Simultaneous radiomethylation of [11C]harmine and [11C]DASB and kinetic modeling approach for serotonergic brain imaging in the same individual

Simultaneous characterization of pathologies by multi-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) is among the most promising applications in nuclear medicine. Aim of this work was the simultaneous production of two PET-tracers in one module and test the relevance for human application. [11C]harmine and [11C]DASB were concurrently synthesized in a ‘two-in-one-pot’ reaction in quality for application. Dual-tracer protocol was simulated using 16 single PET scans in different orders of tracer application separated by different time intervals. Volume of distribution was calculated for single- and dual-tracer measurements using Logan’s plot and arterial input function in 13 brain regions. The ‘two-in-one-pot’ reaction yielded equivalent amounts of both radiotracers with comparable molar activities. The simulations of the dual-tracer application were comparable to the single bolus injections in 13 brain regions, when [11C]harmine was applied first and [11C]DASB second, with an injection time interval of 45 min (rxy = 0.90). Our study shows the successful simultaneous dual-tracer production leading to decreased radiation burden and costs. The simulation of dual subject injection to quantify the monoamine oxidase-A and serotonin transporter distribution proved its high potential. Multi-tracer imaging may drive more sophisticated study designs and diminish the day-to-day differences in the same individual as well as increase PET scanner efficiency.