Automated Radiosynthesis, Quality Control, and Biodistribution of Ga-68 Pentixafor: First Indian Experience

BACKGROUND: Chemokine receptor CXCR4 is overexpressed in more than 27 different human tumors that make it a promising target in oncology. Ga-68 Pentixafor is the most promising positron emission tomography tracer for imaging CXCR4 receptors; hence, the present study was carried out to optimize the radiosynthesis of Ga-68-Pentixafor using fully automated method and the quality control (QC) checks were performed before being used as a clinical product. We also studied the normal biodistribution pattern of Ga-68-pentixafor intended for the use in variety of malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We optimized the automated radio-synthesis of Ga-68 Pentixafor under good manufacturing practice conditions. A total of 62 productions were carried out in a span of 4 years. Extensive QC tests were performed to check for potency, identity, efficacy, and stability of the tracer. Biodistribution of Ga-68 Pentixafor was investigated in a healthy volunteer to determine normal range of standardized uptake value(maximum) (SUV(max)) values in various organs. RESULTS: The radiotracer was prepared successfully in 57/62 productions with radiochemical purity of >99%. Mean radiolabelling efficiency of 73.1% ± 7.7% (n = 57) was obtained with synthesis time approximatively of 34 min. The radiolabeled complex showed no signs of dissociation up to 4 h at the room temperature. Ga-68 Pentixafor upon incubation with human serum was found to be stable at 37°C for 4 h. The highest normal organ uptake was seen in urinary bladder (SUV(mean) = 146.0), spleen (SUV(mean) = 6.80) followed by kidneys (SUV(mean) = 4.99). CONCLUSION: Using the automated radiosynthesis, Ga-68 Pentixafor exhibited good radiolabelling efficiency with excellent in vitro and in vivo stability and favorable biodistribution showing clinical applicability of the tracer.