Theranostic radionuclides: recent advances in production methodologies

Abstract

Various concepts involved in the quantification of radiation dose while following the theranostic approach in nuclear medicine are outlined. The availability of the relevant radionuclides is discussed. The production methodologies of many of the “matched-pair” of radionuclides were recently reviewed in detail. In this contribution, some additional information on a few positron emitters and therapeutic radionuclides is presented. In addition to generator production of 68Ga (T½\u2009=\u20091.13 h), its direct production at a medical cyclotron is critically discussed. Besides conventional use of reactors and cyclotrons, there is a growing interest in utilizing fast neutrons from a d/Be source and high-energy photons from an electron linear accelerator to produce a few special therapeutic radionuclides. The related new developments are reviewed.