Synthesis and PET studies of [11C-cyano]letrozole (Femara®), an aromatase inhibitor drug

Abstract Introduction Aromatase, a member of the cytochrome P 450 family, converts androgens such as androstenedione and testosterone into estrone and estradiol, respectively. Letrozole (1-[bis-(4-cyanophenyl)methyl]-1 H -1,2,4-triazole; Femara) is a high-affinity aromatase inhibitor ( K i =11.5 nM) that has Food and Drug Administration approval for breast cancer treatment. Here we report the synthesis of carbon-11-labeled letrozole and its assessment as a radiotracer for brain aromatase in the baboon. Methods Letrozole and its precursor (4-[(4-bromophenyl)-1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl]benzonitrile) were prepared in a two-step synthesis from 4-cyanobenzyl bromide and 4-bromobenzyl bromide,…