Efficient preparation of 64Cu and radiolabeling of Nectin-4 antibody for esophageal cancer imaging

作者：Xin Di, Xilian Wang, Zihao Wang, Xinyun Ge, shuyu lin, Jiaqiang Hou, Yan Yang, Zhi Yang, Zhou Lu, Fubo Ye, R.F. Xu, Xiaoan Li · 发表于：Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1007/s10967-026-11008-6 · 研究领域：Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry and Applications、Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment、Peptidase Inhibition and Analysis

64 Cu is a radioactive isotope used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, with promising applications in theranostics. However, the supply of 64 Cu is limited and requires significant personnel involvement. To enhance 64 Cu yield and minimize personnel exposure, we presented an automated method for producing high-specific-activity 64 Cu. Our approach involved the design of a novel electroplating device that employed 64 Ni as the target material, coupled with an automated system for target dissolution and transfer. Automated ion exchange chromatography was utilized to efficiently purify the dissolved 64 Cu, achieving a radionuclide purity of 99.9%. We utilized enriched 64 Ni (99.32%) and achieved an electroplating thickness of 60.2–62.2 mg/cm 2 , resulting in a radioactive yield of over 300 mCi. Further synthesis of 64 Cu-NOTA-Nectin-4 was carried out, and it was applied to the imaging and biological distribution studies of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, effectively targeting the tumor site. Leveraging the moderate half-life of 64 Cu and its production via medical cyclotrons, this approach enables extended imaging windows, precise tumor localization, providing new insights for the early diagnosis of esophageal cancer in clinical practice.