The Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry of the Radioisotopes of Iodine

Abstract

Radioisotopes of iodine have been incorporated into a wide variety of radiopharmaceuticals ranging from small, low molecular weight compounds to large molecules like antibodies. Because of the routine availability of radioisotopes of iodine with different nuclear decay properties, radioiodination is an attractive strategy because the same chemistry can be utilized for both radionuclide imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Over the years, various methods have been developed for the synthesis of radioiodinated compounds. This chapter gives an overview of these methods as well as their potential advantages and disadvantages. Some useful tips and tactics for the radioiodination chemistry are provided. Important milestones in radioiodination chemistry are summarized and some thoughts about the future of radioiodination as a radiopharmaceutical chemistry strategy are provided.