# Gallium-68

Source: https://nuclide.cc/isotopes/ga-68/  
Nuclide record `ga-68` (Isotope). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from Nuclide (nuclide.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

A radioactive metal with a one-hour lifetime that is eluted from a shielded generator or made on a cyclotron and attached to a molecule that finds tumours, giving a PET scan the same day.

## Summary

Gallium-68 decays with a 67.7-minute half-life, mostly by positron emission, and is the diagnostic half of two of the most important theranostic pairs in oncology: 68Ga-DOTATATE/DOTATOC paired with 177Lu-DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours, and 68Ga-PSMA-11 paired with 177Lu-PSMA-617 or 225Ac-PSMA for prostate cancer.

It is traditionally produced by eluting a 68Ge/68Ga generator, where the 270.8-day parent 68Ge is fixed to a column and decays continuously; the daughter is washed off with dilute acid on demand. Commercial GMP generators (Eckert & Ziegler, IRE, ITG) top out at 1.85-3.7 GBq per elution, and lead times for new units have historically run to 18 months, which constrained the launch of PSMA PET in the late 2010s. A cyclotron route, direct 68Zn(p,n)68Ga irradiation of a liquid or solid target, produces roughly a curie per run against a generator's 40-50 mCi and has been promoted by the IAEA since a 2019 technical document and a 2020 coordinated research project as the way to relieve that bottleneck.

By the mid-2020s the practical supply picture had eased: Eckert & Ziegler expanded generator manufacturing capacity after a 2017 germanium shortage, and cyclotron-produced 68Ga (including for PSMA-11) is now used at large centres alongside the F-18-labelled PSMA alternatives (Pylarify, PSMA-1007, flotufolastat) that took share once generator lead times became a launch constraint.

## Fields

- Kind: Isotope
- Status: established
- Last checked: 2026-09-22
- Also known as: 68Ga
- Tags: positron emitter; generator; theranostic pair

## Sources

- IAEA: cyclotron-based gallium-68 for cancer detection (2024): https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/alternatives-for-accessing-lifesaving-diagnostic-radioisotopes-cyclotron-based-gallium-68-for-cancer-detection
- PMC: Current status of the production and supply of gallium-68: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32196363/
- IAEA TE-2127: good management practices of cyclotron-based Ga-68 production: https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/TE-2127web.pdf
- Applied Radiation Oncology: nuclear medicine prepares for greater 68Ga demand (2021): https://www.appliedradiationoncology.com/articles/nuclear-medicine-prepares-for-greater-68ga-demand

## Connected records

- drugs: [Choline C-11](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/choline-c11/), [Copper-64 dotatate](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/cu-64-dotatate/), [Copper-64 SAR-bisPSMA](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/cu-64-sar-bispsma/), [FAP-2286 (177Lu / 68Ga)](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/fap-2286/), [Florastamin F-18](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/florastamin-f18/), [Flotufolastat F-18](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/flotufolastat/), [Fluciclovine F-18](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/fluciclovine-f18/), [Fluorodopa F-18](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/f-18-fdopa/), [Gallium-68 DOTATATE (and Cu-64 DOTATATE)](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/ga68-dotatate/), [Gallium-68 edotreotide (DOTATOC)](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/ga-68-dotatoc/), [Gallium-68 FAPI-46](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/ga-68-fapi-46/), [Gallium-68 gozetotide (PSMA-11)](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/ga68-psma-11/), [Gallium-68 pentixafor](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/ga-68-pentixafor/), [Illuccix (kit for Ga-68 gozetotide)](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/illuccix/), [Indium-111 pentetreotide](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/in-111-pentetreotide/), [Iobenguane I-123](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/i-123-mibg/), [Locametz (kit for Ga-68 gozetotide)](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/locametz/), [Piflufolastat F-18 / Pylarify TruVu](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/pylarify/), [PSMA-1007 F-18](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/psma-1007-f18/), [Technetium Tc-99m PSMA agents (PSMA-I&S)](https://nuclide.cc/drugs/tc-99m-psma-imaging/)
- isotopes: [Germanium-68](https://nuclide.cc/isotopes/ge-68/)
- technologies: [AI in nuclear medicine](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/ai-in-nuclear-medicine/), [Automated synthesis modules](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/automated-synthesis-modules/), [Cold kit formulation](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/cold-kit-formulation/), [Cyclotron isotope production (F-18, Ga-68, Cu-64, Zr-89, At-211)](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/cyclotron-isotope-production/), [DOTA chelation](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/dota-chelation/), [FAPI PET](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/fapi-pet/), [Gamma probes, handheld gamma cameras and dose calibrators](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/gamma-probes-dose-calibrators/), [Germanium-68/gallium-68 generators](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/ge68-ga68-generators/), [HER2 PET](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/her2-pet/), [Medical cyclotrons, hot cells, and synthesis modules](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/medical-cyclotrons-synthesis-modules/), [PET (positron emission tomography)](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/pet/), [PSMA PET](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/psma-pet/), [Radiohybrid (rh) chemistry](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/radiohybrid-chemistry/), [Radionuclide generators and cold kits](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/radionuclide-generators-kits/), [Radiopharmacy and cyclotron networks](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/radiopharmacy-network/), [Somatostatin receptor PET (68Ga/64Cu-DOTATATE)](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/sstr-pet/), [TROP2 PET](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/trop2-pet/)
- companies: [Advanced Accelerator Applications (Novartis)](https://nuclide.cc/companies/advanced-accelerator-applications/), [Alpha-9 Oncology](https://nuclide.cc/companies/alpha-9-oncology/), [Blue Earth Diagnostics (Bracco)](https://nuclide.cc/companies/blue-earth-diagnostics/), [CellBion](https://nuclide.cc/companies/cellbion/), [Clarity Pharmaceuticals](https://nuclide.cc/companies/clarity-pharmaceuticals/), [Eckert & Ziegler](https://nuclide.cc/companies/eckert-ziegler/), [HTA (Atom Hi-Tech)](https://nuclide.cc/companies/hta-atom-hi-tech/), [IONETIX](https://nuclide.cc/companies/ionetix/), [IRE (Institut national des Radioéléments)](https://nuclide.cc/companies/ire/), [Isotopia Molecular Imaging](https://nuclide.cc/companies/isotopia/), [Life Molecular Imaging](https://nuclide.cc/companies/life-molecular-imaging/), [Novartis](https://nuclide.cc/companies/novartis/), [Nuclidium](https://nuclide.cc/companies/nuclidium/), [Perspective Therapeutics](https://nuclide.cc/companies/perspective-therapeutics/), [Telix Pharmaceuticals](https://nuclide.cc/companies/telix/), [Trasis](https://nuclide.cc/companies/trasis/)
- indications: [Hereditary pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (SDHx, VHL, RET, NF1, MAX and TMEM127)](https://nuclide.cc/indications/hereditary-ppgl/), [Metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma](https://nuclide.cc/indications/metastatic-ppgl/), [Non-small cell lung cancer](https://nuclide.cc/indications/nsclc/), [Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL)](https://nuclide.cc/indications/pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma/), [Primary aldosteronism](https://nuclide.cc/indications/primary-aldosteronism/)
- targets: [5T4 (trophoblast glycoprotein)](https://nuclide.cc/targets/tpbg-5t4/), [Bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R)](https://nuclide.cc/targets/bradykinin-b1-receptor/), [CAIX (carbonic anhydrase IX)](https://nuclide.cc/targets/caix/), [CCK2 receptor (gastrin receptor)](https://nuclide.cc/targets/cck2-receptor/), [Claudin-18.2](https://nuclide.cc/targets/cldn18-2/), [CXCR4](https://nuclide.cc/targets/cxcr4/), [FAP](https://nuclide.cc/targets/fap/), [GRPR (gastrin-releasing peptide receptor)](https://nuclide.cc/targets/grpr/), [Integrin αvβ3](https://nuclide.cc/targets/integrin-avb3/), [Somatostatin receptor 2](https://nuclide.cc/targets/sstr2/), [uPAR (urokinase plasminogen activator receptor)](https://nuclide.cc/targets/upar/)
- institutions: [Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center](https://nuclide.cc/institutions/fuscc/), [UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center](https://nuclide.cc/institutions/ucla-jonsson/), [UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center](https://nuclide.cc/institutions/ucsf/)
- terms: [Biological half-life](https://nuclide.cc/terms/biological-half-life/), [Chelator (bifunctional chelating agent)](https://nuclide.cc/terms/chelator-term/), [Krenning score](https://nuclide.cc/terms/krenning-score/), [PRRT (peptide receptor radionuclide therapy)](https://nuclide.cc/terms/prrt-term/), [Radiopharmaceutical extravasation](https://nuclide.cc/terms/extravasation-radiopharmaceutical/), [Theranostic pair](https://nuclide.cc/terms/theranostic-pair-term/), [Theranostics](https://nuclide.cc/terms/theranostics/)
- trials: [[68Ga]BED003 PET Imaging of Fibroblast Activation Protein in Selected Oncology Indications](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct07702292/), [A Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Dosimetry, and Anti-tumor Activity of Ga-68-NGUL / Lu-177-DGUL in Patients With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) Refractory to Standard Therapy](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct05547061/), [A Phase I/II, Dose Finding and Optimization Study of [177Lu]Lu-NeoB in Combination With Capecitabine in Patients With GRPR+, ER+, HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer After Progression on Previous Endocrine Therapy in Combination With a CDK4/6 Inhibitor.](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct06247995/), [A Study Evaluating [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 vs. a Change of Androgen Receptor-directed Therapy in Taxane Treatment Naive Chinese Male Patients With Progressive Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct05658003/), [A Study of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in Newly Diagnosed ES-SCLC Patients in Combination With Carboplatin, Etoposide and Atezolizumab](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct05142696/), [A Study of 177Lu-FAP-2286 in Advanced Solid Tumors](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct04939610/), [A Study to Assess Safety, Tolerability and Imaging Characteristics of [68Ga]Ga-DPI-4452 and to Assess Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-DPI-4452 in Participants With Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct05706129/), [An Open-label Study Comparing Lutetium (177Lu) Vipivotide Tetraxetan Versus Observation in PSMA Positive OMPC.](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct05939414/), [Biodistribution and Dosimetry of Ga-68 P16-093 in Prostate Cancer](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct03444844/), [HER2 Targeted Molecular Imaging in mBC and Other Metastatic Solid Carcinomas Using 68Ga-ABS011](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct06369831/), [Investigating the Safety and Diagnostic Performance of 68Ga-NYM032 Injection PET/CT in Men With Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer.](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct07615101/), [LuTectomy](https://nuclide.cc/trials/lutectomy/), [PSMA PET Combined With MRI for the Detection of PCa](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct07052214/), [Study of Lutetium (177Lu) Vipivotide Tetraxetan in mCRPC Participants With Moderately and Severely Impaired and With Normal Renal Function](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct06004661/), [Study to Evaluate the Diagnostic Performance of GEH300079 (68Ga) Injection PET/CT for Detection of PC in Patients With Colorectal, Gastric, Ovarian, o](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct07219238/), [This Study Evaluates the Diagnostic Performance and Safety of 68Ga-NYM032 PET/CT Imaging in Patients With Suspected Recurrence of Prostate Cancer.](https://nuclide.cc/trials/nct07649122/)
- pairings: [68Ga-DOTATATE PET before Lutathera (177Lu-DOTATATE)](https://nuclide.cc/pairings/ga68-dotatate-then-lutathera/), [Docetaxel (taxane chemotherapy) then 177Lu-PSMA-617](https://nuclide.cc/pairings/docetaxel-then-lu177-psma/), [SSTR PET → PRRT](https://nuclide.cc/pairings/sstr-pet-to-prrt/)
- roadmaps: [Molecular imaging roadmap: FDG → PSMA → FAP → antigen and immune PET](https://nuclide.cc/roadmaps/molecular-imaging-roadmap/), [Neuro-oncology imaging roadmap: FDG PET → amino acid PET → SSTR2 theranostics in meningioma](https://nuclide.cc/roadmaps/neuro-imaging-roadmap/), [PSMA theranostics roadmap: antigen discovery → PSMA PET → 177Lu-PSMA-617 → earlier lines and alpha](https://nuclide.cc/roadmaps/psma-theranostics-roadmap/), [Radiopharmaceutical roadmap: iodine → lutetium → actinium](https://nuclide.cc/roadmaps/radiopharma-roadmap/), [SSTR theranostics roadmap: octreotide scintigraphy → 68Ga-DOTATATE → 177Lu-DOTATATE → alpha](https://nuclide.cc/roadmaps/sstr-theranostics-roadmap/)
- ideas: [A single-molecule copper-64/copper-67 pair instead of switching ligands between scan and treatment](https://nuclide.cc/ideas/idea-copper-theranostic-pair-standard/), [A university cyclotron network with shared regulatory files for new tracers](https://nuclide.cc/ideas/idea-fund-academic-radiopharma-pipeline/), [Bispecific PSMA/GRPR radioligands for discordant prostate cancer lesions](https://nuclide.cc/ideas/idea-bispecific-radioligands/), [FAP-targeted radioligand therapy for sarcoma](https://nuclide.cc/ideas/idea-fap-theranostics-sarcoma/), [TROP2 PET to choose and sequence TROP2 ADCs](https://nuclide.cc/ideas/idea-trop2-pet-selection/), [Using total-body PET's sensitivity to cut diagnostic tracer dose, not just scan time](https://nuclide.cc/ideas/idea-total-body-pet-lower-dose-tracers/)
- people: [Andrei Iagaru](https://nuclide.cc/people/andrei-iagaru/), [Delphine L. Chen](https://nuclide.cc/people/delphine-chen/), [Frederik Giesel](https://nuclide.cc/people/frederik-giesel/), [Jeremie Calais](https://nuclide.cc/people/jeremie-calais/), [Johannes Czernin](https://nuclide.cc/people/johannes-czernin/), [Matthias Eiber](https://nuclide.cc/people/matthias-eiber/), [Peter Bartenstein](https://nuclide.cc/people/peter-bartenstein/), [Thomas A. Hope](https://nuclide.cc/people/thomas-hope/), [Uwe Haberkorn](https://nuclide.cc/people/uwe-haberkorn/)
- key papers: [225Ac-PSMA-617 for PSMA-targeted alpha-radiation therapy of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer](https://nuclide.cc/key-papers/paper-kratochwil-ac225-psma-jnm-2016/), [Appropriate use criteria for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET imaging](https://nuclide.cc/key-papers/paper-jadvar-snmmi-psma-auc-jnm-2022/), [LuPSMA trial: single-arm phase 2 study of 177Lu-PSMA-617 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer](https://nuclide.cc/key-papers/paper-hofman-lupsma-lancet-oncol-2018/), [proPSMA: PSMA PET-CT versus conventional imaging for staging high-risk prostate cancer](https://nuclide.cc/key-papers/paper-propsma-hofman-lancet-2020/), [Results and adverse events of personalised peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in 1048 patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms](https://nuclide.cc/key-papers/paper-baum-prrt-1048-patients-oncotarget-2018/), [TheraP: [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 versus cabazitaxel in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer](https://nuclide.cc/key-papers/paper-therap-lancet-2021/)
- opportunities: [A liver-cleared Nectin-4 tracer for urothelial cancer](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-nectin4-imaging-urothelial/), [An inflammation tracer that does not need a diet](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-cardiac-sarcoidosis-specific-tracer/), [CAIX imaging of the indeterminate renal mass](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-caix-indeterminate-renal-mass/), [CEACAM5 imaging for occult colorectal recurrence](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-ceacam5-imaging-colorectal/), [Claudin-18.2 imaging when one biopsy says negative](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-cldn18-2-imaging-gastric/), [CXCR4 imaging instead of adrenal vein sampling](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-cxcr4-primary-aldosteronism/), [DLL3 imaging for small-cell lung cancer](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-dll3-imaging-sclc/), [FAP imaging to stop futile pancreatic surgery](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-fap-pancreatic-staging/), [GPC3 imaging of the indeterminate liver nodule, led from China](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-gpc3-hcc-china/), [GRPR imaging when the PSMA scan is negative](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-grpr-psma-negative-prostate/), [TROP2 imaging where no tissue test is required](https://nuclide.cc/opportunities/opp-trop2-imaging-heterogeneity/)
- bottlenecks: [Site readiness and referral pathway delays](https://nuclide.cc/bottlenecks/b-site-readiness-referral/)
- fronts: [Molecular imaging](https://nuclide.cc/fronts/f-molecular-imaging/), [Neuro-imaging](https://nuclide.cc/fronts/f-neuro-imaging/)

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