Evaluation of [99mTc-(CO)3-X-Y-Bombesin(7-14)NH2] conjugates for targeting gastrin-releasing peptide receptors overexpressed on breast carcinoma.

Background: Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors are overexpressed on a variety of human carcinomas, including those of the breast. These receptors may be targeted with bombesin (BBN), which binds to GRP receptors with high affinity and specificity. The aim of this study was to develop a (99m)Tc(I)-BBN analog with favorable pharmacokinetic properties in order to improve the visualization of breast cancer tissue.