Expedient Access to 18F-Fluoroheteroarenes via Deaminative Radiofluorination of Aniline-Derived Pyridinium Salts

Herein, we disclose that pyridinium salts derived from abundant (hetero)anilines represent a novel precursor class for nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions with [18F]fluoride. The value of this new 18F-fluorodeamination is demonstrated with the synthesis of over 30 structurally diverse and complex heteroaryl 18F-fluorides, several derived from scaffolds that were yet to be labelled with fluorine-18. The protocol tolerates heteroarenes and functionalities commonly found in drug discovery libraries, and is amenable to scale-up and automation on a commercial radiosynthesiser.

Preclinical evaluation of an 18F-labeled Nε-acryloyllysine piperazide for covalent targeting of transglutaminase 2

BACKGROUND

Transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) is a multifunctional protein and has a prominent role in various (patho)physiological processes. In particular, its transamidase activity, which is rather latent under physiological conditions, gains importance in malignant cells. Thus, there is a great need of theranostic probes for targeting tumor-associated TGase 2, and targeted covalent inhibitors appear to be particularly attractive as vector molecules. Such an inhibitor, equipped with a radionuclide suitable for noninvasive imaging, would be supportive for answering the general question on the possibility for functional characterization of tumor-associated TGase 2. For this purpose, the recently developed 18F-labeled Nε-acryloyllysine piperazide [18F]7b, which is a potent and selective irreversible inhibitor of TGase 2, was subject to a detailed radiopharmacological characterization herein.

RESULTS

An alternative radiosynthesis of [18F]7b is presented, which demands less than 300 µg of the respective trimethylammonio precursor per synthesis and provides [18F]7b in good radiochemical yields (17 ± 7%) and high (radio)chemical purities (≥ 99%). Ex vivo biodistribution studies in healthy mice at 5 and 60 min p.i. revealed no permanent enrichment of 18F-activity in tissues with the exception of the bone tissue. In vivo pretreatment with ketoconazole and in vitro murine liver microsome studies complemented by mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that bone uptake originates from metabolically released [18F]fluoride. Further metabolic transformations of [18F]7b include mono-hydroxylation and glucuronidation. Based on blood sampling data and liver microsome experiments, pharmacokinetic parameters such as plasma and intrinsic clearance were derived, which substantiated the apparently rapid distribution of [18F]7b in and elimination from the organisms. A TGase 2-mediated uptake of [18F]7b in different tumor cell lines could not be proven. Moreover, evaluation of [18F]7b in melanoma tumor xenograft models based on A375-hS100A4 (TGase 2 +) and MeWo (TGase 2 -) cells by ex vivo biodistribution and PET imaging studies were not indicative for a specific targeting.

CONCLUSION

[18F]7b is a valuable radiometric tool to study TGase 2 in vitro under various conditions. However, its suitability for targeting tumor-associated TGase 2 is strongly limited due its unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties as demonstrated in rodents. Consequently, from a radiochemical perspective [18F]7b requires appropriate structural modifications to overcome these limitations.

Preparation of 18F-Labeled Tracers Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein via Sulfur [18F]Fluoride Exchange Reaction

Early detection and treatment of cancers can significantly increase patient prognosis and enhance the quality of life of affected patients. The emerging significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a new frontier for cancer diagnosis and therapy may be exploited by radiolabeled tracers for diagnostic imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the TME are identified by biomarkers such as fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα), which are expressed on their surfaces. Targeting FAPα using small-molecule 18F-labeled inhibitors (FAPIs) has recently garnered significant attention for non-invasive tumor visualization using PET. Herein, two potent aryl-fluorosulfate-based FAPIs, 12 and 13, were synthetically prepared, and their inhibition potency was determined using a fluorimetric FAP assay to be IC50 9.63 and 4.17 nM, respectively. Radiofluorination was performed via the sulfur [18F]fluoride exchange ([18F]SuFEx) reaction to furnish [18F]12 and [18F]13 in high activity yields (AY) of 39-56% and molar activities (Am) between 20-55 GBq/µmol. In vitro experiments focused on the stability of the radiolabeled FAPIs after incubation with human serum, liver microsomes and liver cytosol. Preliminary PET studies of the radioligands were performed in healthy mice to investigate the in vivo biodistribution and 18F defluorination rate. Fast pharmacokinetics for the FAP-targeting tracers were retained and considerable bone uptake, caused by either 18F defluorination or radioligand accumulation, was observed. In summary, our findings demonstrate the efficiency of [18F]SuFEx as a radiolabeling method as well as its advantages and limitations with respect to PET tracer development.

Preparation of NIn-Methyl-6-[18F]fluoro- and 5-Hydroxy-7-[18F]fluorotryptophans as Candidate PET-Tracers for Pathway-Specific Visualization of Tryptophan Metabolism

Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential proteinogenic amino acid and metabolic precursor for several signaling molecules that has been implicated in many physiological and pathological processes. Since the two main branches of Trp metabolism-serotonin biosynthesis and kynurenine pathway-are differently affected by a variety of neurological and neoplastic diseases, selective visualization of these pathways is of high clinical relevance. However, while positron emission tomography (PET) with existing probes can be used for non-invasive assessment of total Trp metabolism, optimal imaging agents for pathway-specific PET imaging are still lacking. In this work, we describe the preparation of two 18F-labeled Trp derivatives, NIn-methyl-6-[18F]fluorotryptophan (NIn-Me-6-[18F]FTrp) and 5-hydroxy-7-[18F]fluorotryptophan (5-HO-7-[18F]FTrp). We also report feasible synthetic routes for the preparation of the hitherto unknown boronate radiolabeling precursors and non-radioactive reference compounds. Under optimized conditions, alcohol-enhanced Cu-mediated radiofluorination of the respective precursors afforded NIn-Me-6-[18F]FTrp and 5-HO-7-[18F]FTrp as application-ready solutions in radiochemical yields of 45 ± 7% and 29 ± 4%, respectively. As such, our work provides access to two promising candidate probes for pathway-specific visualization of Trp metabolism in amounts sufficient for their preclinical evaluation.

State of the art procedures towards reactive [18F]fluoride in PET tracer synthesis

BACKGROUND

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful, non-invasive preclinical and clinical nuclear imaging technique used in disease diagnosis and therapy assessment. Fluorine-18 is the predominant radionuclide used for PET tracer synthesis. An impressive variety of new 'late-stage' radiolabeling methodologies for the preparation of 18F-labeled tracers has appeared in order to improve the efficiency of the labeling reaction.

MAIN BODY

Despite these developments, one outstanding challenge into the early key steps of the process remains: the preparation of reactive [18F]fluoride from oxygen-18 enriched water ([18O]H2O). In the last decade, significant changes into the trapping, elution and drying stages have been introduced. This review provides an overview of the strategies and recent developments in the production of reactive [18F]fluoride and its use for radiolabeling.

CONCLUSION

Improved, modified or even completely new fluorine-18 work-up procedures have been developed in the last decade with widespread use in base-sensitive nucleophilic 18F-fluorination reactions. The many promising developments may lead to a few standardized drying methodologies for the routine production of a broad scale of PET tracers.

7-[18F]Fluoro-8-azaisatoic Anhydrides: Versatile Prosthetic Groups for the Preparation of PET Tracers

18F-Fluorination of sensitive molecules is often challenging, but can be accomplished under suitably mild conditions using radiofluorinated prosthetic groups (PGs). Herein, 1-alkylamino-7-[18F]fluoro-8-azaisatoic anhydrides ([18F]AFAs) are introduced as versatile 18F-labeled building blocks that can be used as amine-reactive or "click chemistry" PGs. [18F]AFAs were efficiently prepared within 15 min by "on cartridge" radiolabeling of readily accessible trimethylammonium precursors. Conjugation with a range of amines afforded the corresponding 2-alkylamino-6-[18F]fluoronicotinamides in radiochemical conversions (RCCs) of 15-98%. In addition, radiolabeling of alkyne- or azide-functionalized precursors with azidopropyl- or propargyl-substituted [18F]AFAs using Cu-catalyzed click cycloaddition afforded the corresponding conjugates in RCCs of 44-88%. The practical utility of the PGs was confirmed by the preparation of three 18F-labeled PSMA ligands in radiochemical yields of 28-42%. Biological evaluation in rats demonstrated excellent in vivo stability of all three conjugates. In addition, one conjugate ([18F]JK-PSMA-15) showed favorable imaging properties for high-contrast visualization of small PSMA-positive lesions.

Validation of analytical HPLC with post-column injection as a method for rapid and precise quantification of radiochemical yields

Accurate assessment of isolated radiochemical yields (RCYs) is a prerequisite for efficient and reliable optimization of labeling reactions. In practice, radiochemical conversions (RCCs) determined by HPLC analysis of crude reaction mixtures are often used to estimate RCYs. However, incomplete recovery of radioactivity from the stationary phase can lead to significant inaccuracies if RCCs are calculated based on the activity eluted from the column (i.e. the summed integrals of all peaks). Here, we validate a simple and practical method that overcomes problems associated with retention of activity on the column by determination of the total activity in the sample using post-column injection. Post-column injections were carried out using an additional injection valve, which was placed between the outlet of the HPLC column and the inlet of the detectors. 2-[18F]Fluoropyridine ([18F]FPy) and 8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([18F]CPFPX) were prepared with radiochemical purities of > 99.8% and mixed with [18F]fluoride at a ratio of 1:1 to simulate reaction mixtures obtained by radiolabeling reactions with an RCC of 50%. The samples were analyzed on three different C18 HPLC columns using neutral and acidic mobile phases. RCCs determined using the summed area of all peaks in the chromatograms were compared with those determined using post-column injection. Additionally, RCCs determined by post-column injection were corrected for activity losses before, during and after radiosyntheses to afford analytical RCYs, which were compared with isolated RCYs. Determination of RCCs based on the summed area of all peaks gave correct results under certain chromatographic conditions, but led to overestimation of the actual RCCs by up to 50% in other cases. In contrast, determination of RCCs using post-column injection provided precise results in all cases, and often significantly reduced analysis time. Moreover, analytical RCYs calculated from RCCs determined by post-column injection showed excellent agreement with isolated RCYs (<3% deviation). In conclusion, HPLC analysis using post-column injection enables reliable determination of RCCs independent of the chromatographic conditions and, together with a simple activity balance, rapid and accurate prediction of isolated RCYs.

Evaluation of the 18F-labeled analog of the therapeutic all-D-enantiomeric peptide RD2 for amyloid β imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radiotracers that bind to fibrillary amyloid β (Aβ) deposits is an important tool for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and for the recruitment of patients into clinical trials. However, it has been suggested that rather than the fibrillary Aβ deposits, it is smaller, soluble Aβ aggregates that exert a neurotoxic effect and trigger AD pathogenesis. The aim of the current study is to develop a PET probe that is capable of detecting small aggregates and soluble Aβ oligomers for improved diagnosis and therapy monitoring. An ¹⁸F-labeled radioligand was prepared based on the Aβ-binding d-enantiomeric peptide RD2, which is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a therapeutic agent to dissolve Aβ oligomers. ¹⁸F-labeling was carried out using palladium-catalyzed S-arylation of RD2 with 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-5-iodopyridine ([¹⁸F]FIPy). Specific binding of [¹⁸F]RD2-cFPy to brain material from transgenic AD (APP/PS1) mice and AD patients was demonstrated with in vitro autoradiography. In vivo uptake and biodistribution of [¹⁸F]RD2-cFPy were evaluated using PET analyses in wild-type and transgenic APP/PS1 mice. Although brain penetration and brain wash-out kinetics of the radioligand were low, this study provides proof of principle for a PET probe based on a d-enantiomeric peptide binding to soluble Aβ species.

One-Pot Radiosynthesis of [18F]Anle138b—5-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-(6-[18F]fluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole—A Potential PET Radiotracer Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregates

Availability of PET imaging radiotracers targeting α-synuclein aggregates is important for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and related α-synucleinopathies, as well as for the development of new therapeutics. Derived from a pyrazole backbone, 11C-labelled derivatives of anle138b (3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-5-(3-bromophenyl)-1H-pyrazole)—an inhibitor of α-synuclein and prion protein oligomerization—are currently in active development as the candidates for PET imaging α-syn aggregates. This work outlines the synthesis of a radiotracer based on the original structure of anle138b, labelled with fluorine-18 isotope, eminently suitable for PET imaging due to half-life and decay energy characteristics (97% β+ decay, 109.7 min half-life, and 635 keV positron energy). A three-step radiosynthesis was developed starting from 6-[18F]fluoropiperonal (6-[18F]FP) that was prepared using (piperonyl)(phenyl)iodonium bromide as a labelling precursor. The obtained 6-[18F]FP was used directly in the condensation reaction with tosylhydrazide followed by 1,3-cycloaddition of the intermediate with 3′-bromophenylacetylene eliminating any midway without any intermediate purifications. This one-pot approach allowed the complete synthesis of [18F]anle138b within 105 min with RCY of 15 ± 3% (n = 3) and Am in the range of 32–78 GBq/µmol. The [18F]fluoride processing and synthesis were performed in a custom-built semi-automated module, but the method can be implemented in all the modern automated platforms. While there is definitely space for further optimization, the procedure developed is well suited for preclinical studies of this novel radiotracer in animal models and/or cell cultures.

[18F]Tosyl fluoride as a versatile [18F]fluoride source for the preparation of 18F-labeled radiopharmaceuticals

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an in vivo imaging technology that utilizes positron-emitting radioisotope-labeled compounds as PET radiotracers that are commonly used in clinic and in various research areas, including oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Fluorine-18 is the most widely used PET-radionuclide and commonly produced by proton bombardment of ¹⁸O-enriched water in a cyclotron. The [¹⁸F]fluoride thus obtained generally requires processing by azeotropic drying in order to completely remove H₂O before it can be used for nucleophilic radiofluorination. In general, the drying step is important in facilitating the radiofluorination reactions and the preparation of ¹⁸F-labeled PET radiotracers. In this communication, we have demonstrated the feasibility of using [¹⁸F]tosyl fluoride ([¹⁸F]TsF) as a versatile [¹⁸F]fluoride source for radiofluorination to bypass the azeotropic drying step, and we have developed a continuous flow solid-phase radiosynthesis strategy to generate [¹⁸F]TsF in a form that is excellent for radiofluorination. [¹⁸F]TsF shows high reactivity in radiofluorination and provides the features suitable for preparing PET radiotracers on a small scale and exploring novel radiolabeling technologies. Thus, using [¹⁸F]TsF as a [¹⁸F]fluoride source is a promising strategy that facilitates radiofluorination and provides a convenient and efficient solution for the preparation of ¹⁸F-labeled radiopharmaceuticals that is well matched to the emerging trends in PET imaging technologies.

Next Generation Copper Mediators for the Efficient Production of 18 F-Labeled Aromatics

Cu-mediated radiofluorination is a versatile tool for the preparation of ¹⁸ F-labeled (hetero)aromatics. In this work, we systematically evaluated a series of complexes and identified several generally applicable mediators for highly efficient radiofluorination of aryl boronic and stannyl substrates. Utilization of these mediators in nBuOH/DMI or DMI significantly improved ¹⁸ F-labeling yields despite use of lower precursor amounts. Impressively, application of 2.5 μmol aryl boronic acids was sufficient to achieve ¹⁸ F-labeling yields of up to 75 %. The practicality of the novel mediators was demonstrated by efficient production of five PET-tracers and transfer of the method to an automated radiosynthesis module. In addition, (S)-3-[¹⁸ F]FPhe and 6-[¹⁸ F]FDOPA were prepared in activity yields of 23±1 % and 30±3 % using only 2.5 μmol of the corresponding boronic acid or trimethylstannyl precursor.

Optimization of Direct Aromatic 18F-Labeling of Tetrazines

Radiolabeling of tetrazines has gained increasing attention due to their important role in pretargeted imaging or therapy. The most commonly used radionuclide in PET imaging is fluorine-18. For this reason, we have recently developed a method which enables the direct aromatic ¹⁸F-fluorination of tetrazines using stannane precursors through copper-mediated fluorinations. Herein, we further optimized this labeling procedure. 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine was chosen for this purpose because of its high reactivity and respective limited stability during the labeling process. By optimizing parameters such as elution conditions, precursor amount, catalyst, time or temperature, the radiochemical yield (RCY) could be increased by approximately 30%. These conditions were then applied to optimize the RCY of a recently successfully developed and promising pretargeting imaging agent. This agent could be isolated in a decay corrected RCY of 14 ± 3% and Am of 201 ± 30 GBq/µmol in a synthesis time of 70 min. Consequently, the RCY increased by 27%.

Nucleophilic Radiofluorination Using Tri-tert-Butanol Ammonium as a Bifunctional Organocatalyst: Mechanism and Energetics

We present a quantum chemical analysis of the ¹⁸F-fluorination of 1,3-ditosylpropane, promoted by a quaternary ammonium salt (tri-(tert-butanol)-methylammonium iodide (TBMA-I) with moderate to good radiochemical yields (RCYs), experimentally observed by Shinde et al. We obtained the mechanism of the S_N2 process, focusing on the role of the –OH functional groups facilitating the reactions. We found that the counter-cation TBMA⁺ acts as a bifunctional promoter: the –OH groups function as a bidentate ‘anchor’ bridging the nucleophile [¹⁸F]F⁻ and the –OTs leaving group or the third –OH. These electrostatic interactions cooperate for the formation of the transition states of a very compact configuration for facile S_N2 ¹⁸F-fluorination.

Insights into Elution of Anion Exchange Cartridges: Opening the Path toward Aliphatic 18F-Radiolabeling of Base-Sensitive Tracers

Aliphatic nucleophilic substitution (S_N2) with [¹⁸F]fluoride is the most widely applied method to prepare ¹⁸F-labeled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. Strong basic conditions commonly used during ¹⁸F-labeling procedures inherently limit or prohibit labeling of base-sensitive scaffolds. The high basicity stems from the tradition to trap [¹⁸F]fluoride on anion exchange cartridges and elute it afterward with basic anions. This sequence is used to facilitate the transfer of [¹⁸F]fluoride from an aqueous to an aprotic organic, polar reaction medium, which is beneficial for S_N2 reactions. Furthermore, this sequence also removes cationic radioactive contaminations from cyclotron-irradiated [¹⁸O]water from which [¹⁸F]fluoride is produced. In this study, we developed an efficient elution procedure resulting in low basicity that permits S_N2 ¹⁸F-labeling of base-sensitive scaffolds. Extensive screening of trapping and elution conditions (>1000 experiments) and studying their influence on the radiochemical yield (RCY) allowed us to identify a suitable procedure for this. Using this procedure, four PET tracers and three synthons could be radiolabeled in substantially higher RCYs (up to 2.5-fold) compared to those of previously published procedures, even from lower precursor amounts. Encouraged by these results, we applied our low-basicity method to the radiolabeling of highly base-sensitive tetrazines, which cannot be labeled using state-of-art direct aliphatic ¹⁸F-labeling procedures. Labeling succeeded in RCYs of up to 20%. We believe that our findings facilitate PET tracer development by opening the path toward simple and direct S_N2 ¹⁸F fluorination of base-sensitive substrates.

Closing the gap between 19F and 18F chemistry

Positron emission tomography (PET) has become an invaluable tool for drug discovery and diagnosis. The positron-emitting radionuclide fluorine-18 is frequently used in PET radiopharmaceuticals due to its advantageous characteristics; hence, methods streamlining access to 18F-labelled radiotracers can make a direct impact in medicine. For many years, access to 18F-labelled radiotracers was limited by the paucity of methodologies available, and the poor diversity of precursors amenable to 18F-incorporation. During the last two decades, 18F-radiochemistry has progressed at a fast pace with the appearance of numerous methodologies for late-stage 18F-incorporation onto complex molecules from a range of readily available precursors including those that do not require pre-functionalisation. Key to these advances is the inclusion of new activation modes to facilitate 18F-incorporation. Specifically, new advances in late-stage 19F-fluorination under transition metal catalysis, photoredox catalysis, and organocatalysis combined with the availability of novel 18F-labelled fluorination reagents have enabled the invention of novel processes for 18F-incorporation onto complex (bio)molecules. This review describes these major breakthroughs with a focus on methodologies for C-18F bond formation. This reinvigorated interest in 18F-radiochemistry that we have witnessed in recent years has made a direct impact on 19F-chemistry with many laboratories refocusing their efforts on the development of methods using nucleophilic fluoride instead of fluorination reagents derived from molecular fluorine gas.

The Non-Anhydrous, Minimally Basic Synthesis of the Dopamine D2 Agonist [18F]MCL-524

The dopamine D2 agonist MCL-524 is selective for the D2 receptor in the high-affinity state (D2high), and, therefore, the PET analogue, [18F]MCL-524, may facilitate the elucidation of the role of D2high in disorders such as schizophrenia. However, the previously reported synthesis of [18F]MCL-524 proved difficult to replicate and was lacking experimental details. We therefore developed a new synthesis of [18F]MCL-524 using a "non-anhydrous, minimally basic" (NAMB) approach. In this method, [18F]F- is eluted from a small (10-12 mg) trap-and-release column with tetraethylammonium tosylate (2.37 mg) in 7:3 MeCN:H2O (0.1 mL), rather than the basic carbonate or bicarbonate solution that is most often used for [18F]F- recovery. The tosylated precursor (1 mg) in 0.9 mL anhydrous acetonitrile was added directly to the eluate, without azeotropic drying, and the solution was heated (150 °C/15 min). The catechol was then deprotected with the Lewis acid In(OTf)3 (10 equiv.; 150 °C/20 min). In contrast to deprotection with protic acids, Lewis-acid-based deprotection facilitated the efficient removal of byproducts by HPLC and eliminated the need for SPE extraction prior to HPLC purification. Using the NAMB approach, [18F]MCL-524 was obtained in 5-9% RCY (decay-corrected, n = 3), confirming the utility of this improved method for the multistep synthesis of [18F]MCL-524 and suggesting that it may applicable to the synthesis of other 18F-labeled radiotracers.

18F-Fluorination Using Tri-Tert-Butanol Ammonium Iodide as Phase-Transfer Catalyst: An Alternative Minimalist Approach

The ¹⁸F syntheses of tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) typically require several steps, including extraction of [¹⁸F]fluoride from H₂[¹⁸O]O, elution, and drying, prior to nucleophilic substitution reaction, being a laborious and time-consuming process. The elution of [¹⁸F]fluoride is commonly achieved by phase transfer catalysts (PTC) in aqueous solution, which makes azeotropic drying indispensable. The ideal PTC is characterized by a slightly basic nature, its capacity to elute [¹⁸F]fluoride with anhydrous solvents, and its efficient complex formation with [¹⁸F]fluoride during subsequent labeling. Herein, we developed tri-(tert-butanol)-methylammonium iodide (TBMA-I), a quaternary ammonium salt serving as the PTC for ¹⁸F-fluorination reactions. The favorable elution efficiency of [¹⁸F]fluoride using TBMA-I was demonstrated with aprotic and protic solvents, maintaining high ¹⁸F-recoveries of 96-99%. ¹⁸F-labeling reactions using TBMA-I as PTC were studied with aliphatic 1,3-ditosylpropane and aryl pinacol boronate esters as precursors, providing ¹⁸F-labeled products in moderate-to-high radiochemical yields. TBMA-I revealed adequate properties for application to ¹⁸F-fluorination reactions and could be used for elution of [¹⁸F]fluoride with MeOH, omitting an additional base and azeotropic drying prior to ¹⁸F-labeling. We speculate that the tert-alcohol functionality of TBMA-I promotes intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which enhances the elution efficiency and stability of [¹⁸F]fluoride during nucleophilic ¹⁸F-fluorination.

18F-labeled tracers targeting fibroblast activation protein

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts are found in the stroma of epithelial tumors. They are characterized by overexpression of the fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a serine protease which was already proven as attractive target for chelator-based theranostics. Unfortunately, the value of gallium-68 labeled tracers is limited by their batch size and the short nuclide half-life. To overcome this drawback, radiolabeling with aluminum fluoride complexes and 6-fluoronicotinamide derivatives of the longer-lived nuclide fluorine-18 was established. The novel compounds were tested for their FAP-specific binding affinity. Uptake and binding competition were studied in vitro using FAP expressing HT-1080 cells. HEK cells transfected with the closely related dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (HEK-CD26) were used as negative control. Small animal positron emission tomography imaging and biodistribution experiments were performed in HT-1080-FAP xenografted nude mice. [¹⁸F]AlF-FAPI-74 was selected for PET/CT imaging in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient.

Results

In vitro, ¹⁸F-labeled FAPI-derivatives demonstrated high affinity (EC₅₀ = < 1 nm to 4.2 nm) and binding of up to 80% to the FAP-expressing HT1080 cells while no binding to HEK-CD26 cells was observed. While small animal PET imaging revealed unfavorable biliary excretion of most of the ¹⁸F-labeled compounds, the NOTA bearing compounds [¹⁸F]AlF-FAPI-74 and -75 achieved good tumor-to-background ratios, as a result of their preferred renal excretion. These two compounds showed the highest tumor accumulation in PET imaging. The organ distribution values of [¹⁸F]AlF-FAPI-74 were in accordance with the small animal PET imaging results. Due to its less complex synthesis, fast clearance and low background values, [¹⁸F]AlF-FAPI-74 was chosen for clinical imaging. PET/CT of a patient with metastasized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), enabled visualization of the primary tumor and its metastases at the hepatic portal and in several bones. This was accompanied by a rapid clearance from the blood pool and low background in healthy organs.

Conclusion

[¹⁸F]AlF-labeled FAPI derivatives represent powerful tracers for PET. Owing to an excellent performance in PET imaging, FAPI-74 can be regarded as a promising precursor for [¹⁸F]AlF-based FAP-imaging.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41181-021-00144-x.

Scalable 18F processing conditions for copper-mediated radiofluorination chemistry facilitate DoE optimization studies and afford an improved synthesis of [18F]olaparib

A convenient and scalable base-free method for processing [¹⁸F]fluoride as [¹⁸F]TBAF is reported and applied to copper-mediated radiofluorination radiosyntheses. A central feature of this method is that a single production of [¹⁸F]TBAF can be divided into small aliquots that can be used to perform multiple small-scale reactions in DoE optimization studies. The results of these studies can then be reliably translated to full batch tracer productions using automated synthesizers. The processing method was applied to the DoE optimization of [¹⁸F]olaparib, affording the tracer in high radiochemical yields via both manual (%RCY = 78 ± 6%, n = 4 (CMRF step only)) and automated (up to 80% (%RCY); 41% activity yield (%AY)) radiosynthesis procedures.

Aliphatic 18 F-Radiofluorination: Recent Advances in the Labeling of Base-Sensitive Substrates*

Aliphatic fluorine-18 radiolabeling is the most commonly used method to synthesize tracers for PET-imaging. With an increasing demand for ¹⁸ F-radiotracers for clinical applications, new labeling strategies aiming to increase radiochemical yields of established tracers or, more importantly, to enable ¹⁸ F-labeling of new scaffolds have been developed. In recent years, increased attention has been focused on the direct aliphatic ¹⁸ F-fluorination of base-sensitive substrates in this respect. This minireview gives a concise overview of the recent advances within this field and aims to highlight the advantages and limitations of these methods.

Fluorine-18 labeled aldehydes as prosthetic groups for oxime coupling with a FVIIa protein

New 18 F-labeled nonvolatile aldehyde prosthetic groups derived from [18 F]F-Py-TFP and spirocyclic iodonium (III)ylide precursors for late stage 18 F-labeling were developed. These precursors were characterized, 18 F-labeled, and compared in reactivity for oxime coupling. Oxime coupling was performed on an amino-oxy modified inhibited factor VII (FVIIai-ONH2 ) in low concentration to prove the applicability of the proposed method.

Rapid 18F-labeling via Pd-catalyzed S-arylation in aqueous medium

We report radiolabeling of thiol-containing substrates via Pd-catalyzed S-arylation with 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-5-iodopyridine, which is readily accessible using the "minimalist" radiofluorination method. The practicality of the procedure was confirmed by preparation of a novel PSMA-specific PET-tracer as well as labeling of glutathione, Aβ oligomer-binding RD2 peptide, bovine serum albumin and PSMA I&S.

Trialkylammonium salt degradation: implications for methylation and cross-coupling

Trialkylammonium (most notably N,N,N-trimethylanilinium) salts are known to display dual reactivity through both the aryl group and the N-methyl groups. These salts have thus been widely applied in cross-coupling, aryl etherification, fluorine radiolabelling, phase-transfer catalysis, supramolecular recognition, polymer design, and (more recently) methylation. However, their application as electrophilic methylating reagents remains somewhat underexplored, and an understanding of their arylation versus methylation reactivities is lacking. This study presents a mechanistic degradation analysis of N,N,N-trimethylanilinium salts and highlights the implications for synthetic applications of this important class of salts. Kinetic degradation studies, in both solid and solution phases, have delivered insights into the physical and chemical parameters affecting anilinium salt stability. ¹H NMR kinetic analysis of salt degradation has evidenced thermal degradation to methyl iodide and the parent aniline, consistent with a closed-shell S_N2-centred degradative pathway, and methyl iodide being the key reactive species in applied methylation procedures. Furthermore, the effect of halide and non-nucleophilic counterions on salt degradation has been investigated, along with deuterium isotope and solvent effects. New mechanistic insights have enabled the investigation of the use of trimethylanilinium salts in O-methylation and in improved cross-coupling strategies. Finally, detailed computational studies have helped highlight limitations in the current state-of-the-art of solvation modelling of reaction in which the bulk medium undergoes experimentally observable changes over the reaction timecourse.

The dual reactivity of N,N,N-trimethylanilinium salts towards arylation and methylation is decoupled in this mechanistic investigation to enable more strategic application of these salts in either reaction class.

Small Molecule, Multimodal, [18F]-PET and Fluorescence Imaging Agent Targeting Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen: First-in-Human Study

BACKGROUND

A first-in-human study of [¹⁸F]-BF3-Cy3-ACUPA, a small-molecule contrast agent that can be unimolecularly both positron emitting and fluorescent, is conducted to determine its: its safety, biodistribution, radiation dosimetry, feasibility in tumor detection by preoperative positron emission tomography (PET), as well as its intraoperative fluorescence imaging utility in patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen positive (PSMA⁺) tumors.

METHODS

Ten patients aged 66 ± 7 years received a 6.5 ± 3.2 mCi intravenous injection of [¹⁸F]-BF3-Cy3-ACUPA and underwent PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging. Radiation dosimetry of [¹⁸F]-BF3-Cy3-ACUPA, normal organ biodistribution, and tumor uptakes were examined. Two patients were prescheduled for radical prostatectomy (RP) with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy approximately 24 hours following [¹⁸F]-BF3-Cy3-ACUPA injection and imaging. Without reinjection, intraoperative fluorescence imaging was performed on freshly excised tissue during RP. Frozen sections of excised tissue during RP were submitted for confirmatory histopathology and multiphoton fluorescence and brightfield microscopy.

RESULTS

Absorbed doses by organs including the kidneys and salivary glands were similar to 68Ga-PSMA-11 imaging. [¹⁸F]-BF3-Cy3-ACUPA physiologic radiotracer accumulation and urinary/biliary excretion closely resembled the distribution of other published PSMA tracers including [¹⁸F]-JK-PSMA-7, [¹⁸F]-PSMA-1007, [¹⁸F]-DCFPyL, and [¹⁸F]-DCFBC. ¹⁹F-BF3-Cy3-ACUPA was retained in PSMA⁺ cancer in patients for at least 24 hours, allowing for intraoperative fluorescence assessment of the prostate and of the embedded prostate cancer without contrast reinjection. After 24 hours, the majority of contrast had decayed or cleared from the blood pool. Preoperative PET and fluorescence imaging findings were confirmed with final histopathology and multiphoton microscopy.

CONCLUSION

Our first-in-human results demonstrate that [¹⁸F]-BF3-Cy3-ACUPA is both safe and useful in humans. Larger trials with this PET tracer are expected to further define its capabilities and its clinical role in the management of PSMA⁺ tumors, especially in prostate cancer.

Development of an 18F-Labeled Irreversible Inhibitor of Transglutaminase 2 as Radiometric Tool for Quantitative Expression Profiling in Cells and Tissues

The transamidase activity of transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) is considered to be important for several pathophysiological processes including fibrotic and neoplastic tissue growth, whereas in healthy cells this enzymatic function is predominantly latent. Methods that enable the highly sensitive detection of TGase 2, such as application of radiolabeled activity-based probes, will support the exploration of the enzyme's function in various diseases. In this context, the radiosynthesis and detailed in vitro radiopharmacological evaluation of an ¹⁸F-labeled N^ε-acryloyllysine piperazide are reported. Robust and facile detection of the radiotracer-TGase 2 complex by autoradiography of thin layer plates and polyacrylamide gels after chromatographic and electrophoretic separation owing to irreversible covalent bond formation was demonstrated for the isolated protein, cell lysates, and living cells. By use of this radiotracer, quantitative data on the expression profile of activatable TGase 2 in mouse organs and selected tumors were obtained for the first time by autoradiography of tissue sections.

Development of a novel [18 F]fluorobenzyl derivative of the AT1 receptor antagonist Candesartan

Candesartan is a clinically approved angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 R)-blocker that selectively binds AT1 Rs in high affinity. We report here the radiosynthesis and automation of the novel [18 F]fluorobenzyl derivative of Candesartan using the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. [18 F]Fluorobenzyl-Candesartan ([18 F]7) was developed from 4-[18 F]fluoroiodobenzene ([18 F]FIB) that was conjugated with alkyne-trityl-candesartan with the assistance of a Pd (PPh3 )4 /CuI catalyst followed by acid deprotection. The three-step two-reactor 2-HPLC purification process was automated resulting in >90% pure [18 F]7 in a RCY of 4.6 ± 1.1% (decay corrected from EOB) and molar activities of 1,406-5,513 GBq/mmol. [18 F]FIB was reproducibly obtained by direct radiofluorination of the mono-iodinated triphenylsulfonium salt in the presence of K222/K2 CO3 in an ~30% yield (decay-corrected). [18 F]7 was stable (>97%) up to 4 h in solution and up to 1 h in rat plasma at 37°C. However, the use of Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction to produce [18 F]7 in high yields and molar activities was found to be challenging for routine use in radiochemistry labs.

11C- and 18F-labelled tryptophans as PET-tracers for imaging of altered tryptophan metabolism in age-associated disorders

The ageing of the world’s population is the result of increased life expectancy observed in almost all countries throughout the world. Consequently, a rising tide of ageing-associated disorders, like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, represents one of the main global challenges of the 21st century. The ability of mankind to overcome these challenges is directly dependent on the capability to develop novel methods for therapy and diagnosis of age-associated diseases. One hallmark of age-related pathologies is an altered tryptophan metabolism. Numerous pathological processes including neurodegenerative and neurological diseases like epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, cancer and diabetes exhibit marked changes in tryptophan metabolism. Visualization of key processes of tryptophan metabolic pathways, especially using positron emission tomography (PET) and related hybrid methods like PET/CT and PET/MRI, can be exploited to early detect the aforementioned disorders with considerable accuracy, allowing appropriate and timely treatment of patients. Here we review the published 11C- and 18F-labelled tryptophans with respect to the production and also preclinical and clinical evaluation as PET-tracers for visualization of different branches of tryptophan metabolism.

The bibliography includes 159 references.

4-Nitrophenyl activated esters are superior synthons for indirect radiofluorination of biomolecules

Indirect radiolabelling has for a long time been the mainstay strategy for radiofluorination of biomolecules. Acylation of biomolecules through the use of an 18F-labelled activated ester is a standard method for indirect radiolabelling. However, the preparation of 18F-labelled activated esters is typically a complex and multistep procedure. Herein, we describe the use of 4-nitrophenyl (PNP) activated esters to rapidly prepare 18F-labelled acylation synthons in one step. Furthermore, we present a comparative study of PNP activated esters and the commonly utilised 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorphenyl (TFP) activated esters under direct radiofluorination conditions and demonstrate their relative acylation behaviour. We demonstrate the superiority of PNP esters under direct radiofluorination conditions with favourable acylation kinetics.

Copper-Mediated Late-stage Radiofluorination: Five Years of Impact on Pre-clinical and Clinical PET Imaging

PURPOSE

Copper-mediated radiofluorination (CMRF) is emerging as the method of choice for the formation of aromatic C-18F bonds. This minireview examines proof-of-concept, pre-clinical, and in-human imaging studies of new and established imaging agents containing aromatic C-18F bonds synthesized with CMRF. An exhaustive discussion of CMRF methods is not provided, although key developments that have enabled or improved upon the syntheses of fluorine-18 imaging agents are discussed.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search from April 2014 onwards of the Web of Science and PubMed library databases was performed to find reports that utilize CMRF for the synthesis of fluorine-18 radiopharmaceuticals, and these represent the primary body of research discussed in this minireview. Select conference proceedings, previous reports describing alternative methods for the synthesis of imaging agents, and preceding fluorine-19 methodologies have also been included for discussion.

CONCLUSIONS

CMRF has significantly expanded the chemical space that is accessible to fluorine-18 radiolabeling with production methods that can meet the regulatory requirements for use in Nuclear Medicine. Furthermore, it has enabled novel and improved syntheses of radiopharmaceuticals and facilitated subsequent PET imaging studies. The rapid adoption of CMRF will undoubtedly continue to simplify the production of imaging agents and inspire the development of new radiofluorination methodologies.

Minimalist approach meets green chemistry: Synthesis of 18 F- labeled (hetero)aromatics in pure ethanol

The application of toxic solvents and additives is inevitable for most of the described protocols for ¹⁸ F-labeling. Herein, a novel "green" procedure for nucleophilic aromatic radiofluorination of highly activated (hetero)aromatic substrates in pure EtOH is described. Using this method a series of ¹⁸ F-labeled (hetero)arenes have been synthesized in radiochemical yields (RCYs) of up to 97%.

A non-anhydrous, minimally basic protocol for the simplification of nucleophilic 18F-fluorination chemistry

Fluorine-18 radiolabeling typically includes several conserved steps including elution of the [18F]fluoride from an anion exchange cartridge with a basic solution of K2CO3 or KHCO3 and Kryptofix 2.2.2. in mixture of acetonitrile and water followed by rigorous azeotropic drying to remove the water. In this work we describe an alternative "non-anhydrous, minimally basic" ("NAMB") technique that simplifies the process and avoids the basic conditions that can sometimes limit the scope and efficiency of [18F]fluoride incorporation chemistry. In this approach, [18F]F- is eluted from small (10-12 mg) anion-exchange cartridges with solutions of tetraethylammonium bicarbonate, perchlorate or tosylate in polar aprotic solvents containing 10-50% water. After dilution with additional aprotic solvent, these solutions are used directly in nucleophilic aromatic and aliphatic 18F-fluorination reactions, obviating the need for azeotropic drying. Perchlorate and tosylate are minimally basic anions that are nevertheless suitable for removal of [18F]F- from the anion-exchange cartridge. As proof-of-principle, "NAMB" chemistry was utilized for the synthesis of the dopamine D2/D3 antagonist [18F]fallypride.

Original synthesis of radiolabeling precursors for batch and on resin one-step/late-stage radiofluorination of peptides

Radiolabeling of peptides with fluorine-18 is hurdled by their chemical sensitivity and complicated processes. Original triflyl-pyridine intermediates afforded ammonium precursors that were radiolabeled at low temperature. From that study, a generic tag has been designed to allow a simple one-step/late-stage radiolabelling of peptides. The strategy has been transposed to an automated "on-resin" radiolabelling.

Alcohol-Supported Cu-Mediated 18F-Fluorination of Iodonium Salts under "Minimalist" Conditions

In the era of personalized precision medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and related hybrid methods like PET/CT and PET/MRI gain recognition as indispensable tools of clinical diagnostics. A broader implementation of these imaging modalities in clinical routine is closely dependent on the increased availability of established and emerging PET-tracers, which in turn could be accessible by the development of simple, reliable, and efficient radiolabeling procedures. A further requirement is a cGMP production of imaging probes in automated synthesis modules. Herein, a novel protocol for the efficient preparation of ¹⁸F-labeled aromatics via Cu-mediated radiofluorination of (aryl)(mesityl)iodonium salts without the need of evaporation steps is described. Labeled aromatics were prepared in high radiochemical yields simply by heating of iodonium [¹⁸F]fluorides with the Cu-mediator in methanolic DMF. The iodonium [¹⁸F]fluorides were prepared by direct elution of ¹⁸F^- from an anion exchange resin with solutions of the corresponding precursors in MeOH/DMF. The practicality of the novel method was confirmed by the racemization-free production of radiolabeled fluorophenylalanines, including hitherto unknown 3-[¹⁸F]FPhe, in 22-69% isolated radiochemical yields as well as its direct implementation into a remote-controlled synthesis unit.

A Design of Experiments (DoE) Approach Accelerates the Optimization of Copper-Mediated 18F-Fluorination Reactions of Arylstannanes

Recent advancements in ¹⁸F radiochemistry, such as the advent of copper-mediated radiofluorination (CMRF) chemistry, have provided unprecedented access to novel chemically diverse PET probes; however, these multicomponent reactions have come with a new set of complex optimization problems. Design of experiments (DoE) is a statistical approach to process optimization that is used across a variety of industries. It possesses a number of advantages over the traditionally employed "one variable at a time" (OVAT) approach, such as increased experimental efficiency as well as an ability to resolve factor interactions and provide detailed maps of a process's behavior. Here we demonstrate the utility of DoE to the development and optimization of new radiochemical methodologies and novel PET tracer synthesis. Using DoE to construct experimentally efficient factor screening and optimization studies, we were able to identify critical factors and model their behavior with more than two-fold greater experimental efficiency than the traditional OVAT approach. Additionally, the use of DoE allowed us to glean new insights into the behavior of the CMRF of a number of arylstannane precursors. This information has guided our decision-making efforts while developing efficient reaction conditions that suit the unique process requirements of ¹⁸F PET tracer synthesis.

Biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [18F]-JK-PSMA-7 as a novel prostate-specific membrane antigen-specific ligand for PET/CT imaging of prostate cancer

Aim

We investigated the whole-body distribution and the radiation dosimetry of [¹⁸F]-JK-PSMA-7, a novel ¹⁸F-labeled PSMA-ligand for PET/CT imaging of prostate cancer.

Methods

Ten patients with prostate cancer and biochemical recurrence or radiologic evidence of metastatic diseases were examined with 329–384 MBq (mean 359 ± 17 MBq) [¹⁸F]-JK-PSMA-7. Eight sequential positron emission tomography (PET) scans were acquired from 20 min to 3 h after injection with IRB approval. The kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and salivary glands were segmented into volumes of interest using the QDOSE dosimetry software suite (ABX-CRO, Germany). Absorbed and effective dose were calculated using the ICRP-endorsed IDAC 1.0 package. The absorbed dose of the salivary glands was determined using the spherical model of OLINDA 1.1. PSMA-positive lesions were evaluated separately. Quantitative assessment of the uptake in suspicious lesions was performed by analysis of maximum (max) and peak SUV values. The gluteus maximus muscle (SUV_mean) served as a reference region for the calculation of tumor-to-background ratios (TBR’s).

Results

Physiologic radiotracer accumulation was observed in the salivary and lacrimal glands, liver, spleen, and intestines, in a pattern resembling the distribution known from other PSMA-tracers with excretion via urinary and biliary pathways. The effective dose from [¹⁸F]-JK-PSMA-7 for the whole body was calculated to be 1.09E−02 mGy/MBq. The highest radiation dose was observed in the kidneys (1.76E−01 mGy/MBq), followed by liver (7.61E−02 mGy/MBq), salivary glands (4.68E−02 mGy/MBq), spleen (1.89E−02 mGy/MBq), and lungs (1.10E-2 mGy/MBq). No adverse effects of tracer injection were observed. Six out of ten patients were scored as PSMA-positive. A total of 18 suspicious lesions were analyzed, which included six bone lesions, nine lymph nodes, and three local lesions within the prostate fossa. The values for the SUV_max and SUV_peak in the PSMA-positive lesions increased until 60 min p.i. and remained at this intensity in the PET/CT scans until 140 min. In the period between 170 and 200 min after injection, a further significant increase in SUV_max and SUV_peak within the PSMA-positive lesions was observed.

Conclusions

The highest TBR of [¹⁸F]-JK-PSMA-7 was found 3 h after injection. From the kinetically collected data, it can be concluded that this trend may also continue in the further course. The start of the PET/CT acquisition should be chosen as late as possible. The high uptake in suspicious lesions in terms of absolute SUV_max and relative TBR values indicates potentially high sensitivity of the tracer for detection of prostate cancer manifestations.

The first radiosynthesis of 2-amino-5-[18F]fluoropyridines via a "minimalist" radiofluorination/palladium-catalyzed amination sequence from anisyl(2-bromopyridinyl)iodonium triflate

The synthesis of 2-amino-5-[¹⁸F]fluoropyridines was achieved in 8-85% yields by palladium-catalyzed reaction of 2-bromo-5-[¹⁸F]fluoropyridine with piperidine, dimethylamine, butylamine, methylpiperazine, benzylamine, aniline and 3-aminopyridine. 2-Bromo-5-[¹⁸F]fluoropyridine was obtained by radiofluorination of anisyl(2-bromopyridinyl-5)iodonium triflate (88% yield). The radiofluorination step was performed under "minimalist" conditions to guarantee a successful subsequent amination reaction.

Peripheral ganglia in healthy rats as target structures for the evaluation of PSMA imaging agents

Background

The recent implementation of PET with prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-specific radiotracers into the clinical practice has resulted in the significant improvement of accuracy in the detection of prostate carcinoma (PCa). PSMA-expression in ganglia has been regarded as an important pitfall in prostate carcinoma-PET diagnostics but has not found any practical use for diagnosis or therapy.

Methods

We explored this phenomenon and demonstrated the applicability of peripheral ganglia in healthy rats as surrogates for small PSMA positive lesions for the preclinical evaluation of diagnostic PCa PET probes. Healthy rats were measured with PET/CT using the tracers [¹⁸F]DCFPyL, [Al¹⁸F]PSMA-11 and [⁶⁸Ga]PSMA-11. Sections of ganglia were stained with an anti-PSMA antibody. [¹⁸F]DCFPyL uptake in ganglia was compared to that in LNCaP tumor xenografts in mice.

Results

Whereas [¹⁸F]DCFPyL and [⁶⁸Ga]PSMA-11 were stable in vivo and accumulated in peripheral ganglia, [Al¹⁸F]PSMA-11 suffered from fast in vivo deflourination resulting in high bone uptake. Ganglionic PSMA expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. [¹⁸F]DCFPyL uptake and signal-to-noise ratio in the superior cervical ganglion was not significantly different from LNCaP xenografts.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated the non-inferiority of the novel model compared to conventionally used tumor xenografts in immune compromised rodents with regard to reproducibility and stability of the PSMA signal. Furthermore, the model involves less expense and efforts while it is permanently available and avoids tumor-growth associated animal morbidity and distress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first tumor-free model suitable for the in vivo evaluation of tumor imaging agents.

Discovery of 18F-JK-PSMA-7, a PET Probe for the Detection of Small PSMA-Positive Lesions

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), expressed by most prostate carcinomas (PCa), is a promising target for PCa imaging. The application of PSMA-specific ¹⁸F-labeled PET probes such as ¹⁸F-DCFPyL and ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 considerably improved the accuracy of PCa tumor detection. However, there remains a need for further improvements in sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was the development of highly selective and specific PSMA probes with enhanced imaging properties, in comparison with ¹⁸F-DCFPyL, ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007, and ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11. Methods: Eight novel ¹⁸F-labeled PSMA ligands were prepared. Their cellular uptake in PSMA-positive LNCaP C4-2 and PSMA-negative PC-3 cells was compared with that of ¹⁸F-DCFPyL. The most promising candidates were additionally evaluated by small-animal PET in healthy rats using PSMA-positive peripheral ganglia as a model for small PCa lesions. PET images of the ligand with the best outcome, ¹⁸F-JK-PSMA-7, were compared with those of ¹⁸F-DCFPyL, ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007, and ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 with respect to key image-quality parameters for the time frame 60-120 min. Results: Compared with ¹⁸F-DCFPyL, ¹⁸F-JK-PSMA-7 demonstrated increased PSMA-specific cellular uptake. Although target-to-background ratios of ¹⁸F-DCFPyL and ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 were comparable, this parameter was higher for ¹⁸F-JK-PSMA-7 and lower for ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11. Image acutance was significantly higher for ¹⁸F-JK-PSMA-7 and ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 than for ¹⁸F-DCFPyL and ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11. Image resolution was similar for all 4 tracers. ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 demonstrated significantly higher blood protein binding and bone uptake than the other tracers. Conclusion: ¹⁸F-JK-PSMA-7 is a promising candidate for high-quality visualization of small PSMA-positive lesions. Excellent preclinical imaging properties justify further preclinical and clinical studies of this tracer.

Automated concentration of [18F]fluoride into microliter volumes

Concentration of [18F]fluoride has been mentioned in literature, however, reports have lacked details about system designs, operation, and performance. Here, we describe in detail a compact, fast, fully-automated concentration system based on a micro-sized strong anion exchange cartridge. The concentration of radionuclides enables scaled-up microfluidic synthesis. Our system can also be used to provide highly concentrated [18F]fluoride with minimal water content. We demonstrate how the concentrator can produce varying concentrations of [18F]fluoride for the macroscale synthesis of N-boc-5-[18F]fluoroindole without an azeotropic drying process, while enabling high starting radioactivity. By appropriate choice of solid-phase resin, flow conditions, and eluent solution, we believe this approach can be extended beyond [18F]fluoride to other radionuclides.

Rapid synthesis of maleimide functionalized fluorine-18 labeled prosthetic group using "radio-fluorination on the Sep-Pak" method

Following our recently published fluorine-18 labeling method, "Radio-fluorination on the Sep-Pak", we have successfully synthesized 6-[18 F]fluoronicotinaldehyde by passing a solution (1:4 acetonitrile: t-butanol) of its quaternary ammonium salt precursor, 6-(N,N,N-trimethylamino)nicotinaldehyde trifluoromethanesulfonate (2), through a fluorine-18 containing anion exchange cartridge (PS-HCO3 ). Over 80% radiochemical conversion was observed using 10 mg of precursor within 1 minute. The [18 F]fluoronicotinaldehyde ([18 F]5) was then conjugated with 1-(6-(aminooxy)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione to prepare the fluorine-18 labeled maleimide functionalized prosthetic group, 6-[18 F]fluoronicotinaldehyde O-(6-(2,5-dioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)hexyl) oxime, 6-[18 F]FPyMHO ([18 F]6). The current Sep-Pak method not only improves the overall radiochemical yield (50 ± 9%, decay-corrected, n = 9) but also significantly reduces the synthesis time (from 60-90 minutes to 30 minutes) when compared with literature methods for the synthesis of similar prosthetic groups.

Practical microscale one-pot radiosynthesis of 18 F-labeled probes

High specific activity is often a significant requirement for radiopharmaceuticals. To achieve that with fluorine-18 (¹⁸ F)-labeled probes, it is mandatory to start from no-carrier-added fluoride and to reduce to a minimum the amount of precursor in order to decrease the presence of any pseudocarrier. In the present study, a feasible and efficient method for microscale one-pot radiosynthesis of ¹⁸ F-labeled probes is described. It allows a substantial reduction in precursor, solvent, and reagents, thus reducing also possible side reaction in the case of base-sensitive precursors. The method is based on the use of a small amount of Kryptofix 2.2.2/potassium [¹⁸ F]fluoride in MeOH (K.222/K[¹⁸ F]F-MeOH) obtained using Oasis MAX and MCX cartridges. Five methods, differing in terms of MeOH evaporation and precursor addition, for the radiosynthesis of [¹⁸ F]fallypride and [¹⁸ F]FET in ≤50-μL scale, were examined and evaluated. The method using the addition of DMSO to the K.222/K[¹⁸ F]F-MeOH solution prior to MeOH evaporation is proposed as a versatile procedure for feasible one-pot 10- to 20-μL scale radiosyntheses. This method was successfully applied also to the radiosynthesis of [¹⁸ F]FES, [¹⁸ F]FLT, and [¹⁸ F]FMISO, with radiochemical yields comparable with those reported in the literature. Purification of a crude product by an analytical HPLC column was also demonstrated.

Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of novel 18F-labeled Glu-urea-Glu-based PSMA inhibitors for prostate cancer imaging: a comparison with 18F-DCFPyl and 18F-PSMA-1007

Background

Due to its high and consistent expression in prostate cancer (PCa), the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) represents an ideal target for molecular imaging and targeted therapy using highly specific radiolabeled PSMA ligands. To address the continuously growing clinical demand for ¹⁸F-labeled PSMA-probes, we developed two novel Glu-urea-Glu-(EuE)-based inhibitors, EuE-k-¹⁸F-FBOA (1) and EuE-k-β-a-¹⁸F-FPyl (2), both with optimized linker structure and different ¹⁸F-labeled aromatic moieties. The inhibitors were evaluated in a comparative preclinical study with ¹⁸F-DCFPyl and ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007.

Results

Radiolabeling procedures allowed preparation of (1) and (2) with high radiochemical yields (67 ± 7 and 53 ± 7%, d.c.) and purity (> 98%). When compared with ¹⁸F-DCFPyl (IC₅₀ = 12.3 ± 1.2 nM) and ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 (IC₅₀ = 4.2 ± 0.5 nM), both metabolically stable EuE-based ligands showed commensurable or higher PSMA affinity (IC₅₀ = 4.2 ± 0.4 nM (1), IC₅₀ = 1.1 ± 0.2 nM (2)). Moreover, 1.4- and 2.7-fold higher internalization rates were observed for (1) and (2), respectively, resulting in markedly enhanced tumor accumulation in LNCaP-tumor-bearing mice ((1) 12.7 ± 2.0% IA/g, (2) 13.0° ± 1.0% IA/g vs. 7.3 ± 1.0% IA/g (¹⁸F-DCFPyl), 7.1 ± 1.5% IA/g (¹⁸F-PSMA-1007), 1 h p.i.). In contrast to (1), (2) showed higher kidney accumulation and delayed clearance kinetics. Due to the high hydrophilicity of both compounds, almost no unspecific uptake in non-target tissue was observed. In contrast, due to the less hydrophilic character (logP = − 1.6) and high plasma protein binding (98%), ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 showed uptake in non-target tissue and predominantly hepatobiliary excretion, whereas, ¹⁸F-DCFPyl exhibited pharmacokinetics quite similar to those obtained with (1) and (2).

Conclusion

Both ¹⁸F-labeled EuE-based PSMA ligands showed excellent in vitro and in vivo PSMA-targeting characteristics. The substantially higher tumor accumulation in mice compared to recently introduced ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 and ¹⁸F-DCFPyl suggests their high value for preclinical studies investigating the effects on PSMA-expression. In contrast to (2), (1) seems to be more promising for further investigation, due to the more reliable ¹⁸F-labeling procedure, the faster clearance kinetics with comparable high tumor uptake, resulting therefore in better high-contrast microPET imaging as early as 1 h p.i.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13550-018-0382-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.