Automated radiosynthesis of 2-[18F]BPA for PET-based planning of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT): rational precursor design, radiofluorination, and characterization of methodology

This study establishes a practical and fully automated radiosynthetic approach for producing 2-fluoro-boronophenylalanine using a single-reactor nucleophilic fluorination strategy. The method overcomes key limitations of electrophilic fluorination and multi-pot workflows, provides high radiochemical purity and suitable molar activity, and is compatible with commercially available synthesis equipment. These features support routine preclinical application and position the method for future current good manufacturing practice adaptation to enable clinical use in boron neutron capture therapy planning.