Evaluation of [11C]thymidine for measurement of cell proliferation in fast dividing tissues.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of using [11C]thymidine as a tumor marker for positron emission tomography studies. Biodistribution studies were set up to investigate the in vivo behavior of [11C]thymidine. Simultaneously, the DNA incorporation in fast dividing tissues and catabolism was studied.

Measurement of short-term 11C-thymidine activity in human head and neck tumours using positron emission tomography (PET).

Tumour uptake of 11C-thymidine labeled in the methyl position was assessed after intravenous injection in 13 patients with head and neck tumours. This activity was compared to other tracers such as C15O, 13NH3 and C15O2. In every single case a 'positive' tumour image after injection of 11C-thymidine was obtained.

Synthesis of 11C-labelled thymidine for tumor visualization using positron emission tomography.

A no-carrier added synthesis of [11C]thymidine from cyclotron produced [11C]methyl iodide is presented. The bis-silylated derivative of the lithium salt of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine is treated with [11C]methyl iodide in THF at -50 degrees C giving 20-30 mCi [11C]thymidine in a 40-70% radiochemical yield. Purification is performed by reversed phase chromatography on a C18 column.