Requirements of a PET Probe for Imaging Apoptosis
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Detection of apoptotic cells | High selectivity and specificity for apoptotic cells |
| Detection from early stages of apoptotic process | |
| Distinction between apoptotic and necrotic cells | |
| Correlation with histologic hallmarks of apoptosis | |
| Adequate performance in vivo | High stability on administration in vivo |
| Rapid distribution on administration, with rapid clearance from nontarget sites, preferably through urine | |
| Adequate dosimetry | |
| Safety: lack of chemical or immunologic reactivity | |
| Compatibility with clinical practice | Rapid, robust, and reproducible radiolabeling procedure; preferably with 18F |
| Good integration in the routine radiochemistry and imaging procedures of clinical PET centers |