Cyclotron targets and production technologies used for radiopharmaceuticals in NPI

Abstract

This paper deals with some technical aspects of the development and production of cyclotronmade radiopharmaceuticals (excluding PET). In this field, nuclear chemistry and pharmacy are in a close contact; therefore, requirements of the both should be taken into account. The principles of cyclotron targetry, separation/recovery of materials and synthesis of active substances are given, as well as issues connected with formulation of pharmaceutical forms. As the radiopharmaceuticals should fulfil the requirements on in vivo preparations, there exist a variety of demands pertaining to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) concept, which is also briefly discussed. A typical production chain is presented and practical examples of real technologies based on cyclotron-made radionuclides are given as they have been used in Nuclear Physics Institute of CAS (NPI). Special attention is devoted to the technology of enriched cyclotron targets. Frequently used medicinal products employing cyclotron-produced active substances are characterised (Rb/Kr generators, 123I-labelled MIBG, OIH and MAB's). The cyclotron produced radioactive implants for transluminal coronary angioplasty (radioactive stents) are introduced as an example of a medical device developed for therapeutic application.

28 Radiochemistry

“…A couple of reviews 9,10 have appeared outlining the ways in which cyclotrons can be used for the preparation of short-lived positron emitting isotopes, mostly for use in nuclear medicine.…”

“…The relative advantages and disadvantages of labelling radiopharmaceuticals with specific radionuclides have been discussed in many articles. General aspects concerning the use of cyclotron produced radioisotopes for positron emission tomography have been reviewed, 209 and the roles of carbon-11 and fluorine-18 in nuclear medicine compared, [210][211][212][213] both from the radiochemical and clinical point of view. The use of rhenium-188 labelled biomolecules 214 and the potential of selenium-73 215 and tin-117m 216 have also been crtitcally considered.…”