Routinely automated production of 3'-deoxy-3'-[~(18)F] fluorothymidine as a specific molecular imaging probe of tumor cell proliferation

This work was aimed at developing a routine for automated production of 3'-deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine(18F-FLT),a specific molecular imaging probe of tumor cell proliferation,using one-pot two-step strategy and an upgraded Explora GN module integrated with a semi-preparative HPLC system.Firstly,the nucleophilic [18F]radiofluorination of precursor BDNT with activated 18F ion was carried out at 120°C for 5 min to yield the labeled intermediate 18F-BDFT.Secondly,the acidic hydrolysis of 18F-BDFT was run at 110°C for 5 min to produce 18F-FLT after addition of HCl,and 18F-FLT was purified by HPLC.This automated production of 18F-FLT is of fast,reliable and multi-run features,being completed within 65 min with radiochemical yield of 15%-25%(without decay correction).The quality control of 18F-FLT was identical with the radiopharmaceutical requirements,especiallly the radiochemical purity of greater than 99% and high chemical purity and specific activity own to HPLC purification.