Cyclotron produced radionuclides: Principles and practice

Application of radioisotopes has shown a significant growth in the last decade, and one of the major factors contributing towards this increased growth has been the availability of a large number of cyclotrons exclusively dedicated to the production of radioisotopes for medical applications. A recent IAEA survey (Directory of Cyclotrons Used for Radionuclide Production in Member States, IAEA-DCRP/2006) estimated that there are more than 350 cyclotrons available in Member States. Many of these cyclotrons are dedicated to the production of isotopes for positron emission tomography (PET), more specifically, 18F for the production of fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG). Although production of isotopes other than 18F using these cyclotrons is limited, their use could be augmented for the production of the large number of isotopes useful in medicine and industry. The IAEA has been extending support in various forms to Member States to acquire as well as to enhance the technology for production of isotopes using cyclotrons. Publications covering different aspects of radioisotope production using cyclotrons are one such means of support identified by Member States needing IAEA input. A Consultants Meeting organized during 2004 identified the necessity for publications on different aspects of cyclotron produced isotopes. During the preparation of the above publication, as well as during the deliberations of an international symposium on Trends in Radiopharmaceuticals (ISTR-2005) held in Vienna during November 2005, the need for a comprehensive book on cyclotrons with a special emphasis on production of isotopes was identified. The main reason was the lack of a single source of up to date information on this topic, despite the availability of a large number of related publications in the scientific literature. Work towards the preparation of such a publication was initiated during a Consultants Meeting held in Vienna during April 2006. The consultants suggested that the book should incorporate the basic science behind the accelerator technology, in addition to providing all relevant information regarding radioisotope production. Consequently, this publication contains chapters on, for example, accelerator technology, theoretical considerations about nuclear reactions, the technology behind targetry, techniques on preparation of targets, irradiation of targets under high beam currents, target processing and target recovery. Chapters highlighting the uses of cyclotron produced isotopes, as well as future trends in this field, are included. The intended readership of this publication is scientists interested in translating this technology into practice, technologists already working in Member States with cyclotrons who wish to enhance the utility of existing machines, and managers who are in the process of setting up facilities. In addition, students working towards higher degrees in related fields will also greatly benefit from reading this book