissues. Nevertheless, the complexes were very stable and some of the ligands could be used as chelators after linking side chains or groups inducing specific tumor localization.