Newer methods of labeling diagnostic agents with Tc-99m

The past several years have seen marked advances in technetium/rhenium chem istry applicable to the preparation of new Tc-99m-labeled radiopharmaceutic als. This article focuses on recent developments in technetium chemistry, i ncluding the preparation of "3 + 1" complexes, the preparation and use of ( Tc-99m[CO](3))(+) complexes for labeling biomolecules, the preparation of r henium steroid inclusion complexes, improvements in both hydrazinonicotinam ide labeling chemistry and in the preformed Tc-99m complex method of labeli ng biomolecules, and new solid-phase separation techniques that may allow t he isolation of high specific-activity radiopharmaceuticals in a clinical s etting. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.