Synthesis and labelling of Df-DUPA-Pep with gallium-68 and zirconium-89 as new PSMA ligands

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a cell surface protein that is overexpressed in prostate cancer. Due to the specificity of expression of PSMA, numerous urea-based ligands have been synthesized until now. In the current study, we describe the coupling of the chelator desferrioxamine to DUPA-Pep and the subsequent labelling with Ga-68 and Zr-89 as new PSMA ligands. The labelling step is performed at room temperature and pH 7.5. In both radiosyntheses, the RCYs were higher than 95 % within 10 min, making dispensable any further purification and providing the radiotracers directly applicable for further utilization.