Production and subsequent separation of 47Sc of nuclear medicine applications using neutron-induced reactions on different natural targets

Recent Advances in Metal Oxide and Phosphate Nanomaterials Radiolabeling with Medicinal Nuclides

The utilization of nanomaterials in biomedical applications has surged in recent years; yet, the transition from research to practical implementation remains a great challenge. However, a promising area of research has emerged with the integration of nanomaterials with diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides. In this Review, we elucidate the motivations behind selecting metal oxide- and phosphate-based nanomaterials in conjunction with these radionuclides, while addressing its issues and limitations. Various metal oxide- and phosphate-based nanoparticles, exhibiting low toxicity and high tolerability, have been proposed for diverse biomedical applications, ranging from bone substitutes to drug delivery systems and controlled release vectors for pharmaceuticals, including radionuclides for nuclear medicine imaging and therapy. Moreover, the potential synergistic effects of multimodal combinational therapies, integrating chemotherapeutics, immunomodulators, or hyperthermia, underscore the versatility of these nanoconstructs. Our comprehensive exploration includes the underlying principles of radiolabeling strategies, the pivotal attributes of nanomaterial platforms, and their applications. Through this perspective, we present the potential of nanotechnology-enabled nuclear medicine. Furthermore, we discuss the potential systemic and local applications of these nanoconstructs, considering their in vitro and in vivo characteristics, as well as their physicochemical properties.

Risk of cardiac implantable device malfunction in cancer patients receiving proton therapy: an overview

Age is a risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and cancer, and as such radiation oncologists frequently see a number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) receiving proton therapy (PT). CIED malfunctions induced by PT are nonnegligible and can occur in both passive scattering and pencil beam scanning modes. In the absence of an evidence-based protocol, the authors emphasise that this patient cohort should be managed differently to electron- and photon- external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) patients due to distinct properties of proton beams. Given the lack of a PT-specific guideline for managing this cohort and limited studies on this important topic; the process was initiated by evaluating all PT-related CIED malfunctions to provide a baseline for future reporting and research. In this review, different modes of PT and their interactions with a variety of CIEDs and pacing leads are discussed. Effects of PT on CIEDs were classified into a variety of hardware and software malfunctions. Apart from secondary neutrons, cumulative radiation dose, dose rate, CIED model/manufacturer, distance from CIED to proton field, and materials used in CIEDs/pacing leads were all evaluated to determine the probability of malfunctions. The importance of proton beam arrangements is highlighted in this study. Manufacturers should specify recommended dose limits for patients undergoing PT. The establishment of an international multidisciplinary team dedicated to CIED-bearing patients receiving PT may be beneficial.

Development of purification of no-carrier-added 47Sc of theranostic interest: selective separation study from the natTi(n,p) process

Scandium-47 is one of the most promising medical radioisotopes, and its production and trace separation make it an attractive candidate for theranostic application. In this study, the production of no-carrier-added (NCA) 47Sc through the natTi(n,p) reaction and subsequent purification using liquid–liquid extraction was done for the theranostic application. The comparative separation of NCA 47Sc after the dissolution of an activated Ti target using Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phosphoric Acid (HDEHP) in kerosene was evaluated. The extraction process was optimized in terms of the concentration of extractant, extraction time, pH, and reaction temperature to achieve the maximum possible separation. HDEHP is efficient and promising for rapid extraction and separation of NCA 47Sc from Ti ions at low acidity (pH 0.85) with high extraction percent (>99%), contaminated with 22.3% of Ti ions after 5 min of extraction time. Different stripping reagents were used to separate loaded 47Sc and Ti ions. Firstly, 5 M HCl was enough for stripping the loaded Ti ions. Then the loaded 47Sc was separated with a purity of 100% using 0.05 M NaOH. The obtained results find the HDEHP a promising extractant for efficient separation of 47Sc from irradiated Ti target for preparing the 47Sc radiopharmaceuticals for theranostics applications.

Purification of Carrier-Free 47Sc of Biomedical Interest: Selective Separation Study from natCa(n,γ)

47Sc for theranostic medical applications was produced from the neutron activation of a natural calcium target. Liquid–liquid extraction for separation of the 47Sc radioisotope from 47Ca was carried out with the extractant Cyanex 272 ((2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid). The effects of various extraction parameters on the extraction efficiency and separation of the two radionuclides were investigated, including the extraction time, pH, metal ion concentrations, extractant concentration, diluent type, and phase ratio. It was shown that the extraction yield of the 47Sc radioisotope with the proposed procedure is about 90%, with a fast separation time of 10 min, at pH 1.8 (0.01 M HCl), and with low E (1%) for 47Ca and high separation factors. The stripping % of the loaded 47Sc isotope was about 99.2% using 0.4 M oxalic acid solution with a purity of 99.9%.