Macroaggregated albumin kits radiolabeled with cyclotron-produced [⁶⁸Ga]GaCl₃ for lung perfusion imaging in healthy pigs and preliminary studies toward radiolabeling with [⁸⁹Zr]ZrCl₄

Macroaggregated albumin (MAA) particles bearing a radioactive label are routinely used to assess the lung blood flow during the perfusion phase of ventilation/perfusion scans. Although originally developed for labelling with 99m Tc, MAA kits are also suitable for radiolabeling with [ 68 Ga]GaCl 3 . The presented study describes the suitability of solid target cyclotron-produced [ 68 Ga]GaCl 3 and [ 89 Zr]ZrCl 4 for the labelling of MAA kits. Cyclotron-produced [ 68 Ga]GaCl 3 was fully compatible with the preparation of [ 68 Ga]Ga-MAA; radiolabeled kits were successfully applied to lung blood flow evaluation in healthy pigs. Additionally, the suitability of [ 89 Zr]ZrCl 4 for labelling the MAA kits was also evaluated. [ 89 Zr]Zr-MAA was produced for the first time in good radiochemical yield, possessing high radiochemical purity and stability.