Cyclotron Production of PET Radiometals in Liquid Targets: Aspects and Prospects

Abstract

: Present review describes the methodological aspects and prospects of production of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiometals in a liquid target using low-medium energy medical cyclotrons. The main objective of this review is to delineate and discuss the critical factors involved in the liquid target production of radiometals including type of salt solution, solution composition, beam energy, beam current, effect of irradiation duration (length of irradiation) and challenges posed by in-target chemistry in relation with irradiation parameters. We also summarize the optimal parameters for production of various radiometals in liquid targets. : Additionally, we discuss the future prospects of PET radiometals production in the liquid targets for academic research and clinical applications. Significant emphasis has been given to the production of 68Ga using liquid targets due to the growing demand for 68Ga labeled PSMA vectors, [68Ga] Ga-DOTATATE, [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC and some upcoming 68Ga labeled radiopharmaceuticals. Other PET radiometals included in the discussion are 86Y, 63Zn and 89Zr.

Evaluation of different 89Zr-labeled synthons for direct labeling and tracking of white blood cells and stem cells in healthy athymic mice

“…The PET isotope 89 Zr was produced and purified in-house using a cyclotron as described earlier by Pandey et al 67 – 70 in a high apparent molar activity of 17.0–23.13 GBq/µmol, as assessed by complexing purified [ 89 Zr]ZrCl 4 with different amounts of DFO-Bn-NCS (Fig. S1 , supplementary figure).…”

Recent Advances in the Clinical Translation of Silicon Fluoride Acceptor (SiFA) 18F-Radiopharmaceuticals

“…Currently, 68 Ga is primarily obtained from costly on-site 68 Ge/ 68 Ga-generators due to its relatively short t 1/2 . Furthermore, applicable patient numbers are constricted due to limited production amounts, although recent progress has made cyclotron production possible [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. Additionally, the PET image resolution is hindered due to the high mean β + energy (E mean = 0.83 MeV) and concordant high mean β + range (R mean = 3.5 mm) of 68 Ga [ 63 ].…”

Continuing Nuclear Data Research for Production of Accelerator-Based Novel Radionuclides for Medical Use: A Mini-Review

“…It makes use of "solution targets", especially for 44g Sc, 64 Cu, 68 Ga, 86 Y, 89 Zr, and 94m Tc (for review cf. [27]). The product yield is low but sufficient for local use.…”