Radiopharmaceutical Labelling for Lung Ventilation/Perfusion PET/CT Imaging: A Review of Production and Optimization Processes for Clinical Use.

Lung ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) is a promising imaging modality for regional lung function assessment. The same carrier molecules as a conventional V/Q scan (i.e., carbon nanoparticles for ventilation and macro aggregated albumin particles for perfusion) are used, but they are labeled with gallium-68 ( 68 Ga) instead of technetium-99m ( 99m Tc). For both radiopharmaceuticals, various production processes have been proposed. This article discusses the challenges associated with the transition from 99m Tc- to 68 Ga-labelled radiopharmaceuticals. The various production and optimization processes for both radiopharmaceuticals are reviewed and discussed for optimal clinical use.