Bench to Bedside Development of [F]Fluoromethyl-(1,2-H)choline ([F]D4-FCH).

Malignant transformation is characterised by aberrant phospholipid metabolism of cancers, associated with the upregulation of choline kinase alpha (CHKα). Due to the metabolic instability of choline radiotracers and the increasing use of late-imaging protocols, we developed a more stable choline radiotracer, [F]fluoromethyl-[1,2-H]choline ([F]D4-FCH). [F]D4-FCH has improved protection against choline oxidase, the key choline catabolic enzyme, via a H/D isotope effect, together with fluorine substitution.

Clinical translation of F-fluoropivalate - a PET tracer for imaging short-chain fatty acid metabolism: safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry in fed and fasted healthy volunteers.

Background: Fatty acids derived de novo or taken up from the extracellular space are an essential source of nutrient for cell growth and proliferation. Radiopharmaceuticals including C-acetate, and F-FAC (2-F-fluoroacetate), have previously been used to study short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism. We developed F-fluoropivalate (F-FPIA; 3-F-fluoro-2,2-dimethylpropionic acid) bearing a gem-dimethyl substituent to assert metabolic stability for studying SCFA metabolism.

The emerging role of positron emission tomography in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. HCC a heterogeneous disease occurring on the background of cirrhosis. The presence of cirrhosis limits the sensitivity of conventional imaging modalities in differentiating HCC from surrounding cirrhotic parenchyma.