Peptide targeted copper-64 radiopharmaceuticals

Peptide targeted (64)Cu-labelled diagnostic agents for positron emission tomography are viable candidates for molecular imaging of cancer. In a clinical setting, optimal image quality relies on selective tumor uptake of the (64)Cu-labelled radiotracer. The three components of the radiotracer construct - the chelate group, linker and targeting peptide - all influence the biodistribution of the (64)Cu-labelled radiotracer in vivo. Low or moderate Cu complex stability in vivo results in transmetallation of (64)Cu to endogenous proteins, giving rise to high background activity.