Synthesis, characterization and comparative biodistribution study of a newseries of p-iodine-125 benzamides as potential melanoma imaging agents

lodobenzamides are reported to possess some affinity for melanoma. In order to identify the compound having the most appropriate pharmacokinetic prope rties as a potential melanoma imaging agent, thirteen new [ I-125]radioiodo benzamides with a butylene amide-amine spacer and various substituents on t he terminal amino group were investigated. Their synthesis, radioiodination and biodistribution in B16 melanoma bearing C57BL6 mice are described and compared to [I-125] labeled N-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4-iodobenzamide ([I-125 ]BZA), our reference compound. Changes in the terminal amino constituents i nduced modifications of lipophilicity, tumor uptake and organ distribution. The dimethylaminobutyl iodobenzamide appeared to be the most promising rad iopharmaceutical imaging agent for the detection of melanoma and its metast ases. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.