Yttrium-DOTA complex (Y-DOTA)

Yttrium-DOTA chelate is a stable coordination complex in which Yttrium(III) is tightly bound by the macrocyclic ligand 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). This chelate is used extensively in radiopharmaceuticals, especially for targeted cancer therapies using Yttrium-90 as a β-emitting radioisotope. DOTA acts as an octadentate ligand, enveloping Yttrium with four nitrogen and four carboxylate groups, achieving an extraordinarily stable structure that reduces unwanted dissociation of radioactive metal ions in vivo. The Y-DOTA chelate is not itself a biological receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but serves as a synthetic component in drug conjugates for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Other names

Y-DOTAYttrium-DOTA complexYttrium(III)-DOTA chelateYttrium-DOTA conjugate1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid chelate (with Yttrium)

Enables stable incorporation of Yttrium-90 (or other radioisotopes) into biologically targeted molecules for delivery to tumors, where the radioisotope then emits cytotoxic radiation (β-emission) for cancer therapy. DOTA macrocyle coordinates the Yttrium ion with high affinity, preventing its dissociation and unwanted toxicity.