Development of a $^{68}Ga$-Fluorinated Porphyrin Complex as a Possible PET Imaging Agent

• Published in: Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging Vol. 46; no. 1; pp. 20 - 26
• Main Authors: Fazaeli, Yousef, Jalilian, Amir R, Amini, Mostafa M, Ardaneh, Khosro, Rahiminejad, Ali, Bolourinovin, Fatemeh, Moradkhani, Sedigheh, Majdabadi, Abbas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Ga-68; Fibrosarcoma; Co-incidence; Biodistribution; Porphyrins
• ISSN: 1869-3474; 1869-3482

Aim Due to the interesting pharmacologic properties of porphyrins, the idea of developing a possible tumor imaging agent using PET by incorporating $^{68}Ga$ into a suitable porphyrin ligand was investigated. Methods $^{68}Ga$-labeled 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluoro-13 phenyl) porphyrin ($^{68}Ga$-TFPP) was prepared using freshly eluted $[^{68}Ga]GaCl_3$ obtained from a 68Ge/68Ga generator developed in-house and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin (H2TFPP) for 60 min at $100^{\circ}C$. Results The complex was prepared with high radiochemical purity (>99% ITLC, >99% HPLC, specific activity: 13-14 GBq/mmol). Stability of the complex was checked in the final formulation and in human serum for 5 h. The partition coefficient was calculated for the compound (log P = 0.62). The biodistribution of the labeled compound in vital organs of Swiss mice bearing fibrosarcoma tumors was studied using scarification studies and SPECT imaging up to 1 h. The complex was mostly washed out from the circulation through kidneys and liver. The tumor-to-muscle ratio 1 h post injection was 5.13. Conclusion The radiolabeled porphyrin complex demonstrated potential for further imaging studies in other tumor models.