Exploring the radiochemistry of PARP inhibitors: a new era in therapy and imaging

Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have emerged as a promising class of therapeutics, particularly in the treatment of cancers with defective DNA repair mechanisms, such as those with breast cancer genes (BRCA) mutations. Their effectiveness in cancer therapy is now well-established, but the ongoing advancements in radiochemistry are expanding their potential to combine both therapeutic and imaging capabilities. Radiolabelled PARP inhibitors, used in conjunction with positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), might enable precise imaging of PARP expression in tumours, potentially providing invaluable insights into treatment response, tumor heterogeneity, and molecular profiling. Main body: The radiochemistry of PARP inhibitors involves incorporating radioisotopes (most of all Fluorine-18) into the molecular structure of these molecules. The first strategy used to achieve this goal was the use of prosthetic groups bearing the fluorine-18. Then, the development of radioisotopologue have gained ground, followed later by the replacement with other halogens such as bromine, iodine, or astatine has taken place. Another frontier is represented by the metal radiolabelling of these inhibitors through the introduction of a chelator moiety to these molecules, thus further expanding both imaging and therapy applications. Conclusion: Finally, emerging evidence suggest the possibility to involve PARP-related radiopharmaceuticals in theranostics approaches. Despite challenges such as the complexity of radiolabelling, regulatory hurdles, and the need for more robust clinical validation, the continued exploration of the radiochemistry of PARP inhibitors promises to revolutionize both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, offering hope for more effective and personalized cancer care.