Ga68labeled

Ga-68 labeled refers to radiopharmaceuticals in which gallium-68, a positron-emitting radioisotope, is chelated to a biological targeting molecule for positron emission tomography (PET). The relatively short half-life of 68Ga (68 minutes) enables on-site production with a generator, facilitating rapid imaging workflows without a cyclotron.

Most 68Ga is obtained from a 68Ge/68Ga generator and is eluted as Ga3+ in an acidic solution. In radiochemistry, 68Ga is bound to targeting vectors using chelators such as DOTA, NOTA, or HBED-CC. Labeling is typically performed quickly under mildly acidic conditions, sometimes at elevated temperature, followed by purification and sterile formulation. The short half-life necessitates efficient synthesis, quality control, and prompt clinical use.

Common Ga-68 labeled tracers include Ga-68 DOTATATE, DOTATOC, and DOTANOC for somatostatin receptor imaging in neuroendocrine tumors, and Ga-68 PSMA-11 for imaging prostate cancer. Additional Ga-68 labeled peptides and small molecules are under research for various targets. Ga-68 citrate is used in some centers for infection or inflammation imaging. Many other tracers are under development or used in exploratory clinical work.

Advantages of Ga-68 labeled radiopharmaceuticals include the capability for high-resolution PET imaging and the possibility of on-site, generator-based production. Limitations include a short imaging window, the need for rapid synthesis and logistics, and regulatory and quality-control requirements. Availability varies by region, with several tracers approved for clinical use in some jurisdictions and others used primarily in research or clinical trials.