Theoretical estimation of 64Cu production with neutrons emitted during 18F production with a 30MeV medical cyclotron

Production Review of Accelerator-Based Medical Isotopes

The production of reactor-based medical isotopes is fragile, which has meant supply shortages from time to time. This paper reviews alternative production methods in the form of cyclotrons, linear accelerators and neutron generators. Finally, the status of the production of medical isotopes in China is described.

A novel approach to medical radioisotope production using inverse kinematics: A successful production test of the theranostic radionuclide 67Cu

A novel method for the production of important medical radioisotopes has been developed. The approach is based on performing the nuclear reaction in inverse kinematics, namely sending a heavy-ion beam of appropriate energy on a light target (e.g. H, d, He) and collecting the isotope of interest. In this work, as a proof-of-concept, we studied the production of the theranostic radionuclide ⁶⁷Cu (T_1/2 = 62 h) via the reaction of a ⁷⁰Zn beam at 15 MeV/nucleon with a hydrogen gas target. The ⁶⁷Cu radionuclide alongside other coproduced isotopes, was collected after the gas target on an aluminum catcher foil and their radioactivity was measured by off-line γ-ray analysis. After 36 h post irradiation, apart from the product of interest ⁶⁷Cu, the main radioimpurity coming from the ⁷⁰Zn + p reaction was ^69mZn (T_1/2 = 13.8 h), which can be reduced by further radio-cooling. Moreover, along with the radionuclide of interest produced in inverse kinematics, the production of additional radioisotopes is possible by making use of the forward-focused neutrons from the reaction and allowing them to interact with a secondary target. A preliminary successful test of this concept was realized in the present study. The main requirement to obtain activities appropriate for preclinical studies is the development of high-intensity heavy-ion primary beams.

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

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.