The present invention is directed towards a new method of synthesis of 18F-folate radiopharmaceuticals, wherein fluorine-18 is attached to a pteroate (or folate) or derivative thereof, through direct radiolabeling with 18[F]fluoride, as well as 18F-folate radiopharmaceuticals obtained by such method of synthesis and their use in diagnosis and monitoring of cancer therapy and therapy of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
