Copper-64 labelling of triazacyclononane-triphosphinate chelators.

The 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-tris(methylenephosphinic acid) chelators TRAP and NOPO are complexing copper-64 with similar efficiency as 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-triacetic acid (NOTA). The kinetic stability of Cu-64-labelled TRAP-peptides is sufficient for PET imaging at early time points (1-2 h post injection). For labelling of TRAP conjugates, Cu-64 can be recommended as an alternative to Ga-68 to achieve higher resolution of PET images.