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Current Medicinal Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 0929-8673
ISSN (Online): 1875-533X

Amino Acid Transporter-Targeted Radiotracers for Molecular Imaging in Oncology

Author(s): Fan-Lin Kong and David J. Yang

Volume 19, Issue 20, 2012

Page: [3271 - 3281] Pages: 11

DOI: 10.2174/092986712801215946

Price: $65

Abstract

Amino acids are required for sustenance of continuous uncontrolled growth of tumor cells, and upregulation of amino acid transporter expression has often been observed in tumor cells to facilitate their accelerated rates of amino acid uptake. Therefore, amino acid transporters have promise as ideal targets for tumor imaging. In fact, many natural and artificial amino acids have been radiolabeled for positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of tumor. In this article, we review the classification, molecular biology, and pharmacological relevance of amino acid transport systems. In addition, we discuss the chemistry, radiochemistry, current clinical applications, and future prospects for the use of radiolabeled amino acid-based probes for PET and SPECT imaging in oncology for each category of radionuclide.

Keywords: Amino acid transporter, cancer diagnosis, molecular imaging, positron emission tomography, molecular imaging, radiotracer, single-photon emission computed tomography, tumor cells, amino acid uptake, radiochemistry


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