A Comparison study of manual and fully automated synthesis of 68Ga-labelled radiopharmaceuticals

Nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging using positron emission computed tomography (PET-CT) has quickly become a mainstay. Gallium-68 (68Ga) is one of the radioisotopes that has attracted the most attention because of its advantageous radioactive decay properties, Chelation chemistry. It is almost available from inhouse 68Ge-68Ga generator setup. Peptides like PSMA (Prostate membrane Antigen), DOTA-TOC (DOTA-Tyr3 -Octreotide) radiolabeling with 68Ga, such as 68Ga-PSMA, 68Ga-DOTA-TOC, is essential for diagnosing prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors and all. However,68Ga-labeled radiopharmaceuticals can be prepared by manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic module methods. This study compares the fully automated and manual synthesis of 68Ga-PSMA and DOTA-TOC in terms of radiochemical yield, synthesis time, and radiation exposure to technologists. Radiation exposure levels were monitored with survey meter cum contamination during the synthesis of 68Ga-labeled radiopharmaceuticals using both manual and completely automated synthesis modules. Whole-body radiation dose to technologist was measured by using personal pocket dosimeter, the outcomes shown that automated synthesis decreases radiation dose (2μSv vs. 9–10μSv) to technologists, increases radiochemical yield (85%vs.67%) and reduces synthesis time (12min vs22 min). Automatic synthesis module method guarantees improved reproducibility and radiation safety in addition to increasing operational efficiency. These results will support use of automatic synthesis module methods in labelling of radiopharmaceuticals with 68Ga.