Preparation and Biological Characterization of Isomeric 188Re(V) Oxocomplexes with Tetradentate S4 Ligands Derived from meso-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid for Labeling of Biomolecules

Cationic rhenium complexes ligated with N-heterocyclic carbenes – an overview

This review provides an overview of the currently known cationic rhenium NHC complexes.

Synthesis of the first radiolabeled 188Re N-heterocyclic carbene complex and initial studies on its potential use in radiopharmaceutical applications

A novel approach towards the synthesis of radiolabeled organometallic rhenium complexes is presented. We successfully synthesized and analyzed the first (188)Re-labeled N-heterocyclic biscarbene complex, trans-dioxobis(1,1'-methylene-bis(3,3'-diisopropylimidazolium-2-ylidene))(188)rhenium(V) hexafluorophosphate ((188)Re-4) via transmetalation using an air-stable and moisture-stable silver(I) biscarbene complex. In order to assess the viability of this complex as a potential lead structure for in vivo applications, the stability of the (188)Re-NHC complex was tested in physiologically relevant media. Ultimately, our studies illustrate that the complex we synthesized dissociates rapidly and is therefore unsuitable for use in radiopharmaceuticals. However, it is clear that the transmetalation approach we have developed is a rapid, robust, and mild method for the synthesis of new (188)Re-labeled carbene complexes.

Pharmacokinetics and dosimetry of 188 Re-pharmaceuticals

The main objective of this review is to apportion current and new insight into the biodistribution, radiopharmacokinetics, dosimetry and cell targeting of rhenium-188 labeled radiopharmaceuticals used as therapeutic drugs. The emphasis lies on the generator obtained rhenium-188, its physical, therapeutic, dosimetric and coordinated compounds. Its use in radioimmunotherapy for lymphoma and other hematological diseases with monoclonal antibodies is discussed. Radiolabeled peptides to target cell receptors are an important field in nuclear medicine and in some research facilities are already being used, especially, somatostatin, bombesin and other peptides. Small molecules labeled with 188 Re are promising as therapeutic drugs. A review about some of the non-specific targeting molecules with therapeutic or pain palliation effect such as phosphonates, lipiodol, microparticles and other interesting molecules is included. Research on the labeling of biomolecules with the versatile rhenium-188 has contributed to the development of therapeutics with favorable pharmacokinetic and dosimetric properties for cancer treatment.