Abstract
A brief historical background of the development of the theranostic approach in nuclear medicine is given and seven theranostic pairs of radionuclides, namely 44gSc/47Sc, 64Cu/67Cu, 83Sr/89Sr, 86Y/90Y, 124I/131I, 152Tb/161Tb and 152Tb/149Tb, are considered. The first six pairs consist of a positron and a β−-emitter whereas the seventh pair consists of a positron and an α-particle emitter. The decay properties of all those radionuclides are briefly mentioned and their production methodologies are discussed. The positron emitters 64Cu, 86Y and 124I are commonly produced in sufficient quantities via the (p,n) reaction on the respective highly enriched target isotope. A clinical scale production of the positron emitter 44gSc has been achieved via the generator route as well as via the (p,n) reaction, but further development work is necessary. The positron emitters 83Sr and 152Tb are under development. Among the therapeutic radionuclides, 89Sr, 90Y and 131I are commercially available and 161Tb can also be produced in sufficient quantity at a nuclear reactor. Great efforts are presently underway to produce 47Sc and 67Cu via neutron, photon and charged particle induced reactions. The radionuclide 149Tb is unique because it is an α-particle emitter. The present method of production of 152Tb and 149Tb involves the use of the spallation process in combination with an on-line mass separator. The role of some emerging irradiation facilities in the production of special radionuclides is discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have