Automated synthesis of 18F-fluoroacetate by using Explora FDG4 module

Objective PET/CT with 11C-acetate has a high sensitivity for detection of liver cancer and some cancers that arc poorly detected with 18F-fluorodeoxyglueose (FDG). However, the short half-life of 11C nuclide (11C = 20.4 min) limits the general availability of 11C-acetate. 18F-fluoroaeetate (FAC), an analog of acetate, has the advantage with a longer radioactive half-life (18F = 110 min). The aim of the study was to establish a method for preparing 18F-FAC. Methods In this study, a new automated synthesis of vF-FAC based on modified Siemens Explora FDG4 module was carried out by "two pots" reaction. The modified content of synthesis equipment included addition of 2 valves for liquid solution, 3 reagent position and new synthesis PC program. W256 liver tumor cells baring rats underwent 18F-FAC PET/CT imaging. Results The good separation and purity of final production were adopted via Sep-Pak cartridge extraction. The synthesis of 18F-FAC could be completed within 65 min, with about 60% (time calculated) of radio-chemical yield and more than 98% of radiochemicai purity. The standardized uptake value (SUV) of tumor in the rats was 1.37 and 1.20 at 30 and 120 min, the radioactivity ratios of tumor to muscle were 2.32 and 2.55, respectively. Conclusion Automated synthesis of 18F-FAC, a promising tracer for PET imaging of liver cancer, was developed successfully based upon modified Explora FDG4 module with good results. Key words: Acetate ;  Fluorine radioisotopes ;  Chemical synthesis ;  Automation ;  Rats ;