DOTA-Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-octreotid is an octapeptide that mimics natural somatostatin (a human growth hormone). Labeled with radionuclides it can be used to image and treat neuro-endocrine tumors.
Such radiopharmaceuticals are now produced under sterile conditions in the newly established radiopharmacy operated by the Laboratory of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry (Dr. Josue Moreno, Prof. Andreas Türler) in the building of SWAN Isotopen AG on the Insel campus. PhD students Maruta Bunka and Holger Dorrer demonstrate the extraction of the final product in a lead shielded container. First patients will be treated in 2013.