Validation of (68)Ge/(68)Ga generator processing by chemical purification for routine clinical application of (68)Ga-DOTATOC.

Abstract Introduction Imaging of somatostatin receptor expressing tumours has been greatly enhanced by the use of 68 Ga-DOTATOC and PET/CT. Methods In this work, a purification method for the 68 Ge/ 68 Ga generator eluate and a method to produce 68 Ga-DOTATOC suitable for clinical use were evaluated. The generator eluate was purified and concentrated on a cation-exchange cartridge in HCl/acetone media. The efficacy of this procedure in eliminating metal impurities from the 68 Ga solution was investigated by ICP-MS. The radiotracer quality was evaluated by radio-TLC, GC and γ-ray spectrometry. Results 68 Ga-DOTATOC preparations ( n =33) were carried out with a mean synthesis yield of 59.3±2.…