This report describes synthesis of three new cyclic RGDfK peptide conjugates, HYNIC-PKM-SU016 (PKM =E, K and PEG4) and in vivo evaluation of the impact of PKM linkers on biodistribution characteristics of theirternary ligand complexes [
99mTc(HYNIC-PKM-SU016)
1(tricine)(TPPTS)] in athymic nude mice bearing theMDA-MB-435 human breast cancer xenografts. Results from biodistribution studies show that PKM linkers haveminimal impact on the integrin
v
3 binding capability of radiotracers. Even though they have different chargesunder physiological conditions, all three linkers (E, K, and PEG4) are able to reduce the uptake of
99mTc-labeledE[c(RGDfK)]
2 in blood, kidneys, liver, and lungs, and increase target-to-background (
T/
B) ratios at >30 minpostinjection. E and K may have advantages over PEG4 due to a combination of relatively low liver uptake andhigh tumor/liver and tumor/lung ratios of ternary ligand complexes [
99mTc(HYNIC-PKM-SU016)(tricine)(TPPTS)] (PKM = E and K).