Production, separation and supply prospects of ⁶⁷Cu with the development of fast neutron sources and photonuclear technology

Abstract

Experimental investigations have been carried out on the production of a promising therapeutic radionuclide 67Cu via the 67Zn(n,p)67Cu, 68Zn(n,x)67Cu, and 68Zn(γ,p)67Cu reaction routes. Natural zinc metal foils were irradiated with 14.1 MeV neutrons and bremsstrahlung of end-point energy 15 MeV. Radioactivity levels of 67Cu and other radioisotopes co-produced were determined by the quantification of photo-peaks by off-line γ-ray spectrometry. No carrier added 67Cu was separated from the irradiated zinc by solvent extraction. Yields >90% and high levels of radionuclidic purity were achieved. These studies indicate that the growth and development of intense fast neutron sources and photonuclear technology, will possibly aid in the sustained supply of 67Cu.

67Cu Production Capabilities: A Mini Review

“…The photonuclear production for 67 Cu using bremsstrahlung photons with an e-LINAC accelerator has been studied for decades [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Recently, a large enriched 68 Zn target (55.5 g) was irradiated with 40 MeV e-LINAC for 53.5 h, obtaining 62.9 GBq (1.7 Ci) without detecting 64 Cu [ 10 ].…”

Radiolabelled Peptides: Optimal Candidates for Theranostic Application in Oncology

“…However, due to numerous issues including limited availability, challenging chemistry, dosimetry problems, or unfavourable biodistribution such combinations are uncommon. Cu-67, for example, suffers from a lack of consistent high activity production, [115] similarly Tb-152/Tb-161 are currently only produced in very few laboratories. While I-124/I-131 agents are often vulnerable to deiodination leading to unwanted accumulation of the free radionuclide in the thyroid, [116] and nat Ga-2…”

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

“…To date, the production of 67 Cu has been considered as very expensive and not accessible for clinical use. The recent developments at BNL with high‐energy protons, as well as the alternative photonuclear reaction route, are beginning to open new possibilities in this context . The theranostic potential of the terbium radionuclides is promising, but additional studies are needed to demonstrate this promise in the clinic, because of the challenges in their production.…”

“…The recent developments at BNL with high-energy protons, as well as the alternative photonuclear reaction route, are beginning to open new possibilities in this context. 117,167,168 The theranostic potential of the terbium radionuclides is promising, but additional studies are needed to demonstrate this promise in the clinic, because of the challenges in their production. It should be noted, however, that 161 Tb production is on the increase and clinical proof-ofprinciple studies will be underway soon.…”