The Radiochemistry Program supports the use of radiopharmaceuticals within the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis by supplying radiopharmaceuticals, developing new radiopharmaceuticals, and providing regulatory affairs support. We evaluate known radiopharmaceuticals prior to their use in DCTD-sponsored studies. 

The group provides regulatory affairs support for DCTD and thus supports the supply of radiopharmaceuticals for different NCI-sponsored clinical trials.

Supporting imaging studies for radiopharmaceuticals 

We produce or procure investigational and experimental radiopharmaceuticals for clinical and non-clinical studies, and we work on the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals to annotate oncologic biomarkers of interest. 

In total, the Radiochemistry Program has supported imaging studies in 83 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models using four radiopharmaceuticals. Models imaged include those with metastatic disease and drug studies monitoring response to therapy. 

Our capabilities and specializations

Supply radiopharmaceuticals for preclinical studies 

We produce various fluorine-18-labeled radiopharmaceuticals for DCTD-sponsored preclinical studies in murine PDX models. 

  • Production and quality control analysis of radiopharmaceuticals 

  • Imaging data acquisition 

  • Response therapy monitoring 

Evaluate known and develop novel radiopharmaceuticals 

We evaluate radiopharmaceuticals in suitable in vitro and in vivo models, setting up and verifying biomarker assays. We develop novel radiopharmaceuticals to address unmet challenges in the field. We synthesize and characterize radiolabeling precursors and reference standards, as required. 

  • Biochemical rationales for differences in radiopharmaceutical uptake in murine models 

  • Novel fluorine-18- and zirconium-89-labeled radiopharmaceuticals