High-yielding, automated production of 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine using a modified Bioscan Coincidence FDG reaction module

Introduction: High-yielding, automated production of a PET tracer that reflects proliferation, 3'-deoxy-3'[F-18]fluorothymidine ([F-18]FLT), is reported using a modified Bioscan Coincidence FDG reaction module. Methods: Production of [F-18]FLT was implemented through; (1) modification of an original FDG manifold; (2) application of an alternate time sequence; and (3) altered solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification. Quality control testing, including standard radiochemical figures of merit and preclinical positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, was carried out. Results: High decay-corrected yields of [F-18]FLT (16-39%) were reproducibly obtained. The product exhibited very high specific activity (4586.9 TBq/mmol; 123,969 Ci/mmol) and radiochemical purity ( > 99%). Overall, the [F-18]FLT produced in this manner was superior to typical productions that utilized a GE TRACERIab FXF-N reaction module. Additionally, purification with SPE cartridges, followed by manual elution, accelerated overall run time and resulted in a two-fold increase in [F-18]FLT concentration. PET imaging showed the [F-18]FLT produced by this method was highly suitable for non-invasive tumor imaging in mice. Conclusions: The Bioscan Coincidence GE FDG Reaction Module was readily adapted to reproducibly provide [F-18]FLT in high yield, specific activity, and radiochemical purity. The approach was suitable to provide sufficient amounts of material for predinical studies. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.