Synthesis of [18F]-5-fluorouridine (F-18-5-FUR) as a probe for measuring RNA synthesis and tumor growth rates in vivo

A method for the rapid synthesis of high specific activity of [18F]-5-fluorouridine is described. The 20Ne(d,α)18F nuclear reaction is used to produce high specific activity, anhydrous [18F]-F2 at the Brookhaven National Laboratory 60'' cyclotron. Fluorination of 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyluridine with [18F]-F2 in glacial acetic acid at room temperature followed by hydrolysis with sodium methoxide in methanol gives [18F]-5-fluorouridine with a radiochemical yield of 5 to 7% in a synthesis time of 90 minutes from EOB. The compound is required for the study of RNA synthesis and tumor growth rates in vivo