OBJECTIVETo investigate the imaging potential and biodistribution in vivo of a novel positron imaging agent,2-[(18)F]fluoropropionic,in breast cancer-bearing mice. Methods: 2-[(18)F]fluoropropionic acid (7.4-11.1 MBq)was injected into the breast cancer-bearing mice via tail vein,followed by micro positron emission tomography at 60 min and 120 min.The radioactivity per volume (Bq/ml) in organs was transferred to percentage injected dose per gram(% ID/g)by Inveon Research software and the biodistribution of 2-[(18)F]fluoropropionic acid in organs was deduce.The same operations were done with (18)F-FDG.

RESULTS2-[(18)F]fluoropropionic acid was mainly distributed in the urinary bladder,intestine,and liver between 60 min to 120 min.The breast cancer at right flank was visualized clearly,and the radioactivity uptake was (13.74±1.97)% ID/g and (14.84±1.06)% ID/g,respectively,at these two time points (P=0.454).The radioactivity uptakes in muscle and brown tissue were relatively low.The radioactivity uptake of (18)F-FDG was (10.27±2.34)% ID/g at the breast cancer 60 min after injection,and radioactivity uptake of the brown fat on the back was obvious.

CONCLUSIONSPositron imaging agent 2-[(18)F]fluoropropionic acid can be used to image breast cancer.It may be applied in the noninvasive imaging of breast cancer in clinical settings.