The decay product of the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), technetium-99m (Tc-99m), and associated medical isotopes iodine-131 (I-131) and xenon-133 (Xe-133) are used worldwide for medical diagnostic imaging or therapy. The United States consumes about half of the world's supply of Mo-99, but there has been no domestic (i.e., U.S.-based) production of this isotope since the late 1980s. The United States imports Mo-99 for domestic use from Australia, Canada, Europe, and South Africa. Mo-99 and Tc-99m cannot be stockpiled for use because of their short half-lives. Consequently, they must be routinely produced and delivered to medical imaging centers. Almost all Mo-99 for medical use is produced by irradiating highly enriched uranium (HEU) targets in research reactors, several of which are over 50 years old and are approaching the end of their operating lives. Unanticipated and extended shutdowns of some of these old reactors have resulted in severe Mo-99 supply shortages in the United States and other countries. Some of these shortages have disrupted the delivery of medical care. Molybdenum-99 for Medical Imaging examines the production and utilization of Mo-99 and associated medical isotopes, and provides recommendations for medical use.

This book is the product of a congressionally mandated study to examine the feasibility of eliminating the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU2) in reactor fuel, reactor targets, and medical isotope production facilities. The book focuses primarily on the use of HEU for the production of the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), whose decay product, technetium-99m3 (Tc-99m), is used in the majority of medical diagnostic imaging procedures in the United States, and secondarily on the use of HEU for research and test reactor fuel. The supply of Mo-99 in the U.S. is likely to be unreliable until newer production sources come online. The reliability of the current supply system is an important medical isotope concern; this book concludes that achieving a cost difference of less than 10 percent in facilities that will need to convert from HEU- to LEU-based Mo-99 production is much less important than is reliability of supply.

This publication presents a comprehensive overview of the technologies involved in the production of cyclotron based 99mTc. These would include techniques relevant to preparation of targets, irradiation of targets under high beam currents, target processing, target recovery and quality control of the final product. The publication provides broad information, well supported with references, on improved production routes and improved separation and purification of cyclotron based 99mTc. These approaches achieve high specific activity and chemical purity of 99mTc suitable for labelling molecules of medical interest and also enable spare capacity to be available at medical cyclotron centres. The readership of this publication is scientists interested in translating this technology to practice, technologists already working with cyclotrons wanting to enhance the utility of the existing machines and managers who are in the process of setting up facilities in their countries. Students working towards higher level degrees in related fields may also benefit from this publication.

Nearly 20 million nuclear medicine procedures are carried out each year in the United States alone to diagnose and treat cancers, cardiovascular disease, and certain neurological disorders. Many of the advancements in nuclear medicine have been the result of research investments made during the past 50 years where these procedures are now a routine part of clinical care. Although nuclear medicine plays an important role in biomedical research and disease management, its promise is only beginning to be realized. Advancing Nuclear Medicine Through Innovation highlights the exciting emerging opportunities in nuclear medicine, which include assessing the efficacy of new drugs in development, individualizing treatment to the patient, and understanding the biology of human diseases. Health care and pharmaceutical professionals will be most interested in this book's examination of the challenges the field faces and its recommendations for ways to reduce these impediments.

This book provides a comprehensive treatment of cyclotrons, with a special emphasis on production of radionuclides. Individual sections are devoted to accelerator technology, theoretical aspects of nuclear reactions, the technology behind targetry, techniques for preparation of targets, irradiation of targets under high beam currents, target processing and target recovery. This book will appeal to scientists and technologists interested in translating cyclotron technology into practice, as well as postgraduate students in this field.

Currently an estimated 17 million nuclear medicine procedures are performed each year in the US and constantly evolving, as new radiopharmaceuticals and imaging techniques are introduced for better diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. In keeping up with new developments, the Seventh Edition of Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy chronicles the advancements in radiopharmaceuticals and their use in clinical applications. It discusses basic concepts such as the atom, radioactive decay, instrumentation and production of radionuclides, and explores the design, labeling, characteristics and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals. Radiation regulations and diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiopharmaceuticals are detailed. Thoroughly updated, the Seventh Edition includes new topics such as alternative productions of 99Mo; production of 64Cu, 86Y, 89Zr, 177Lu, 223Ra; synthesis and clinical uses of new radiopharmaceuticals such as DaTscan, Xofigo, Amyvid, Neuraceq, Vizamyl, Axumin and 68Ga-DOTATATE; dosimetry of new radiopharmaceuticals; theranostic agents and translational medicine. It features numerous examples, diagrams, and images to further clarify the information and offers end- of-chapter questions to help readers assess their comprehension of the material. Recognized as a classic text on nuclear chemistry and pharmacy and acclaimed for its concise and easy-to-understand presentation, Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy is an authoritative resource for nuclear medicine physicians, residents, students, and technologists.