THE BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY OF TECHNETIUM AND RHENIUM

This review describes recent developments in the chemistry of both fir st and second generation 99m-technetium-based imaging agents. The mate rial is presented according to the biological target for the agent, an d where possible actual images are presented to indicate the type of i nformation available to the clinician, Beta emitting isotopes of rheni um offer a possible method for the in situ treatment of cancerous tiss ue using analogous targeting strategies to those for technetium. Recen t developments in the relevant coordination chemistry of rhenium and t heir extension to in vitro and in vivo studies are presented.