Production of novel diagnostic radionuclides in small medical cyclotrons

Abstract

The global network of cyclotrons has expanded rapidly over the last decade. The bulk of its industrial potential is composed of small medical cyclotrons with a proton energy below 20 MeV for radionuclides production. This review focuses on the recent developments of novel medical radionuclides produced by cyclotrons in the energy range of 3 MeV to 20 MeV. The production of the following medical radionuclides will be described based on available literature sources: Tc-99 m, I-123, I-124, Zr-89, Cu-64, Ga-67, Ga-68, In-111, Y-86 and Sc-44. Remarkable developments in the production process have been observed in only some cases. More research is needed to make novel radionuclide cyclotron production available for the medical industry.

Production and Use of the First-Row Transition Metal PET Radionuclides43,44Sc,52Mn, and45Ti

“…43 Sc can be produced via proton irradiation of 43 Ca or 46 Ti, as well as a-irradiation of 40 Ca or deuteron irradiation of 44 Ca (5-7). 44g,m Sc can be produced via proton irradiation of 44 Ca, 47 Ti, or 45 Sc or deuteron irradiation of 44 Ca (2,(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). Enriched targets are preferred to avoid production of contaminants such as 46,48 Sc (18).…”

Radiometals for imaging and theranostics, current production, and future perspectives

“…In this review paper, the radiometals that are currently used or explored for potential medical applications, with particular focus on their theranostic value, are discussed. The high demand for radiometals for medical use prompts investigations towards using alternative irradiation reactions, while using existing facilities . Would these production capacities be sufficient to cover the growing demand for theranostic nuclides?…”

“…The high demand for radiometals for medical use prompts investigations towards using alternative irradiation reactions, while using existing facilities. 175 Would these production capacities be sufficient to cover the growing demand for theranostic nuclides?…”

Single center experience on the production of fluorine-18 radiopharmaceuticals using a 7.5 MeV cyclotron: capabilities and challenges

“…Nowadays there is a variety on available cyclotrons, differing on several properties and characteristics [3][4][5][6]. From the economical point of view, the cyclotron of choice depends primarily on the estimated number of PET examinations per year for the covering area of the institution [7].…”

“…Due to increasing demands of F-18 radiotracers remote sites could overcome their proximity ''disadvantage" using a ''dose on demand'' small cyclotron. As a result, several companies have manufactured and offered lower energy cyclotrons in order to achieve multiple runs of bombardment and fluorine-18 activity yields during a single day, according to the needs of the site [4,6].…”