Preparation of (99m)Tc-labelled methotraxate by a direct labeling technique as a potential diagnostic agent for breast cancer and preliminary clinical results

Hell J Nucl Med. 2013 Jan-Apr;16(1):33-7. doi: 10.1967/s002449910069. Epub 2013 Mar 26.

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) is being used in clinical oncology for the treatment of a wide variety of cancers. The aim of the present study was to label directly MTX with (99m)Tc by using Sn/pyrophosphate as reducing agent and to use this labeled compound as a potential anticancer radiopharmaceutical for breast cancer imaging. We studied the labeling efficiency of the (99m)Tc-MTX compound by paper chromatography and instant thin layer chromatography (ITLC) in acetone and saline and found it to be more than 95%. In vitro stability of labeled MTX in serum was studied up to 5h. Partition coefficient in n-octanol and saline indicated that the labeled radiopharmaceutical was hydrophilic. We then tested (99m)Tc-MTX in 5 breast cancer female patients. Protein bound (99m)Tc-MTX showed rapid clearance from blood. The biodistibution data suggested that (99m)Tc-MTX was cleared by the kidneys and the liver. Patients ' data also showed highly significant uptake of (99m)Tc-MTX in breast cancer. In conclusion, this study indicated that (99m)Tc-MTX may be used as a potential diagnostic agent for breast cancer patients imaging and may show treatment efficiency in case MTX is to be used for treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isotope Labeling / methods*
  • Methotrexate* / adverse effects
  • Methotrexate* / chemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Organotechnetium Compounds*
  • Quality Control
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Safety

Substances

  • Organotechnetium Compounds
  • Methotrexate