Gallium (68Ga) gozetotide

Gallium (68Ga) gozetotide is a radiopharmaceutical used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. It is a synthetic peptide that binds to somatostatin receptors, which are overexpressed in many types of cancer cells. The gallium-68 isotope acts as a radioactive tracer, allowing the detection and localization of tumors.

Chemistry

Gallium (68Ga) gozetotide is a complex of the somatostatin analogue gozetotide and the radioisotope gallium-68. The gozetotide peptide has a high affinity for somatostatin receptors, particularly subtype 2. The gallium-68 isotope decays by positron emission, producing gamma rays that can be detected by a PET scanner.

Production

Gallium-68 is produced by a cyclotron or a generator, from the decay of germanium-68. The isotope is then combined with the gozetotide peptide in a process known as radiolabeling. This process involves the use of a chelating agent to form a stable complex between the isotope and the peptide.

Clinical use

Gallium (68Ga) gozetotide is used in PET imaging to detect and localize tumors that overexpress somatostatin receptors. This includes many types of neuroendocrine tumors, as well as certain types of breast, lung, and prostate cancers. The radiopharmaceutical is administered by injection, and the patient is then scanned with a PET scanner to detect the gamma rays emitted by the decaying gallium-68.

Safety and side effects

As with all radiopharmaceuticals, there is a risk of radiation exposure with gallium (68Ga) gozetotide. However, the short half-life of gallium-68 (about 68 minutes) means that the radiation dose is relatively low. Side effects are generally mild and may include injection site reactions and transient changes in blood pressure.

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