Use of tricatecholamide ligands to alter the biodistribution of gallium-67: Concise communication

The effect of the intravenous administration of the synthetic siderophore LI-CAM-C on the biodistribution of Ga-67 was investigated. The ligand was found capable of in vivo complexing with Ga-67, which hastened the renal clearance of the nuclide. The gallium concentration was decreased in all organs, with the exception of the liver and spleen, where we suggest that hydroxide precipitates interfere with gallium sequestration by LICAM-C. The gallium in abscess tissue was only slightly affected, giving rise to an increase in the Ga-67 abscess-to-soft-tissue concentration ratio when LICAM-C is administered. Dosimetry calculations show that the siderophore decreases the radiation burden from Ga-67 citrate. The advantages of clinical application of LICAM-C are discussed.