3’-Deoxy-3’-fluorothymidine-d3

3’-Deoxy-3’-fluorothymidine-d3, also known as FLT-d3, is a radiolabeled analog of thymidine that is commonly used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to visualize the activity of rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. FLT-d3 is a deoxyribonucleoside analog that is structurally similar to thymidine, but contains a fluorine atom at the 3’ position of the deoxyribose moiety instead of a hydroxyl group. This substitution makes the molecule resistant to degradation by thymidine phosphorylase, an enzyme that is often upregulated in cancer cells, leading to accumulation of FLT-d3 within these cells. In imaging studies, FLT-d3 is typically labeled with a positron-emitting radionuclide such as carbon-11 or fluorine-18, which allows for detection of the radiolabeled molecule using PET imaging. The high sensitivity and specificity of FLT-d3 PET imaging has made it a valuable tool for cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring. From a chemical perspective, FLT-d3 has a molecular weight of 285.2 g/mol and a chemical formula of C10H10FN2O4. It is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water and dimethyl sulfoxide. FLT-d3 is stable under normal storage conditions, but should be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area away from sources of heat or ignition. It is important to handle FLT-d3 with caution as it is a potentially hazardous and radioactive substance.