Production of cyclotron radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for medical use

Positron emission tomography in conjunction with radiopharmaceuticals labeled with positron emitting radionuclides opens the possibility of visualizing in vivo in an atraumatic way fundamental parameters of metabolism in man. The main positron emitting radioisotopes carbon-15, oxygen-11, nitrogen-13 and fluorine-18 used for labeling radiopharmaceuticals (sugars, aminoacids, fatty acids and drugs) are produced by nuclear reaction inolving charged particles accelerated with cyclotrons. Small cyclotrons producing 8 MeV deuterons and 15 MeV protons seel optimal for the routine production of these radionuclides. Some specific medical examples are given illustrating the potency of this new tool