Nucl Med Mol Imaging.  2015 Jun;49(2):85-107. 10.1007/s13139-014-0315-z.

Production of 177Lu for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy: Available Options

• Dash A
• Pillai MR
• Knapp FF

• KMID: 2313255
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s13139-014-0315-z

Abstract

BACKGROUND
This review provides a comprehensive summary of the production of 177Lu to meet expected future research and clinical demands. Availability of options represents the cornerstone for sustainable growth for the routine production of adequate activity levels of 177Lu having the required quality for preparation of a variety of 177Lu-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. The tremendous prospects associated with production of 177Lu for use in targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) dictate that a holistic consideration should evaluate all governing factors that determine its success.
METHODS
While both "direct" and "indirect" reactor production routes offer the possibility for sustainable 177Lu availability, there are several issues and challenges that must be considered to realize the full potential of these production strategies.
RESULTS
This article presents a mini review on the latest developments, current status, key challenges and possibilities for the near future.
CONCLUSION
A broad understanding and discussion of the issues associated with 177Lu production and processing approaches would not only ensure sustained growth and future expansion for the availability and use of 177Lu-labeled radiopharmaceuticals, but also help future developments.

Keyword

Carrier-added (CA) 177Lu; Extraction chromatography (EXC); Neutron irradiation; No carrier-added (NCA) 177Lu; Radiochemical separation; Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT)

MeSH Terms

Radiopharmaceuticals
Radiopharmaceuticals