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Heavy alkaline earth metals offer radionuclides which are promising candidates for radiopharmaceutical applications like barium-131 for diagnosis or radium-223/-224 – with similar properties to barium – for targeted alpha-particle therapy. However, there is a lack of suitable chelation agents especially for these metal ions. A series of calix[4]crown-6 derivatives with perfluoroalkylsulfonylcarboxamide functions (RF = CF3, C2F5, i-C3F7, n-C4F9) was synthesized to serve as cage-like chelators for a strong complexation of Ba2+ and Ra2+. These functional ligands are deprotonated even at slightly acidic pH due to the intense electron withdrawing effect of the sulfonamide group. The obtained ligands were easily converted the desired barium complexes as well as into calix-crown compounds containing two sodium ions. DFT calculation methods were used to discover either the binding behavior of the metal ions with the desired ligands as well as the influence of the different donor groups from the chelating moiety of the calixarenes with respect to different pH. Radiolabeling procedures with the radionuclides barium-133 and radium-224 as [133Ba]BaCl2 and [224Ra]Ra(NO3)2 were performed to determine association constant values between 4.1 and 8.2 for the appropriate M2+ complexes using a two-phase extraction procedure. A stability test using physiological Ca2+ solution showed a minor release of approx. 1-7% of the central ions (Ba2+ respectively Ra2+) from the complexes.

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is an excellent target for imaging and treatment of prostate carcinoma (PCa). Unfortunately, not all PCa cells express PSMA. Therefore, alternative theranostic targets are required. The membrane protein prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is highly overexpressed in most primary prostate carcinoma (PCa) cells and in metastatic and hor-mone refractory tumor cells. Moreover, PSCA expression positively correlates with tumor pro-gression. Therefore, it represents a potential alternative theranostic target suitable for imaging and/or radioimmunotherapy. In order to support this working hypothesis, we conjugated our previously described anti-PSCA monoclonal antibody (mAb) 7F5 with the bifunctional chelator CHX-A″-DTPA and subsequently radiolabeled it with the theranostic radionuclide 177Lu. The re-sulting radiolabeled mAb ([177Lu]Lu-CHX-A″-DTPA-7F5) was characterized both in vitro and in vivo. It showed a high radiochemical purity (>95%) and stability. The labelling did not affect its binding capability. Biodistribution studies showed a high specific tumor uptake compared to most non-targeted tissues in mice bearing PSCA-positive tumors. Accordingly, SPECT/CT images re-vealed a high tumor-to-background ratios from 16 h to 7 days after administration of [177Lu]Lu-CHX-A″-DTPA-7F5. Consequently, [177Lu]Lu-CHX-A″-DTPA-7F5 represents a promising candidate for imaging and in the future also for radioimmunotherapy.

Heavy alkaline earth metals offer radionuclides which are promising candidates for radiopharmaceutical applications like barium-131 for diagnosis or radium-223/-224 – with similar properties to barium – for targeted alpha-particle therapy. However, there is a lack of suitable chelation agents especially for these metal ions. A series of calix[4]crown-6 derivatives with perfluoroalkylsulfonylcarboxamide functions (RF = CF3, C2F5, i-C3F7, n-C4F9) was synthesized to serve as cage-like chelators for a strong complexation of Ba2+ and Ra2+. These functional ligands are deprotonated even at slightly acidic pH due to the intense electron withdrawing effect of the sulfonamide group. The obtained ligands were easily converted the desired barium complexes as well as into calix-crown compounds containing two sodium ions. DFT calculation methods were used to discover either the binding behavior of the metal ions with the desired ligands as well as the influence of the different donor groups from the chelating moiety of the calixarenes with respect to different pH. Radiolabeling procedures with the radionuclides barium-133 and radium-224 as [133Ba]BaCl2 and [224Ra]Ra(NO3)2 were performed to determine association constant values between 4.1 and 8.2 for the appropriate M2+ complexes using a two-phase extraction procedure. A stability test using physiological Ca2+ solution showed a minor release of approx. 1-7% of the central ions (Ba2+ respectively Ra2+) from the complexes.

Die Radiochemiker/Radiopharmazeuten des deutschsprachigen Raums sind im Verbund der AGRR – der „Arbeitsgemeinschaft Radiochemie und Radiopharmazie“ – innerhalb der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin organisiert. Die AGRR setzt sich vorrangig aus Kolleginnen und Kollegen der D-A-CH-Länder zusammen, sodass auf radiopharmazeutischer Seite eine Anbindung an die OGNMB und SGNM besteht. Sie pflegen dort – auch mit zahlreichen Mitgliedern aus der Industrie – während der jährlichen Arbeitstagungen einen intensiven Austausch, der über die Grenzen klassischer Vortragsveranstaltungen hinausgeht und so zu einer engen Vernetzung beiträgt. Neben klassisch-fachlichen Fragen bietet die AGRR eine Plattform zur Behandlung der vielen regulatorischen Probleme, die sowohl die pharmazeutischen als auch die Strahlenschutz-bezogenen Herausforderungen zur sicheren Versorgung der Nuklearmedizin mit anwendungsfertigen Radiopharmaka mit sich bringen.

Purpose: This prospective trial investigates the association of time to recurrence (TTR) in glioblastoma with [11C]methionine (MET) tracer uptake before postoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) aiming to guide radiotherapy boost regions. Experimental Design: Between 2013 and 2016, 102 patients with glioblastoma were recruited. RCT was performed with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide to a total dose of 60 Gy. Tumor residues in postresection PET and MRI were together defined as gross tumor volumes for radiotherapy treatment planning. [11C]methionine (MET)-PET/MRI was performed before RCT and at each follow-up. Results: The primary hypothesis of a longer TTR for patients without increased tracer accumulation in postoperative MET-PET was confirmed in 89 patients. With 18.9 months (95% confidence interval, 9.3–28.5 months), median TTR was significantly (P < 0.001) longer for patients without (n = 29, 32.6%) as compared with 6.3 months (3.6–8.9) for patients with MET accumulation (n = 60, 67.4%) in pre-RCT PET. Although MRI often did not detect all PET-positive regions, an unfavorable impact of residual tumor in postsurgical MRI (n = 38, 42.7%) on TTR was observed [4.6 (4.2–5.1) vs. 15.5 months (6.0–24.9), P < 0.001]. Significant multivariable predictors for TTR were MRI positivity, PET-positive volume, and O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) hypermethylation. Conclusions: Postsurgical amino acid PET has prognostic value for TTR after RCT in glioblastoma. Because of the added value of the metabolic beyond the pure structural information, it should complement MRI in radiotherapy planning if available with reasonable effort, at least in the context of maximal therapy. Furthermore, the spatial correlation of regions of recurrence with PET-positive volumes could provide a bioimaging basis for further trials, for example, testing local radiation dose escalation.

The traceless Staudinger Ligation with its two variants is a powerful biorthogonal conjugation method not only for the connection of biomolecules, but also for the introduction of fluores-cence or radiolabels under mild reaction conditions. Herein, the strategic evaluation of the traceless Staudinger Ligation for Radiolabeling 99mTc using the [Tc(CO)3] core was presented. A convenient and high-yielding three-step synthesis procedure of dipicolylamine-based phos-phanols as ligands for the mild radiolabeling was developed. The labeling was accomplished using a tricarbonyl kit and 99mTc-pertechnetate generator eluate showing 87% radiochemical conversion. The respective rhenium-based, non-radioactive reference compounds were synthe-sized using (Et4N)2[Re(CO)3Br3] as precursor. All products were analyzed by NMR, MS and ele-mental analysis. Additional XRD analyses were performed.

It is the reply to the Letter to the Editor by Chen and Lui regarding "Radiotherapy enhances uptake and efficacy of 90 Y-cetuximab: A preclinical trial" by A Dietrich et al. Abstract: Background and purpose: Systemic molecular radiotherapy utilizes internal irradiation by radionuclide-labeled tumor-targeting agents with the potential to destroy (micro-)metastases. However, doses that are applicable in solid tumors do not reach the levels nessecary for tumor control. Thus, the combination of molecular and external radiotherapy is a promising treatment strategy, as enhanced tumor doses can be delivered with and without minor overlapping toxicities. Here, we combined a 90Y-labeled anti-EGFR antibody (Cetuximab) with clinically relevant fractionated radiotherapy in a preclinical trial using head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenograft tumors.

The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) represents a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Aiming at the development of a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer to monitor changes of receptor density and/or occupancy during the A2AR-tailored therapy, we designed a library of fluorinated analogs based on a recently published lead compound. Among those, the highly affine 4-fluorobenzyl derivate (PPY1; Ki(hA2AR) = 5.3 nM) and the 2-fluorobenzyl derivate (PPY2; Ki(hA2AR) = 2.1 nM) were chosen for 18F-labeling via an alcohol-enhanced copper-mediated procedure starting from the corresponding boronic acid pinacol ester precursors. Investigations of the metabolic stability of [18F]PPY1 and [18F]PPY2 in CD-1 mice by radio-HPLC analysis revealed parent fractions of more than 76% of total activity in the brain. Specific binding of [18F]PPY2 on mice brain slices was demonstrated by in vitro autoradiography. In vivo PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in CD-1 mice revealed a reasonable high initial brain uptake for both radiotracers, followed by a fast clearance.

Purpose: This prospective trial investigates the association of time to recurrence (TTR) in glioblastoma with [11C]methionine (MET) tracer uptake before postoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) aiming to guide radiotherapy boost regions. Experimental Design: Between 2013 and 2016, 102 patients with glioblastoma were recruited. RCT was performed with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide to a total dose of 60 Gy. Tumor residues in postresection PET and MRI were together defined as gross tumor volumes for radiotherapy treatment planning. [11C]methionine (MET)-PET/MRI was performed before RCT and at each follow-up. Results: The primary hypothesis of a longer TTR for patients without increased tracer accumulation in postoperative MET-PET was confirmed in 89 patients. With 18.9 months (95% confidence interval, 9.3–28.5 months), median TTR was significantly (P < 0.001) longer for patients without (n = 29, 32.6%) as compared with 6.3 months (3.6–8.9) for patients with MET accumulation (n = 60, 67.4%) in pre-RCT PET. Although MRI often did not detect all PET-positive regions, an unfavorable impact of residual tumor in postsurgical MRI (n = 38, 42.7%) on TTR was observed [4.6 (4.2–5.1) vs. 15.5 months (6.0–24.9), P < 0.001]. Significant multivariable predictors for TTR were MRI positivity, PET-positive volume, and O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) hypermethylation. Conclusions: Postsurgical amino acid PET has prognostic value for TTR after RCT in glioblastoma. Because of the added value of the metabolic beyond the pure structural information, it should complement MRI in radiotherapy planning if available with reasonable effort, at least in the context of maximal therapy. Furthermore, the spatial correlation of regions of recurrence with PET-positive volumes could provide a bioimaging basis for further trials, for example, testing local radiation dose escalation.

Background and purpose Systemic molecular radiotherapy utilizes internal irradiation by radionuclide-labeled tumor-targeting agents with the potential to destroy (micro-)metastases. However, doses that are applicable in solid tumors do not reach the levels nessecary for tumor control. Thus, the combination of molecular and external radiotherapy is a promising treatment strategy, as enhanced tumor doses can be delivered with and without minor overlapping toxicities. Here, we combined a 90Y-labeled anti-EGFR antibody (Cetuximab) with clinically relevant fractionated radiotherapy in a preclinical trial using head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenograft tumors. Materials and methods To model 90Y-Cetuximab uptake for treatment schedule optimization, FaDu-bearing mice were injected with near-infrared-labeled-Cetuximab at different time points during radiotherapy with differing doses. Cetuximab uptake was longitudinally followed by in vivo-optical imaging. Tumor control probability experiments with fractionated radiotherapy (30 fx, 6 weeks, 8 dose groups/ arm) in combination with 90Y-Cetuximab were performed to test the curative potential. Results Imaging of near-infrared-labeled-Cetuximab uptake revealed that low to moderate external beam doses can enhance antibody uptake. Using the optimized schedule, combination of molecular and external radiotherapy using 90Y-Cetuximab at a dose that did not result in permanent tumor inactivation in previous experiments, led to substantially increased tumor control compared to radiotherapy alone. Conclusion Our results indicate that combination of radiolabeled therapeutics with clinically relevant fractionated radiotherapy has a remarkable potential to improve curative treatment outcome. Application of some radiation dose prior to injection may improve drug uptake and enable patient stratification and treatment personalization via a corresponding PET-tracer during therapy.

The G protein-coupled adenosine A2B receptor is suggested to be involved in various patholog-ical processes accompanied by increased levels of adenosine as found in inflammation, hypoxia, and cancer. Therefore, the adenosine A2B receptor is currently in the focus as a novel target for cancer therapy as well as for noninvasive molecular imaging via positron emission tomography (PET). Aiming at the development of a radiotracer labeled with the PET radionuclide fluorine-18 for imaging the adenosine A2B receptor in brain tumors, one of the most potent and selective an-tagonists, the xanthine derivative PSB-603, was selected as a lead compound. As initial biodis-tribution studies in mice revealed a negligible brain uptake of [3H]PSB-603 (SUV3min: 0.2), struc-tural modifications were performed to optimize the physicochemical properties regarding blood-brain barrier penetration. Two novel fluorinated derivatives bearing a 2-fluoropyridine (7) and a 4-fluoropiperidine (8) moiety have been synthesized, and their affinities for the four adenosine receptor subtypes were determined in competition binding assays. Both compounds showed high affinity towards the adenosine A2B receptor (Ki (7) = 9.97 ± 0.86 nM; Ki (8) = 12.3 ± 3.6 nM) with moderate selectivities versus the other adenosine receptor subtypes.

The adenosine A2B receptor has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target in cancer, as for example, its expression is drastically elevated in several tumors and cancer cells. Noninvasive molecular imaging by using positron emission tomography (PET) would allow the in vivo quantification of this receptor in pathological processes and most likely enable the identification and clinical monitoring of respective cancer therapies. On the basis of a bicyclic pyridopyrimidine-2,4-dione core structure, the new adenosine A2B receptor ligand 9 was synthesized containing a 2-fluoropyridine moiety suitable for labeling with the short-lived PET radionuclide fluorine-18. Compound 9 showed a high binding affinity for the human A2B receptor (Ki(A2B) = 2.51 nM) along with high selectivities versus the A1, A2A, and A3 receptor subtypes. Therefore, it was radiofluorinated via nucleophilic aromatic substitution of the corresponding nitro precursor using [18F]F-/K2.2.2./K2CO3 in DMSO at 120 °C. Metabolism studies of [18F]9 in mice revealed about 60 % of intact radiotracer in plasma at 30 minutes p.i. A preliminary PET study in healthy mice showed an overall biodistribution of [18F]9 corresponding to the known ubiquitous but low expression of the A2B receptor. Consequently, [18F]9 represents a novel PET radiotracer with high affinity and selectivity toward the adenosine A2B receptor and a suitable in vivo profile. Subsequent studies are envisaged to investigate the applicability of [18F]9 to detect alterations in the receptor density in certain cancer-related disease models.

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, particulary EphA2 and EphB4, represent promising candidates for molecular imaging due to their essential role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. Xanthine derivatives were identified to be potent Eph receptor inhibitors with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range (1-40 nm).These compounds occupy the hydrophobic pocket of the ATP-binding site in the kinase domain. Based on lead compound 1, we designed two fluorine-18-labeled receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors ([18F]2/3) as potential tracers for positron emission tomography (PET). Docking into the ATP-binding site allowed us to find the best position for radiolabeling. The replacement of the methyl group at the uracil residue ([18F]3) rather than the methyl group of the phenoxy moiety ([18F]2) by a fluoropropyl group was predicted to preserve the affinity of the lead compound 1. Herein, we point out a synthesis route to [18F]2 and [18F]3 and the respective tosylate precursors as well as a labeling procedure to insert fluorine-18. After radiolabeling, both radiotracers were obtained in approximately 5% radiochemical yield with high radiochemical purity (>98%) and a molar activity of >10 GBq/µmol. In line with the docking studies, first cell experiments revealed specific, time-dependent binding and uptake of [18F]3 to EphA2 and EphB4 overexpressing A375 melanoma cells, whereas [18F]2 did not accumulate at these cells. Since both tracers [18F]3 and [18F]2 are stable in rat blood, the novel radiotracers might be suitable for in vivo molecular imaging of Eph receptors by, e.g., PET.

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, particulary EphA2 and EphB4, represent promising candidates for molecular imaging due to their essential role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. Xanthine derivatives were identified to be potent Eph receptor inhibitors with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range (1-40 nm).These compounds occupy the hydrophobic pocket of the ATP-binding site in the kinase domain. Based on lead compound 1, we designed two fluorine-18-labeled receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors ([18F]2/3) as potential tracers for positron emission tomography (PET). Docking into the ATP-binding site allowed us to find the best position for radiolabeling. The replacement of the methyl group at the uracil residue ([18F]3) rather than the methyl group of the phenoxy moiety ([18F]2) by a fluoropropyl group was predicted to preserve the affinity of the lead compound 1. Herein, we point out a synthesis route to [18F]2 and [18F]3 and the respective tosylate precursors as well as a labeling procedure to insert fluorine-18. After radiolabeling, both radiotracers were obtained in approximately 5% radiochemical yield with high radiochemical purity (>98%) and a molar activity of >10 GBq/µmol. In line with the docking studies, first cell experiments revealed specific, time-dependent binding and uptake of [18F]3 to EphA2 and EphB4 overexpressing A375 melanoma cells, whereas [18F]2 did not accumulate at these cells. Since both tracers [18F]3 and [18F]2 are stable in rat blood, the novel radiotracers might be suitable for in vivo molecular imaging of Eph receptors by, e.g., PET.

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verbindung, die - eine Calixaren-Einheit, die n Phenoleinheiten aufweist, wobei n 4, 5, 6 oder 8 ist; - eine Ethereinheit, die unter Ausbildung eines Kronenethers an die Calixaren-Einheit gebunden ist; und - zumindest eine Sulfonsäureamid-Einheit der Formel -O-(CH)ₚ-C(O)-NH-S(O)₂-R¹ aufweist, wobei die zumindest eine Sulfonsäureamid-Einheiten jeweils an die Calixaren-Einheit gebunden ist und R¹ jeweils aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer perfluorierten verzweigten oder unverzweigten C₂-C₈-Alkylgruppe, einer perfluorierten Arylgruppe, und einer Gruppe Ar besteht, p eine Ganzzahl von 1 bis 4 ist und Ar eine Phenylgruppe ist, die mit einer oder mehreren perfluorierten verzweigten oder unverzweigten C₁-C₈-Alkylgruppen substituiert ist.

The radionuclides radium-223 and radium-224 are two alpha-emitting radionuclides with suitable properties for the TAT. To this date, radium-223 in form of [223Ra]radium chloride (Xofigo) is the only EMA and FDA approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical. Due to its calcimimetic behavior, the radium ion is a bone-seeking therapeutic. To extend the radiopharmaceutical potential of both radionuclides, novel carrier systems have to be developed. Therefore, it is appropriate to investigate different kinds of nanoparticles for their ability to transport radium. Especially, a barium sulfate matrix seems to be sufficient since the principle of co-precipitating the sulfates of radium and barium allows an easy and fast synthesis of radium-doped nanoparticles. Beyond the incorporation of alpha-emitting radionuclides like radium-223 and radium-224, the homologue radionuclide barium-131 can be incorporated as well. Barium 131 decays by electron capture and provides suitable properties for diagnostic applications in nuclear medicine. Radium-223/-224 and barium-131 form a matched pair for new theragnostic approaches. In our research group, we are developing simple methods for the synthesis of small radiolabeled radium/barium sulfate nanoparticles. Furthermore, we are investigating suitable surface functionalizations to attach biological targeting moieties.

The radionuclides radium-223 and radium-224 are two alpha-emitting radionuclides with suitable properties for the TAT. To this date, radium-223 in form of [223Ra]radium chloride (Xofigo) is the only EMA and FDA approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical. Due to its calcimimetic behavior, the radium ion is a bone-seeking therapeutic. To extend the radiopharmaceutical potential of both radionuclides, novel carrier systems have to be developed. Therefore, it is appropriate to investigate different kinds of nanoparticles for their ability to transport radium. Especially, a barium sulfate matrix seems to be sufficient since the principle of co-precipitating the sulfates of radium and barium allows an easy and fast synthesis of radium-doped nanoparticles. Beyond the incorporation of alpha-emitting radionuclides like radium-223 and radium-224, the homologue radionuclide barium-131 can be incorporated as well. Barium 131 decays by electron capture and provides suitable properties for diagnostic applications in nuclear medicine. Radium-223/-224 and barium-131 form a matched pair for new theragnostic approaches. In our research group, we are developing simple methods for the synthesis of small radiolabeled radium/barium sulfate nanoparticles. Furthermore, we are investigating suitable surface functionalizations to attach biological targeting moieties.

Molekulare Bildgebung mittels PET bzw. SPECT ist in der Krebsforschung ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug geworden, da diese genaue Informationen zu molekularen Eigenschaften von Tumoren liefern kann. Auf der Suche nach vielseitig einsetzbaren Chelatoren wurde für die Radionuklidmarkierung zielgerichteter PET/SPECT-Liganden ein Cyclohexandiamin-Triazol-Chelator entwickelt und an das Bindungsmotiv des prostata-spezifischen Antigens (PSMA) Glutamat-Urea-Lysin gekoppelt (Ligand in Abb. 1 = L). Dieses Motiv ist bekannt für seine gute Affinität an PSMA [1], welches bei verschiedenen Tumorentitäten stark exprimiert wird [2–4]. Ziel der Untersuchung war es, das radiopharmakologische Potential von L nach Radiomarkierung mit 68Ga, 111In und 18F bezüglich der Bindungseigenschaften und Zell-Internalisierung abzuschätzen und mit dem ‚Gold-Standard‘ PSMA-617 (177Lu- oder 64Cu-markiert) zu vergleichen. Für den nichtmarkierten Liganden L wurde in Kompetitionsassays versus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 eine etwas geringere Affinität als für PSMA-617 ermittelt. Sättigungsanalysen von [68Ga]Ga-L, [111In]In-L und [18F]F-L an LNCaP-Zellhomogenaten ergaben ähnliche Affinitäten (Kd 18–30 nM), die wiederum etwas niedriger waren als die von [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (11 nM). Die Ergebnisse der Internalisierungsversuche zeigten eine stärkere Aufnahme von [64Cu]Cu-PSMA-617 in LNCaP-Zellen als vom verschieden radiomarkierten L. Mit dem Konjugat L konnten nach erfolgreicher Radiomarkierung mit 68Ga, 111In und 18F vielversprechende Bindungseigenschaften gegenüber PSMA bestimmt werden. Die Vielseitigkeit dieses Chelators bietet die Möglichkeit mit entsprechendem Radionuklid sowohl für PET (68Ga, 18F) als auch für SPECT (111In) einsetzbar zu sein. Literatur: [1] K. Kopka, J. Nucl. Med. 2017, 58,17S. [2] H.R. Kulkarni, Br. J. Radiol. 2018, 91,20180308. [3] Y. Tolkach, Breast Cancer Res.Treat. 2018, 169,447. [4] M.C. Haffner, Hum.Pathol. 2009, 40,1754.

Due to their high biological effectiveness and suitable half-lives, there is increased interest in using the radionuclides radium-223 and radium-224 for radiopharmaceutical applications. Xofigo ([223Ra]radium chloride) is a bone-seeking, alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical with EMA and FDA approval. It is used to treat bone metastasis of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. To expand the possible applications for these promising radionuclides, it is necessary to stably bind the radionuclide within a chelator. Therefore, calixarene-based ligands have been synthesized, which show encouraging affinities to radium ions. In our recent studies, we have already presented the high potential of these ligands. Since radium and barium have similar chemistry, and therefore comparable affinities to our ligands, it is possible to create a matched pair for theragnostic approaches. The radionuclide barium-131 has a suitable physical half-life for therapeutic applications and the potential of being a SPECT nuclide.

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is continually focused and discussed in radiopharmaceutical research [1]. By the combination of an alpha emitting radionuclide with a biological targeting unit, tumor cells can be affected very efficiently by inducing a high number of double strand breaks to the DNA. 223Ra and 224Ra are two alpha-emitting radionuclides with suitable half-lives for TAT. 223Ra in form of [223Ra]RaCl2 (Xofigo®) is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical as well as the prime example for the working principle of TAT. Based on its calcimimetic behavior, radium is built into the bone structure. To exploit the therapeutic potential of alpha emitters like 223Ra and 224Ra, novel targeting strategies and carrier systems have to be developed. Therefore, it is worth to examine alternative carriers like nanoparticles, using the principle of co-precipitation of Ra/BaSO4. By the combination of a therapeutic alpha-emitting radionuclide like 223Ra on the one hand and the diagnostically applicable barium radioisotope 131Ba on the other hand with nearly identical physical half-lives it is also possible pursue theragnostic approaches. Thus, our research aims at developing a simple method for the synthesis of small radiolabeled Ra/BaSO4 nanoparticles and testing further surface functionalization regarding the ability of constructing biological targeting moieties.

Alpha therapy is continually discussed in radiopharmaceutical research. [223Ra]RaCl2 is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical so far. Since the use of 223Ra is only based on its calcimimetic behavior. It is directly bond to bone structures in the body. To enhance the therapeutic potential of radium isotopes, it is necessary to develop novel carrier systems for radium ions as a base of biological targeting units. By the combination of 223Ra or 224Ra, which both have suitable physical half-lives for therapeutic applications, and 131Ba which has a similar half-life but diagnostic radiation properties, a theragnostic idea can also be followed. Our project aims at the synthesis of calixarene-based ligands for the stable complexation of barium and radium ions. Recent studies in our group have already shown the high potential of such ligands.

Therapieansätze in der Nuklearmedizin mit Radium-223 beschränken sich zurzeit auf die Behandlung von Knochenmetastasen. Ziel ist es, das Anwendungsfeld für Radium-223 zu erweitern. Dafür werden Liganden entwickelt, die Radium-223 stabil binden und gleichzeitig eine spezifische Erkennungssequenz für diverse Krebsentitäten besitzen. Calixkronen mit funktionalisierten Seitenketten sind dafür vielversprechend. Calix[4]krone-6-derivate mit Trifluormethylsulfonyl- [1] und 4-Nitrophenylsulfonyl-Seitenketten wurden synthetisiert und mittels NMR und UV/Vis auf ihre Komplexierungseigenschaften für Ba2+ untersucht. Anschließend wurden mittels eines Extraktionsassays Komplexierungen durchgeführt und die resultierenden Komplexe auf ihre Stabilität in Gegenwart anderer Ionen wie Ca2+ untersucht. Die Extraktionsversuche wurden im Chloroform/Wasser-Zweiphasensystem durchgeführt. Dabei wurde eine wässrige Metallsalzlösung ([133Ba]Ba2+ c.a. bzw. [224Ra]Ra2+ n.c.a.) definierter Konzentration vorgelegt und mit einer definierten Stoffmenge des jeweiligen Liganden in Chloroform für 1 h bei RT extrahiert. Die beiden Calixarenderivate wurden in einer vierstufigen Synthese hergestellt. Anschließende Komplexierungsversuche mit Ba(ClO4)2 verliefen erfolgreich und die Komplexe wurden mittels NMR-Spektroskopie nachgewiesen. Für beide Liganden wurden Stabilitätskonstanten von 5,3-6,3 (Ba2+) bzw. 5,8 (Ra2+) berechnet. Die Radiumkomplexe beider Liganden waren gegenüber Ca2+-Ionen stabil (Release <5%), der Bariumkomplex des Nitrophenylsulfonylliganden war ebenfalls stabil (Release <5%), der des Trifluormethylsulfonylliganden zeigte 30% Release. Die Wahl der sterisch anspruchsvollen und elektronenziehenden Sulfonylgruppen hatte positive Auswirkungen sowohl auf das Komplexierungsverhalten mit Ba2+ und Ra2+ als auch auf die Stabilität der resultierenden Komplex

Objectives: The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is a G-protein-coupled-receptor which is mainly expressed in the basal ganglia (including striatum) of the brain and in cells of the immune system. Radiotracers for A2AR imaging have emerged as promising candidates for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative and neurooncological diseases. Aiming at the development of such radiotracer with improved molecular imaging properties, a library of 21 fluorinated pyrazolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives was synthesized based on a recently published lead compound [1]. Among those, the highly affine 4 fluorobenzyl derivate 1 (Ki(hA2A) = 5.3 nM; Ki(hA1) = 220 nM) and the 2 fluorobenzyl derivate 2 (Ki(hA2A) = 2.1 nM; Ki(hA1) = 147 nM) were chosen for 18F isotopoic labelling although the introduction of 18F at non-activated aromatic positions is challenging. Herein, we report on the radiosyntheses of [18F]1 and [18F]2 via an alcohol-enhanced copper-mediated one-step radiofluorination and their first biological evaluation. Methods: Three different labelling strategies for the synthesis of [18F]1 have been investigated (Fig. 1). The first two were using [18F]fluorobenzaldehyde ([18F]B) as intermediate, which was produced by nucleophilic radiofluorination of a trimethylammonium precursor of type A (step a). Compound [18F]B was used either in a reductive amination reaction (step b) or it was further reduced to the corresponding alcohol (step c) followed by an Appel bromination to get [18F]C (step d) which was finally used in a benzylation reaction (step e). The third strategy, a one-step approach, started from the boronic acid pinacol ester precursor of type D employing [18F]TBAF and Cu(OTf)2(py)4 in n-BuOH/DMA (step f). The specific binding of [18F]1 and [18F]2 was evaluated in vitro by autoradiography of mice brain slices using 1, 2 and ZM241385 as different blocking agents. Results: The two- and four-step labelling strategies resulted in an overall radiochemical yield of only 1.4% and 10%, res

1. Zielstellung: Durch die Alterung der Bevölkerung ist eine stetige Zunahme an Tumorneuerkrankungen zu verzeichnen und die Therapieoptimierung daher unabdingbar. Ein diskutierter Ansatz ist die Therapie mit Alphaemittern. Radionuklide wie 223/224Ra sind in der Lage, Tumorgewebe aufgrund ihres hohen linearen Energietransfers infolge einer Kaskade von Alpha-Zerfällen effizient zu zerstören ohne Beinflussung des gesunden Gewebes. Die stabile Fixierung von Barium- und Radiumionen kann durch Co-Fällung radiomarkierter [133Ba223/224Ra]Ba(Ra)SO4 Nanopartikel (NP) erfolgen, welche mit Alendronat funktionalisiert und anschließend mit einer targetspezifischen Einheit modifiziert werden. 2. Methodik Die Synthese der BaSO4-NP wurde durch Fällung realisiert. Die Partikelgröße wurde in Abhängigkeit der Reaktionsparameter (Lösungsmittelsystem, Verhältnis der Reaktanden, Fließgeschwindigkeit bei der Zugabe des zweiten Reaktanden) untersucht. NP-Größenverteilungen wurden mittels Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) ermittelt. Radiomarkierungen wurden unter analogen Bedingungen unter Zugabe von [133Ba]Ba2+ und [224Ra]Ra2+ durchgeführt. 224Ra wurde als [224Ra]Ra(NO3)2 aus einer 228Th-Quelle durch Ionenaustauschchromatographie separiert. 133Ba wurde als [133Ba]BaCl2 kommerziell bezogen. 3. Ergebnisse Nach Auswertung aller Syntheseansätze wurde die Fällung der Partikel mit einem sechsfachen Bariumüberschuss in einer Ethanol/Wasser-Mischung (1/11) bei Raumtemperatur als beste Methode identifiziert. Die Einlagerung von [133Ba]Ba2+- und [224Ra]Ra2+-Ionen konnte nachgewiesen werden. Die radiomarkierten NP zeigten über 7 Tage keinen relevanten Release. Die Modifikation der Partikel mit Alendronat konnte mittels IR-Spektroskopie, EDXS-Analyse und UV/Vis-Spektroskopie na

A new Center for Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research was established at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in order to centralize radionuclide production, radiopharmaceutical production and the chemical and biochemical research facilities. The newly installed cyclotron is equipped with two beamlines, two target selectors and several liquid, gas and solid target systems. The cyclotron including the target systems and first results of beam characterization measurements as well as results of the radionuclide production are presented. The produced radionuclides are automatically distributed from the targets to the destination hot cells. This process is supervised and controlled by an in-house developed system.

Although significant advances in the tailoring of BaSO4-based nanoparticles have been achieved, the synthesis of particles is strongly dependent on the use of templates, surfactants, and additives, especially when radiolabeled with 133Ba or 224Ra. Herein, direct facile preparation of radiolabeled alendronate-functionalized BaSO4 nanoparticles in an aqueous medium in a one-pot reaction is developed. Remarkably, the size of the formed BaSO4 nanoparticles can be controlled by the type of the organic solvent used. Upon the addition of alendronate, amine functionalities were introduced into the nanoparticles. Additionally, a fluorescence dye-containing alendronate was used to evidence the introduction of the alendronate during the formation of the nanoparticles. The variations in the functionalities were investigated by IR and the morphology of the resulting BASO4 nanoparticles are investigated in detail by transmission electron microscopy. DLS and TEM measurements provided an average diameter of the nanoparticles of approx. 140 nm. Radium-doped alendronate nanoparticles were successfully obtained in a one-pot labeling procedure from [224Ra]RaCl2, Na2SO4 Ba(NO3)2 and alendronate.

Although significant advances in the tailoring of BaSO4-based nanoparticles have been achieved, the synthesis of particles is strongly dependent on the use of templates, surfactants, and additives, especially when radiolabeled with 133Ba or 224Ra. Herein, direct facile preparation of radiolabeled alendronate-functionalized BaSO4 nanoparticles in an aqueous medium in a one-pot reaction is developed. Remarkably, the size of the formed BaSO4 nanoparticles can be controlled by the type of the organic solvent used. Upon the addition of alendronate, amine functionalities were introduced into the nanoparticles. Additionally, a fluorescence dye-containing alendronate was used to evidence the introduction of the alendronate during the formation of the nanoparticles. The variations in the functionalities were investigated by IR and the morphology of the resulting BASO4 nanoparticles are investigated in detail by transmission electron microscopy. DLS and TEM measurements provided an average diameter of the nanoparticles of approx. 140 nm. Radium-doped alendronate nanoparticles were successfully obtained in a one-pot labeling procedure from [224Ra]RaCl2, Na2SO4 Ba(NO3)2 and alendronate.

The cell surface receptor claudin-4 (Cld-4) is upregulated in various tumours and represents an important emerging target for both diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors of epithelial origin. The C-terminal fragment of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin cCPE290-319 appears as a suitable ligand for targeting Cld-4. The synthesis of this 30mer peptide was attempted via several approaches, which has revealed sequential SPPS using three pseudoproline-dipeptide building blocks to be the most efficient one. Labelling with fluorine-18 was achieved on solid phase using N-succinimidyl 4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) and 4-[18F]fluorobenzoyl chloride as 18F-acylating agents, which was most advantageous when [18F]SFB was reacted with the resin-bound 30mer containing an N-terminal 6-aminohexanoic spacer. Binding to Cld-4 was demonstrated via surface plasmon resonance using a protein construct containing both extracellular loops of Cld-4. In addition, cell binding experiments were performed for 18F-labelled cCPE290-319 with the Cld-4 expressing tumour cell lines HT-29 and A431 that were complemented by fluorescence microscopy studies using the corresponding fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peptide. The 30mer peptide proved to be sufficiently stable in blood plasma. Studying the in vivo behavior of 18F-labelled cCPE290-319 in healthy mice and rats by dynamic PET imaging and radiometabolite analyses has revealed that the peptide is subject to substantial liver uptake and rapid metabolic degradation in vivo, which limits its suitability as imaging probe for tumour-associated Cld-4.

Purpose: This secondary analysis of the prospective study on repeat [18F]fluoromisonidazole (FMISO)-PET in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) assessed the correlation of hypoxia in the primary tumour and lymph node metastases (LN) prior to and during primary radiochemotherapy. Methods: This analysis included forty-five LN-positive HNSCC patients having undergone FMISO-PET/CTs at baseline, and at week 1, 2 and 5 of radiochemotherapy. The quantitative FMISO-PET/CT parameters maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax, corrected for partial volume effect) and peak tumour-to-background ratio (TBRpeak) were estimated in the primary tumour as well as in index and large LN, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation coefficient q. Results: In 15 patients with large LN (FDG-PET positive volume >5 ml), there was a significant correlation between the hypoxia measured in the primary tumour and the large LN at three out of four time-points using the TBRpeak (baseline: q= 0.57, p = 0.006; week 2: q= 0.64, p = 0.003 and week 5: q= 0.68, p = 0.001). For the entire cohort (N = 45) only assessed prior to the treatment, there was a statistically significant, though weak correlation between FMISO-SUVmax of the primary tumour and the index LN (q= 0.36, p = 0.015). Conclusions: We observed a significant correlation between FMISO-based hypoxia in the primary tumour and large lymph node(s) in advanced stage HNSCC patients. However, since most patients only had relatively small hypoxic lymph node metastases, a comprehensive assessment of the primary tumour and lymph node hypoxia is essential.

The cell surface receptor claudin-4 (Cld-4) is upregulated in various tumours and represents an important emerging target for both diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors of epithelial origin. The C-terminal fragment of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin cCPE290-319 appears as a suitable ligand for targeting Cld-4. The synthesis of this 30mer peptide was attempted via several approaches, which has revealed sequential SPPS using three pseudoproline-dipeptide building blocks to be the most efficient one. Labelling with fluorine-18 was achieved on solid phase using N-succinimidyl 4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) and 4-[18F]fluorobenzoyl chloride as 18F-acylating agents, which was most advantageous when [18F]SFB was reacted with the resin-bound 30mer containing an N-terminal 6-aminohexanoic spacer. Binding to Cld-4 was demonstrated via surface plasmon resonance using a protein construct containing both extracellular loops of Cld-4. In addition, cell binding experiments were performed for 18F-labelled cCPE290-319 with the Cld-4 expressing tumour cell lines HT-29 and A431 that were complemented by fluorescence microscopy studies using the corresponding fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peptide. The 30mer peptide proved to be sufficiently stable in blood plasma. Studying the in vivo behavior of 18F-labelled cCPE290-319 in healthy mice and rats by dynamic PET imaging and radiometabolite analyses has revealed that the peptide is subject to substantial liver uptake and rapid metabolic degradation in vivo, which limits its suitability as imaging probe for tumour-associated Cld-4.

Purpose: This secondary analysis of the prospective study on repeat [18F]fluoromisonidazole (FMISO)-PET in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) assessed the prognostic value of synchronous hypoxia in primary tumor (Tu) and lymph node metastases (LN), and evaluated whether the combined reading was of higher prognostic value than that of primary tumor hypoxia only. Methods: This analysis included forty-five LN-positive HNSCC patients. FMISO-PET/CTs were performed at baseline, weeks 1, 2 and 5 of radiochemotherapy. Based on a binary scale, Tu and LN were categorized as hypoxic or normoxic, and two prognostic parameters were defined: Tu-hypoxia (independent of the LN oxygenation status) and synchronous Tu-and-LN-hypoxia. In fifteen patients with large LN (N = 21), additional quantitative analyses of FMISO-PET/CTs were performed. Imaging parameters at different time-points were correlated to the endpoints, i.e., locoregional control (LRC), local control (LC), regional control (RC) and time to progression (TTP). Survival curves were estimated using the cumulative incidence function. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the prognostic impact of hypoxia on the endpoints. Results: Synchronous Tu-and-LN-hypoxia was a strong adverse prognostic factor for LC, LRC and TTP at any of the four time-points (p ≤ 0.004), whereas Tu-hypoxia only was significantly associated with poor LC and LRC in weeks 2 and 5 (p ≤ 0.047), and with TTP in week 1 (p = 0.046). The multivariable analysis confirmed the prognostic value of synchronous Tu-and-LN-hypoxia regarding LRC (HR = 14.8, p = 0.017). The quantitative FMISO-PET/CT parameters correlated with qualitative hypoxia scale and RC (p < 0.001, p ≤ 0.033 at week 2, respectively). Conclusions: This secondary analysis suggests that combined reading of primary tumor and LN hypoxia adds to the prognostic information of FMSIO-PET in comparison to primary tumor assessment alone in

Alpha therapy is continually discussed in radiopharmaceutical research. [223Ra]RaCl2 is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical so far. Since the use of 223Ra is only based on its calcimimetic behavior. It is directly bond to bone structures in the body. To enhance the therapeutic potential of radium isotopes, it is necessary to develop novel carrier systems for radium ions as a base of biological targeting units. By the combination of 223Ra or 224Ra, which both have suitable physical half-lives for therapeutic applications, and 131Ba which has a similar half-life but diagnostic radiation properties, a theragnostic idea can also be followed. Our project aims at the synthesis of calixarene-based ligands for the stable complexation of barium and radium ions. Recent studies in our group have already shown the high potential of such ligands.

Due to their high biological effectiveness and suitable half-lives, there is increased interest in using the radionuclides radium-223 and radium-224 for radiopharmaceutical applications. Xofigo ([223Ra]radium chloride) is a bone-seeking, alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical with EMA and FDA approval. It is used to treat bone metastasis of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. To expand the possible applications for these promising radionuclides, it is necessary to stably bind the radionuclide within a chelator. Therefore, calixarene-based ligands have been synthesized, which show encouraging affinities to radium ions. In our recent studies, we have already presented the high potential of these ligands. Since radium and barium have similar chemistry, and therefore comparable affinities to our ligands, it is possible to create a matched pair for theragnostic approaches. The radionuclide barium-131 has a suitable physical half-life for therapeutic applications and the potential of being a SPECT nuclide.

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is continually focused and discussed in radiopharmaceutical research [1]. By the combination of an alpha emitting radionuclide with a biological targeting unit, tumor cells can be affected very efficiently by inducing a high number of double strand breaks to the DNA. 223Ra and 224Ra are two alpha-emitting radionuclides with suitable half-lives for TAT. 223Ra in form of [223Ra]RaCl2 (Xofigo®) is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical as well as the prime example for the working principle of TAT. Based on its calcimimetic behavior, radium is built into the bone structure. To exploit the therapeutic potential of alpha emitters like 223Ra and 224Ra, novel targeting strategies and carrier systems have to be developed. Therefore, it is worth to examine alternative carriers like nanoparticles, using the principle of co-precipitation of Ra/BaSO4. By the combination of a therapeutic alpha-emitting radionuclide like 223Ra on the one hand and the diagnostically applicable barium radioisotope 131Ba on the other hand with nearly identical physical half-lives it is also possible pursue theragnostic approaches. Thus, our research aims at developing a simple method for the synthesis of small radiolabeled Ra/BaSO4 nanoparticles and testing further surface functionalization regarding the ability of constructing biological targeting moieties.

Therapieansätze in der Nuklearmedizin mit Radium-223 beschränken sich zurzeit auf die Behandlung von Knochenmetastasen. Ziel ist es, das Anwendungsfeld für Radium-223 zu erweitern. Dafür werden Liganden entwickelt, die Radium-223 stabil binden und gleichzeitig eine spezifische Erkennungssequenz für diverse Krebsentitäten besitzen. Calixkronen mit funktionalisierten Seitenketten sind dafür vielversprechend. Calix[4]krone-6-derivate mit Trifluormethylsulfonyl- [1] und 4-Nitrophenylsulfonyl-Seitenketten wurden synthetisiert und mittels NMR und UV/Vis auf ihre Komplexierungseigenschaften für Ba2+ untersucht. Anschließend wurden mittels eines Extraktionsassays Komplexierungen durchgeführt und die resultierenden Komplexe auf ihre Stabilität in Gegenwart anderer Ionen wie Ca2+ untersucht. Die Extraktionsversuche wurden im Chloroform/Wasser-Zweiphasensystem durchgeführt. Dabei wurde eine wässrige Metallsalzlösung ([133Ba]Ba2+ c.a. bzw. [224Ra]Ra2+ n.c.a.) definierter Konzentration vorgelegt und mit einer definierten Stoffmenge des jeweiligen Liganden in Chloroform für 1 h bei RT extrahiert. Die beiden Calixarenderivate wurden in einer vierstufigen Synthese hergestellt. Anschließende Komplexierungsversuche mit Ba(ClO4)2 verliefen erfolgreich und die Komplexe wurden mittels NMR-Spektroskopie nachgewiesen. Für beide Liganden wurden Stabilitätskonstanten von 5,3-6,3 (Ba2+) bzw. 5,8 (Ra2+) berechnet. Die Radiumkomplexe beider Liganden waren gegenüber Ca2+-Ionen stabil (Release <5%), der Bariumkomplex des Nitrophenylsulfonylliganden war ebenfalls stabil (Release <5%), der des Trifluormethylsulfonylliganden zeigte 30% Release. Die Wahl der sterisch anspruchsvollen und elektronenziehenden Sulfonylgruppen hatte positive Auswirkungen sowohl auf das Komplexierungsverhalten mit Ba2+ und Ra2+ als auch auf die Stabilität der resultierenden Komplex

1. Zielstellung: Durch die Alterung der Bevölkerung ist eine stetige Zunahme an Tumorneuerkrankungen zu verzeichnen und die Therapieoptimierung daher unabdingbar. Ein diskutierter Ansatz ist die Therapie mit Alphaemittern. Radionuklide wie 223/224Ra sind in der Lage, Tumorgewebe aufgrund ihres hohen linearen Energietransfers infolge einer Kaskade von Alpha-Zerfällen effizient zu zerstören ohne Beinflussung des gesunden Gewebes. Die stabile Fixierung von Barium- und Radiumionen kann durch Co-Fällung radiomarkierter [133Ba223/224Ra]Ba(Ra)SO4 Nanopartikel (NP) erfolgen, welche mit Alendronat funktionalisiert und anschließend mit einer targetspezifischen Einheit modifiziert werden. 2. Methodik Die Synthese der BaSO4-NP wurde durch Fällung realisiert. Die Partikelgröße wurde in Abhängigkeit der Reaktionsparameter (Lösungsmittelsystem, Verhältnis der Reaktanden, Fließgeschwindigkeit bei der Zugabe des zweiten Reaktanden) untersucht. NP-Größenverteilungen wurden mittels Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) ermittelt. Radiomarkierungen wurden unter analogen Bedingungen unter Zugabe von [133Ba]Ba2+ und [224Ra]Ra2+ durchgeführt. 224Ra wurde als [224Ra]Ra(NO3)2 aus einer 228Th-Quelle durch Ionenaustauschchromatographie separiert. 133Ba wurde als [133Ba]BaCl2 kommerziell bezogen. 3. Ergebnisse Nach Auswertung aller Syntheseansätze wurde die Fällung der Partikel mit einem sechsfachen Bariumüberschuss in einer Ethanol/Wasser-Mischung (1/11) bei Raumtemperatur als beste Methode identifiziert. Die Einlagerung von [133Ba]Ba2+- und [224Ra]Ra2+-Ionen konnte nachgewiesen werden. Die radiomarkierten NP zeigten über 7 Tage keinen relevanten Release. Die Modifikation der Partikel mit Alendronat konnte mittels IR-Spektroskopie, EDXS-Analyse und UV/Vis-Spektroskopie na

Objectives: The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is a G-protein-coupled-receptor which is mainly expressed in the basal ganglia (including striatum) of the brain and in cells of the immune system. Radiotracers for A2AR imaging have emerged as promising candidates for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative and neurooncological diseases. Aiming at the development of such radiotracer with improved molecular imaging properties, a library of 21 fluorinated pyrazolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives was synthesized based on a recently published lead compound [1]. Among those, the highly affine 4 fluorobenzyl derivate 1 (Ki(hA2A) = 5.3 nM; Ki(hA1) = 220 nM) and the 2 fluorobenzyl derivate 2 (Ki(hA2A) = 2.1 nM; Ki(hA1) = 147 nM) were chosen for 18F isotopoic labelling although the introduction of 18F at non-activated aromatic positions is challenging. Herein, we report on the radiosyntheses of [18F]1 and [18F]2 via an alcohol-enhanced copper-mediated one-step radiofluorination and their first biological evaluation. Methods: Three different labelling strategies for the synthesis of [18F]1 have been investigated (Fig. 1). The first two were using [18F]fluorobenzaldehyde ([18F]B) as intermediate, which was produced by nucleophilic radiofluorination of a trimethylammonium precursor of type A (step a). Compound [18F]B was used either in a reductive amination reaction (step b) or it was further reduced to the corresponding alcohol (step c) followed by an Appel bromination to get [18F]C (step d) which was finally used in a benzylation reaction (step e). The third strategy, a one-step approach, started from the boronic acid pinacol ester precursor of type D employing [18F]TBAF and Cu(OTf)2(py)4 in n-BuOH/DMA (step f). The specific binding of [18F]1 and [18F]2 was evaluated in vitro by autoradiography of mice brain slices using 1, 2 and ZM241385 as different blocking agents. Results: The two- and four-step labelling strategies resulted in an overall radiochemical yield of only 1.4% and 10%, res

Molekulare Bildgebung mittels PET bzw. SPECT ist in der Krebsforschung ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug geworden, da diese genaue Informationen zu molekularen Eigenschaften von Tumoren liefern kann. Auf der Suche nach vielseitig einsetzbaren Chelatoren wurde für die Radionuklidmarkierung zielgerichteter PET/SPECT-Liganden ein Cyclohexandiamin-Triazol-Chelator entwickelt und an das Bindungsmotiv des prostata-spezifischen Antigens (PSMA) Glutamat-Urea-Lysin gekoppelt (Ligand in Abb. 1 = L). Dieses Motiv ist bekannt für seine gute Affinität an PSMA [1], welches bei verschiedenen Tumorentitäten stark exprimiert wird [2–4]. Ziel der Untersuchung war es, das radiopharmakologische Potential von L nach Radiomarkierung mit 68Ga, 111In und 18F bezüglich der Bindungseigenschaften und Zell-Internalisierung abzuschätzen und mit dem ‚Gold-Standard‘ PSMA-617 (177Lu- oder 64Cu-markiert) zu vergleichen. Für den nichtmarkierten Liganden L wurde in Kompetitionsassays versus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 eine etwas geringere Affinität als für PSMA-617 ermittelt. Sättigungsanalysen von [68Ga]Ga-L, [111In]In-L und [18F]F-L an LNCaP-Zellhomogenaten ergaben ähnliche Affinitäten (Kd 18–30 nM), die wiederum etwas niedriger waren als die von [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (11 nM). Die Ergebnisse der Internalisierungsversuche zeigten eine stärkere Aufnahme von [64Cu]Cu-PSMA-617 in LNCaP-Zellen als vom verschieden radiomarkierten L. Mit dem Konjugat L konnten nach erfolgreicher Radiomarkierung mit 68Ga, 111In und 18F vielversprechende Bindungseigenschaften gegenüber PSMA bestimmt werden. Die Vielseitigkeit dieses Chelators bietet die Möglichkeit mit entsprechendem Radionuklid sowohl für PET (68Ga, 18F) als auch für SPECT (111In) einsetzbar zu sein. Literatur: [1] K. Kopka, J. Nucl. Med. 2017, 58,17S. [2] H.R. Kulkarni, Br. J. Radiol. 2018, 91,20180308. [3] Y. Tolkach, Breast Cancer Res.Treat. 2018, 169,447. [4] M.C. Haffner, Hum.Pathol. 2009, 40,1754.

Therapieansätze in der Nuklearmedizin mit Radium-223 beschränken sich zurzeit auf die Behandlung von Knochenmetastasen. Ziel ist es, das Anwendungsfeld für Radium-223 zu erweitern. Dafür werden Liganden entwickelt, die Radium-223 stabil binden und gleichzeitig eine spezifische Erkennungssequenz für diverse Krebsentitäten besitzen. Calixkronen mit funktionalisierten Seitenketten sind dafür vielversprechend. Calix[4]krone-6-derivate mit Trifluormethylsulfonyl- [1] und 4-Nitrophenylsulfonyl-Seitenketten wurden synthetisiert und mittels NMR und UV/Vis auf ihre Komplexierungseigenschaften für Ba2+ untersucht. Anschließend wurden mittels eines Extraktionsassays Komplexierungen durchgeführt und die resultierenden Komplexe auf ihre Stabilität in Gegenwart anderer Ionen wie Ca2+ untersucht. Die Extraktionsversuche wurden im Chloroform/Wasser-Zweiphasensystem durchgeführt. Dabei wurde eine wässrige Metallsalzlösung ([133Ba]Ba2+ c.a. bzw. [224Ra]Ra2+ n.c.a.) definierter Konzentration vorgelegt und mit einer definierten Stoffmenge des jeweiligen Liganden in Chloroform für 1 h bei RT extrahiert. Die beiden Calixarenderivate wurden in einer vierstufigen Synthese hergestellt. Anschließende Komplexierungsversuche mit Ba(ClO4)2 verliefen erfolgreich und die Komplexe wurden mittels NMR-Spektroskopie nachgewiesen. Für beide Liganden wurden Stabilitätskonstanten von 5,3-6,3 (Ba2+) bzw. 5,8 (Ra2+) berechnet. Die Radiumkomplexe beider Liganden waren gegenüber Ca2+-Ionen stabil (Release <5%), der Bariumkomplex des Nitrophenylsulfonylliganden war ebenfalls stabil (Release <5%), der des Trifluormethylsulfonylliganden zeigte 30% Release. Die Wahl der sterisch anspruchsvollen und elektronenziehenden Sulfonylgruppen hatte positive Auswirkungen sowohl auf das Komplexierungsverhalten mit Ba2+ und Ra2+ als auch auf die Stabilität der resultierenden Komplex

Due to their high biological effectiveness and suitable half-lives, there is increased interest in using the radionuclides radium-223 and radium-224 for radiopharmaceutical applications. Xofigo ([223Ra]radium chloride) is a bone-seeking, alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical with EMA and FDA approval. It is used to treat bone metastasis of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. To expand the possible applications for these promising radionuclides, it is necessary to stably bind the radionuclide within a chelator. Therefore, calixarene-based ligands have been synthesized, which show encouraging affinities to radium ions. In our recent studies, we have already presented the high potential of these ligands. Since radium and barium have similar chemistry, and therefore comparable affinities to our ligands, it is possible to create a matched pair for theragnostic approaches. The radionuclide barium-131 has a suitable physical half-life for therapeutic applications and the potential of being a SPECT nuclide.

The radionuclides radium-223 and radium-224 are two alpha-emitting radionuclides with suitable properties for the TAT. To this date, radium-223 in form of [223Ra]radium chloride (Xofigo) is the only EMA and FDA approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical. Due to its calcimimetic behavior, the radium ion is a bone-seeking therapeutic. To extend the radiopharmaceutical potential of both radionuclides, novel carrier systems have to be developed. Therefore, it is appropriate to investigate different kinds of nanoparticles for their ability to transport radium. Especially, a barium sulfate matrix seems to be sufficient since the principle of co-precipitating the sulfates of radium and barium allows an easy and fast synthesis of radium-doped nanoparticles. Beyond the incorporation of alpha-emitting radionuclides like radium-223 and radium-224, the homologue radionuclide barium-131 can be incorporated as well. Barium 131 decays by electron capture and provides suitable properties for diagnostic applications in nuclear medicine. Radium-223/-224 and barium-131 form a matched pair for new theragnostic approaches. In our research group, we are developing simple methods for the synthesis of small radiolabeled radium/barium sulfate nanoparticles. Furthermore, we are investigating suitable surface functionalizations to attach biological targeting moieties.

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is continually focused and discussed in radiopharmaceutical research [1]. By the combination of an alpha emitting radionuclide with a biological targeting unit, tumor cells can be affected very efficiently by inducing a high number of double strand breaks to the DNA. 223Ra and 224Ra are two alpha-emitting radionuclides with suitable half-lives for TAT. 223Ra in form of [223Ra]RaCl2 (Xofigo®) is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical as well as the prime example for the working principle of TAT. Based on its calcimimetic behavior, radium is built into the bone structure. To exploit the therapeutic potential of alpha emitters like 223Ra and 224Ra, novel targeting strategies and carrier systems have to be developed. Therefore, it is worth to examine alternative carriers like nanoparticles, using the principle of co-precipitation of Ra/BaSO4. By the combination of a therapeutic alpha-emitting radionuclide like 223Ra on the one hand and the diagnostically applicable barium radioisotope 131Ba on the other hand with nearly identical physical half-lives it is also possible pursue theragnostic approaches. Thus, our research aims at developing a simple method for the synthesis of small radiolabeled Ra/BaSO4 nanoparticles and testing further surface functionalization regarding the ability of constructing biological targeting moieties.

Alpha therapy is continually discussed in radiopharmaceutical research. [223Ra]RaCl2 is the only EMA- and FDA-approved alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical so far. Since the use of 223Ra is only based on its calcimimetic behavior. It is directly bond to bone structures in the body. To enhance the therapeutic potential of radium isotopes, it is necessary to develop novel carrier systems for radium ions as a base of biological targeting units. By the combination of 223Ra or 224Ra, which both have suitable physical half-lives for therapeutic applications, and 131Ba which has a similar half-life but diagnostic radiation properties, a theragnostic idea can also be followed. Our project aims at the synthesis of calixarene-based ligands for the stable complexation of barium and radium ions. Recent studies in our group have already shown the high potential of such ligands.

Understanding the coordination chemistry of heavy group 2 metals, especially of barium as surrogate for radium, is mandatory not only for radiopharmaceutical applications of radium. This is from high importance since radium-223 is the only approved therapeutic alpha-emitter (by EMA and FDA). Unfortunately, the applications are limited. To date, radium-223 is only in use as RaCl2 for the treatment of bone cancer metastases. To overcome this limitation, which is also true for other group 2 metals, special cage-like compounds have to be developed as ligands like sulfonated calix[4]crowns to stably bind the Ba2+ and Ra2+ to avoid a release in vivo. This will be the basis for a future application of heavy group 2 metals and not only of radium to treat other cancer entities than bone metastases. Ra2+ can then be included in radiopharmaceuticals which contain a chelator and a biologically active molecule part to find the tumor cell. For this purpose, a series of modified calix[4]crown-6 derivatives was synthesized to chelate barium, which serves as non-radioactive surrogate for radium-223/-224. These calixcrowns were functionalized sulfonate moieties including deprotonable groups and the corresponding barium complexes were synthesized. Stability constants of these complexes were measured using UV/Vis titration experiments to determine logK values. Further extraction studies were performed with [133Ba]Ba2+ and [224Ra]Ra2+ to further characterize the binding affinity of calixcrowns.