[99mTc]Tc(CO)3-(HE)3-Ec1

[99mTc]Tc(CO)3-(HE)3-Ec1 is a radiopharmaceutical diagnostic agent designed for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). It consists of a technetium-99m tricarbonyl complex conjugated to the engineered protein Ec1, which is a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin). This tracer specifically targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), which is overexpressed in various tumors, including lung cancer. The primary mechanism involves binding to EpCAM-expressing tumor cells, enabling non-invasive imaging of primary tumors and regional metastases. Phase I clinical studies have demonstrated its safety, tolerability, and effective tumor visualization in patients with lung cancer. Its use may facilitate patient selection for targeted immunotherapy and assessment of treatment efficacy[1][3][4].