Radiometallated receptor-avid peptide conjugates for specific in vivo targeting of cancer cells

New receptor-avid radiotracers are being developed for site-specific in viv o targeting of a myriad of receptors expressed on cancer cells. This review exemplifies strategies being used to design radiometallated peptide conjug ates that maximize uptake in tumors and optimize their in vivo pharmacokine tic properties. Efforts to produce synthetic peptide analogues that target the following three receptor systems are highlighted: Gastrin releasing pep tide (GRP), alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha -MSH), and guanylat e cyclase-C (GC-C) receptors. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights res erved.