aluminum fluoride-labeled indocyanine green analogue

The aluminum fluoride-labeled indocyanine green (ICG) analogue is a radiopharmaceutical PET/CT imaging agent developed for the quantitative assessment of liver function. It is designed to mimic the pharmacokinetic properties of indocyanine green, a tricarbocyanine dye traditionally used in clinical practice to evaluate hepatic clearance and functional reserve. By labeling an ICG derivative with fluorine-18 using the aluminum fluoride ([18F]AlF) complexation method (typically via a NOTA chelator), this agent allows for high-resolution, quantitative PET imaging of hepatobiliary transport. The tracer is primarily taken up by hepatocytes through organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) and subsequently excreted into the bile, making it a sensitive tool for evaluating regional liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis or other forms of liver dysfunction.