Dopamine transporter binding in rat striatum: a comparison of [O-methyl-11C]beta-CFT and [N-methyl-11C]beta-CFT.

Introduction: Positron emission tomography scanning with radiolabeled phenyltropane cocaine analogs is important for quantifying the in vivo density of monoamine transporters, including the dopamine transporter (DAT). [(11)C]beta-CFT is useful for studying DAT as a marker of dopaminergic innervation in animal models of psychiatric and neurological disorders. [(11)C]beta-CFT is commonly labeled at the N-methyl position.

Advantages of short-lived positron-emitting radioisotopes for intracoronary radiation therapy with liquid-filled balloons to prevent restenosis.

Unlabelled: Balloon catheters filled with liquid radioisotopes provide excellent dose homogeneity for intracoronary radiation therapy but are associated with risk for rupture or leakage. We hypothesized that the safety of liquid-filled balloons may be improved once positron emitters with half-lives below 2 h are used instead of the high-energy beta-emitters 166Ho, 186Re, or 188Re, all of which have a longer half-life of at least 17 h.

Methods: To support this concept, the suitability of 18F (half-life, 109.

Liquid-filled balloon brachytherapy using (68)Ga is effective and safe because of the short 68-minute half-life: results of a feasibility study in the porcine coronary overstretch model.

Background: Liquid-filled balloons for coronary brachytherapy provide significant advantages over solid sources in dose homogeneity but carry the risk of life-threatening radiointoxication after balloon rupture and laboratory contamination in case of a spill. We hypothesized that the positron emitter (68)Ga, with a half-life of only 68 minutes, was well suited to overcome these safety obstacles while providing full therapeutic efficacy.

Methods And Results: The feasibility, efficacy, and safety of (68)Ga liquid-filled balloon brachytherapy were investigated in the porcine coronary overstretch model.