Simple automated preparation of O-[11C]methyl-L-tyrosine for routine clinical use

The previously reported preparation of O-[C-11]methyl- L-tyro sine ([C-11]MT), a promising tumor imaging agent, has been now considerably simplified and automated. Main changes were the use of [C-11]methyl iodide ([C-11]MeI) in the reaction with L-tyrosine disodium and the use of solid phase extraction on commercially available cartridges instead of HPLC for the final purification. An injectable saline solution of [C-11]MT was obtained within 30min after EOB with radiochemical yield of ca. 60% (decay-corrected, based on [C-11]MeI). Radiochemical purity was over 97%. The automated preparation was carried out using a miniature module employing manifold valves. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.