Evaluating the radiochemical purity of Ga68-DOTA-TOC for the treatment of NETs
27 June 2024
At a glance
> The Scan-RAM radio-TLC scanner has been used to investigate the biodistribution of temozolomide (TMZ) in treating neuroendocrine tumours.
> In a study by AghaAmiri et al., 68Ga-DOTA-TOC was adapted into a special delivery system for TMZ to provide more precise, targeted delivery and reduce side effects.
> The Scan-RAM provided highly accurate and reliable results using a plastic scintillation detector, which is tailored for high-energy betas and PET radionuclides.
Targeted delivery of temozolomide
The radiochemical purity of 68Ga-DOTA-TOC has been evaluated using LabLogic’s Scan-RAM radio-TLC scanner in a study investigating the biodistribution of the anti-cancer drug temozolomide (TMZ). TMZ is used for treating neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), but side effects have been reported at high doses.
For more precise, targeted delivery and to reduce side effects, AghaAmiri et al. adapted 68Ga-DOTA-TOC into a special delivery system tailored for TMZ, which targets tumour cells with a receptor called somatostatin receptor subtype-2 (SSTR2). The study found the modified system effectively delivered TMZ to the right cells, causing damage to tumour DNA.
Assessing potential side effects and unintended accumulations in organs
Understanding the distribution of radiolabelled drugs in the body is crucial for assessing potential side effects and unintended accumulations in organs, whilst confirming that specific binding to target cells is essential for targeted therapies. The effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals relies on accurate delivery to target tissues, highlighting the importance of assessing radiochemical purity to ensure product validity. Maintaining purity is vital as contaminants can disrupt binding or biodistribution, leading to misleading or inaccurate imaging data.
In the study, the Scan-RAM used a plastic scintillation detector, which is tailored for high-energy betas and PET radionuclides and specifically responds to positrons rather than gammas. Therefore, the 511 keV annihilation gamma radiation emitted did not affect the detector’s sensitivity, producing highly accurate and reliable results.
The next generation of radiochromatography equipment
Building on the success of the original model, LabLogic’s new Scan-RAM 2 has brought improved performance to radiochemical purity measurements for radiopharmaceuticals. Available in 5 different models combining radio-TLC scanning, radio-HPLC detection, and gamma spectrometry, it introduces a range of new smart cableless detectors, including SiPMs, for the very first time.
Demonstrations in working radiopharmacies have proven that the Scan-RAM 2 has the necessary response to avoid common peak abnormalities such as broadening and splits, as well as improved counting efficiencies when using a SiPM detector compared to a traditional PMT one. All of this is achieved in a reduced size and compact footprint. Measuring just 37 (L) x 16 (W) cm, it is 40% smaller in overall size than other available r-TLC scanners, making it an ideal instrument for facilities where space may be restricted.
Find out more
To read the full research paper from AghaAmiri et al., click here. You can learn more about the Scan-RAM by clicking the button below to speak to a product specialist directly.